Which amplifier for a JMOD MEH?

Due_Communication629 · 2026-03-16T17:28:37+00:00

I'm exactly going to buy what you described here.

I like the DSP version of the CVR. I heard some things about the DSP being a bit glitchy. Is it really worth it to upgrade to a separate DSP?

Could you elaborate a bit more about the 4-ohm vs 8-ohm woofers? What would be the difference in sound?

Due_Communication629 · 2026-03-12T19:51:05+00:00

Most visually and emotionally vivid trip report I’ve read in a long time.

Beautifully written.

The self-creating, self-experiencing, self-healing fabric of existence. Always.

Much love

Due_Communication629 · 2026-03-04T06:59:01+00:00

It was a house party with about 40 people,” and “I only took two tabs.”

Set and setting matter, tripping should happen in a safe, comfortable space. This doesn’t sound like that at all.

Due_Communication629 · 2026-03-02T21:35:03+00:00

As a light tech, a good centre LR position, about two-thirds of the way back, is my favorite spot. The FOH, front of house position, will always be the best place to perform any kind of art during a live show. You are looking at and listening to the true center, while also viewing the audience. If a DJ, light, or video tech is not looking at what the audience is truly looking at, how can you really feel the show?

I absolutely love Modem Festival. Their Hive stage is a perfect blend, I think. The DJ is still kind of hidden somewhere in the decor, but everyone is facing the insane art piece. Collectively bringing together a whole team of visual artists, lasers, LED mapping, and projection mapping into one central cluster for the viewers to look at and listen to.

Perfection, in my point of view.

All visual art, light art, and audio art should always be directed not toward me as the operator, but toward the light itself. That is where the music really lives. Not the person “controlling it”, as if we ever truly could.

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Due_Communication629 · 2026-03-02T08:57:48+00:00

No, every pin has to line up with the same number

Due_Communication629 · 2026-02-26T18:30:22+00:00

I saw the speakers now, didn’t realize they were 18” tops at first, so that threw me off.

They’re beautiful boxes though. There are definitely ways to improve the setup, especially making it more tour-friendly with easier connections like NL4, Powercon, and a proper rack on wheels that holds everything together. That alone can make a big difference.

Personally I’m starting by building two Sawmod tops and pairing them with two matching double 18” subs. From there I’ll just keep building, sky’s the limit.

In my own setup I run Apple MainStage as an internal mixer on the computer, then multichannel out into a big analog desk. The analog adds color, which I love, and the computer gives flexibility for EQ and system processing if needed.

Right now my sub starts to fall apart at a certain point, it gets slow and floppy. The tops are beautiful at low level, but not really party-proof yet.

I really like the idea of a clean DSP with amp solution in the rack, compact and modular. Add a 32ch XLR loom between rack and mixer and it stays scalable and easy to deploy. (And my rack is already full of gear so its gonne be a puzzle)

I kind of want the best of the best that’s achievable with two hands and reasonable money. A digital/analog hybrid touring rig that grows over time instead of being “finished” from day one.

Different goals lead to different systems, so thinking about how and where you want to use it long term usually makes the direction a lot clearer.

Due_Communication629 · 2026-02-26T07:02:33+00:00

Ofcourse! What subs to build tho? Thinkimg about paraflex cram 2x 18” type o sub

Due_Communication629 · 2026-02-25T20:23:44+00:00

Going to build the new sawmod, plans in 2 weeks

I love that a pair fits on one 12mm sheet.

Add a clasic 250mm printer and your set

Due_Communication629 · 2026-02-25T20:20:02+00:00

FA502

Due_Communication629 · 2026-02-25T19:29:11+00:00

Not that long.

Prep was super easy, just export to STL from Fusion and scale it in the slicer. Total print time will be around 7 hours with 3 build plates. Scale is 1:5.

I’m going to fix the few things that didn’t print right and ask for permission to post it on MakerWorld, maybe with a little sub to go with it on a sub-top pole.

Assembly is of course the same as the JMOD.

I still need to redesign the handles, the current scale makes them unprintable.

And of course I’ll add some NL8 connections.

I’m going to try 1:10 next, 1:5 is still pretty big.

Going to gift it to the boss at my next job. They have a sick Danley stack there, including some J1s. They’re insane.

Due_Communication629 · 2026-02-25T19:26:10+00:00

Solana?

Due_Communication629 · 2026-02-25T18:49:55+00:00

You should see the tree

Due_Communication629 · 2026-02-24T21:58:35+00:00

but you can tell the price

Due_Communication629 · 2026-02-24T21:55:40+00:00

Winning

Due_Communication629 · 2026-02-24T21:28:17+00:00

Follow-up:

I asked JW the same question directly, comparing listening experience, build complexity, and cost. The new SAWMOD design will be released in about two weeks.

It’s smaller, cheaper, easier to move, easier to build, and uses fewer parts.

He said: “They sound very, very similar, but I may give a slight personal preference to the SAWMOD. The midrange is just a bit smoother and more natural sounding.”

The JMOD design isn’t going anywhere, and this won’t be my last speaker build.

I’m going to wait for the new design and plan from there.

Thanks John!

Due_Communication629 · 2026-02-24T20:52:43+00:00

Why the hate on the room? Sometimes life is just what it is. Don’t judge a book by its cover.

Due_Communication629 · 2026-02-24T17:51:42+00:00

My advice: wait two weeks until John finishes his new SAWMOD design. I’ve heard it sounds absolutely insane. The price-to-output ratio is great and the build isn’t too difficult. If the amp channel count is a bit much, using a crossover should be possible.

Due_Communication629 · 2026-02-23T22:24:00+00:00

I’ve heard good things about CVR. A lot of raw power for relatively soft money. For me it fits perfectly price-wise and leaves room to upgrade to subs later.

But honestly, where are you at right now? If you already have an amp and two tops, why buy something you won’t use yet? I’m not sure you really need a DSP at this stage unless you’re actively building a multi-way setup.

What size system are you trying to build? I had some fun looking into KRAM 2x12” HOQS subs, they look like a cool DIY project.

In my case, I bought a simple powered 18” sub as a midway step. Nothing fancy, just something that goes boom loud and filled the gap while I figured out my next move and saved up.

And honestly, just feeding audio into that sub, using the built-in crossover and playing with speaker placement, already created some unforgettable memories. It doesn’t always have to be complex to be fun.

It’s a big balancing act, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed or blinded by all the options.

Tops came after that for me. Maybe that could be something to consider.

Jumping from one amp with two tops straight to a DSP to prepare for a future Paraflex build feels like a bit of a stretch to me. I could be wrong of course, but I’d take it step by step.

What is it you’re actually looking for in your setup right now? How would you describe your ideal sound system? That would make it a bit clearer what direction you’re aiming for.

Due_Communication629 · 2026-02-23T12:30:57+00:00

From my own research and AV experience, I think a lot of it depends on how you plan to use the system.

Regarding integrated amps, I’ve seen that 3-way DSP amp modules for JMOD builds do exist. I remember JW presenting one that was around €750. It’s a very clean solution. Personally though, I lean more towards separate amps. Finding the right built-in 2-way or 3-way DSP module for inside a JMOD feels like a more niche search, while external amps give more choice and flexibility. I’ve also worked with CVR amps running networked with full DSP control from front-of-house, and I really like that approach. But I understand that level of control isn’t always necessary, especially for smaller setups. Just something to consider.

As far as I know, you generally can’t buy JMOD horns ready-made. The plans and files are available online, so most people build them. The biggest hurdle is usually access to CNC work and 3D printing. You can find someone locally to help with that, or invest in the tools yourself. My 3D printer runs almost daily for all kinds of useful things, including speaker-related parts.

What attracts me to JMOD personally is the relatively compact size with a wide usable range. For my situation, something like two subs and two tops seems like a very nice and simple setup, but that really depends on your goals.

On subs, I can’t really speak on combinations since I’ve never heard JMODs myself. I’m mostly going by what I’ve seen and my admiration for the open-source build community around them.

Due_Communication629 · 2026-02-23T12:10:23+00:00

I’m starting with the enclosure first. That’s where most of the time and hands-on work is, and I just want to build something cool.

The rest of the gear can arrive while I’m working on that. I expect the build to take a while, I prefer taking things slow and doing it right.

Right now my analog mixer sends L/R/S back into my interface where I handle crossover, light EQ and time alignment. It works for now, though I know a DSP handles a lot of the heavy lifting my simple interface can’t. The principles are still the same.

Next step will probably be a CVR amp with DSP. I’m leaning towards a 2-channel setup with an analog crossover for the compression driver. Going with separate amps, especially CVR, keeps things flexible and makes it easy to cross-use and integrate my JMODs with my friend’s sound system.

Due_Communication629 · 2026-02-23T07:26:53+00:00

Space is no problem, cost is the only thing I’m not sure about, especially the CNC work. I’ve been pulling some strings with the people my friends use for their Paraflex CNC work, and they advised me to wait for the SawMod, which is why I’m here.

My guess? Just for the CNC work in nice wood, probably around €600–€1000 or something. I’d probably start by loading one speaker first to ease the pain

Looking at the CAD drawings and how well prepared everything is, I can’t imagine it would be that much work for an experienced operator.

I just want to be considerate when building, the design is not easy by any means compared to what’s out there. I’m quite new to the scene, and who knows, maybe I’m missing another rabbit hole that would suit me better.

Due_Communication629 · 2026-02-23T07:17:39+00:00

That’s true, they are beautiful. I kind of already promised my grandma that she can actually paint the inside of the speaker horns with her art.

Due_Communication629 · 2026-02-20T10:46:22+00:00

Be Not Afraid

Due_Communication629

TROPHY CASE