Big bass usually comes at a price (and size!) that’s impractical for regular gigging. Lugging a subwoofer around takes its toll after a while, and would typically discourage most people from even embarking on the endeavor to begin with. But with powerful low-end being a critical component of live sound, like DJ sets, performers are expected to bring the rumble. Thankfully, there are ways to deliver the subs audiences want without the hassle. This Harbinger S12 subwoofer review explains how anyone can get massive bass in a package that’s actually practical for gigging.
Harbinger Offers Game-Changing Live Sound with the S12 Subwoofer
The Harbinger S12 subwoofer offers one of the rare opportunities to have your cake and eat it too. Compact subwoofer may seem like an oxymoron; however, the S12 is the real deal. It has power and technology in spades, combining high-fidelity sound with portability and accessible pricing.
Sporting 1400 watts of Class-D amplification pumping through a custom-designed 12″ speaker, the Harbinger S12 is an outlier amongst heavy competition (literally). It weighs roughly half as much as your average 18″ subwoofer, coming in under 50 pounds. No more headaches, and certainly no more back aches! The S12 would be an exceptional addition to a live performance PA system.
Are Harbinger Speakers Any Good?
Quite a fair question considering Harbinger isn’t necessarily a household name. As far as live sound reinforcement goes, Harbinger speakers easily hold up to any of the bigger brands out there. Worth acknowledging, too, is the fact that subwoofers perform a very specific job — one that doesn’t require the utmost precision, we’ll say. They need to bring raw power and hit audiences in the chest, as opposed to representing the tiny nuances of a finely crafted mix. Subs aren’t for critical listening.
- RELATED: The 9 Best Studio Subwoofers for Music Production
- RELATED: Why Does My Subwoofer Sound Weak?
So what you’re typically going to shop for is power, portability, and pricing. Harbinger’s S12 hits all those marks and swings well above them, making it an excellent choice for a lot of consumers.
Harbinger S12 Subwoofer Review
Size & Construction
The S12 utilizes a custom 12″ woofer with a steel grille, housed in a rugged — yet lightweight — plywood cabinet. The whole package comes in at just under 50 pounds, which obviously isn’t nothing, but it’s considerably lighter than many comparable subwoofers. In fact, the size and weight is one of the major selling points of the Harbinger S12; both the brand itself and those who have purchased it point to its portability, especially compared to 18″ subs that weigh nearly twice as much.
Other additions of note are the built-in carry handles to assist in the speaker’s overall transportability. And in more general terms of construction, the S12 is tough — it’s a roadworthy piece of equipment through and through. There shouldn’t be any hesitations about loading and unloading it routinely over the course of many, many gigs.
High Power + DSP for HiFi Sound
The S12 is a self-powered subwoofer producing 1400 watts. Onboard DSP manages frequencies for accurate reproduction and also limits the speaker’s output for optimal sound at all volumes. Users can further select a crossover frequency between 70 and 150 Hz for integration with their existing speakers, as well as manage the time delay between the sub’s output and their other speakers. This ensures proper low-end response with regard to phase, so the bass output is always full and rich.
How Does It Sound?
Like a proper subwoofer should! Harbinger built the S12 to competition specs — that is, to withstand the rigors of the road, to sound great while doing it, and to do it all at a price virtually anyone can afford. In more concrete language, the S12 has extremely high headroom and next to zero distortion for clear, accurate sound. The DSP, particularly the limiter, is also extremely transparent so there’s no odd coloration or anything that would adversely represent the sound.
Price
At the time of writing, the Harbinger S12 is on sale for $359.99. That’s a fair deal for a subwoofer of this caliber. It may not be peanuts, but it’s a worthwhile investment in the production quality of your performances — and still, the S12 is significantly cheaper than the nearest competition. Consider the average stage subwoofer that’s $1000+; Harbinger is doing everyone an incredible service.
Is the Harbinger S12 Subwoofer a Good Choice for Live Sound?
The Harbinger S12 subwoofer is made for live sound. It’s a powered stage subwoofer by category and design. And we’ve been harping on the whole “portable” thing all article now, which, again, makes it perfect for gigging. People can easily move it solo.
- RELATED: Do You Really Need a Subwoofer?
Whether you’re a DJ or an ensemble in need of a little extra bass firepower, the Harbinger S12 is the ideal choice for any small- to medium-sized live performances.
Closing Thoughts: The Harbinger S12 Makes for a Solid Budget Sub
There’s no doubt that the Harbinger S12 is a fantastic stage subwoofer. Given its cost and set of features, it’s impressive what they’ve been able to pack into this compact sub. The S12 has more than enough oomph for the average gig in which you’d be supplying your own PA, and could even be a suitable permanent installation for smaller venues. Overall, this is a quality budget sub to give the low end an added push.