BASSBOSS (formerly BASSMAXX) is an American manufacturer of loudspeakers and subwoofers.[1] While they specialize in powered speakers for live sound, their products are also used in some recording studios.[3]
 | |
| Company type | Loudspeaker Manufacturer |
|---|---|
| Industry | Professional audio |
| Founded | 1999[1] |
| Headquarters | Austin, Texas , United States[2] |
Key people | David Lee (Designer) |
| Products | Loudspeakers, Subwoofers |
| Website | www |
History
editBASSBOSS was founded in 1999 by Johan van Zyl and chief designer David Lee.[4] Lee began his career in the high-end home high fidelity audio and car audio industry when he was 19 years old. His exposure to home audio systems and club sound inspired him to envision the clarity and accuracy of hi-fi systems at the scale and volume of a nightclub. Lee worked towards this vision by installing and designing hundreds of club audio systems in the mid-1980s.[5]
Johan van Zyl is the designer of MAXXHORN Luminations, a hi-fi loudspeaker brand.[6] Van Zyl, also from South Africa, began designing sub horn loudspeakers in 1988. David Lee and Johan van Zyl met and formed the company Rhino Acoustics in Texas, which became BASSMAXX and later BASSBOSS.[4] Lee stated that their vision is to design smoother sound and enhanced bass for nightclubs.
BASSBOSS originally designed horn loudspeaker subwoofers to achieve high output at low frequencies. However reductions in the size, weight, and cost of audio power amplifiers, as well as demand for deeper frequencies, led Lee to explore other designs. BASSBOSS now develops vented, combination, and hybrid systems to take advantage of these technological advancements and accommodate increasing low-frequency content present in modern music.[7]
After years of designing passive loudspeakers, BASSBOSS pivoted to exclusively selling self-powered and processed loudspeakers. Lee explained BASSBOSS's shift to active loudspeakers as a way to maintain consistency and reliability.[5]
BASSBOSS speakers have been used for Ultra Music Festival since 2003.[8] In 2009, 16 BASSBOSS SP218 Models were paired with a d&b audiotechnik rig featuring 32 J8/J12s, 16 J-Subs, and 24 B2 subs for the main stage. The Bayfront Stage used 16 BASSBOSS X2C "Deuce" models were used with d&b audiotechnik J8/J12 main hangs.[9]
In 2016, BASSBOSS released their VS21 subwoofer, which was the company's first hybrid subwoofer.[10] Also in 2016, BASSBOSS provided sound for the Global Spin DJ Expo Main Stage.[11] From 2017-2023, BASSBOSS used amplifiers from the Italian manufacturer Powersoft for their top boxes; for instance the BASSBOSS AT212-3k used the Digimod 3004PFC2 amplifier.[12] In 2022 they announced their partnership with Guitar Center.[13] The Universal Hip-Hop Museum in the Bronx is planned to open in 2024, containing a "Boombox" featuring BASSBOSS speakers.[14] BASSBOSS also appears at trade shows such as NAMM and DJX as part of their "Demolition" tour.[15]
At the 2024 NAMM Show, BASSBOSS announced their Makara-MK3 Dual 21" Subwoofer and CCM-12 12" coaxial monitor.[16] This was their 25th year attending the NAMM Show.[17]
BASSBOSS products are typically used by Mobile DJs, production companies, and installations in nightclubs and bars.[18]
References
edit- ^ a b Gentile, Dan (26 January 2018). "More Bass, Better Bass". The Austin Chronicle. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
- ^ "BASSBOSS". Loudspeaker Industry Sourcebook. Retrieved 21 February 2024.
- ^ Bryant-King, Wesley (14 August 2017). "Bassboss SV8: Packing a Punch". DJ Times. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
- ^ a b Handy, Brent. "Divine Bass!". Experiencing Worship. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
- ^ a b Lynch, Silas (December 14, 2016). "View from the Top: David Lee, BassBoss". ProSoundNews.
- ^ Forrester, Vade. "MaxxHorn Audio Lumination Loudspeakers". Sound Stage Network. Retrieved 6 July 2023.
- ^ Tremaybe, Jim (10 June 2020). "Industry Influencers: BASSBOSS' David Lee". DJ Times. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
- ^ Staff, FOH. "Ultra Music Festival Goes Deep with BASSMAXX SP218". Front of House. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
- ^ Fowler, Doug (29 June 2009). "Tuning A System At The Ultra Music Festival With EASERA SysTune". Pro Sound Web. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
- ^ Kayye, Gary. "BASSBOSS Intros VS21 Subwoofer". Ravepubs. Retrieved 21 February 2024.
- ^ "BASSBOSS To Provide Sound For Main Stage At Global Spin DJ Expo". Live Design Online. Retrieved 21 February 2024.
- ^ DiBenedetto, Joe (31 October 2017). "Powersoft OEM Amplification Delivers for BASSBOSS AT212-3K Powered Tops". MixOnline. Retrieved 21 February 2024.
- ^ "BassBoss Begins Partnership with GC". Music Inc Mag. Retrieved 21 February 2024.
- ^ Laufik, Michele (12 September 2022). "This Pop-Up Exhibit Offers a Sneak Peek of NYC's New Hip-Hop Museum". Bizbash. Retrieved 21 February 2024.
- ^ "BASSBOSS "Demolitions" at DJX 2022 in Atlantic City, NJ". DJ Life. 4 August 2022. Retrieved 21 February 2024.
- ^ "BASSBOSS Shakes the dust out of the NAMM Show Ceiling". American Music and Sound. 16 February 2024. Retrieved 21 February 2024.
- ^ "BASSBOSS To Mark 25 Years at NAMM 2024 with 'Demolition Experience' Demo Room". FOH Online. Retrieved 21 February 2024.
- ^ Wissmuller, Christian (6 December 2023). "Cincinnati's Nightlife Booms with BASSBOSS at Tulua Nightclub". Musical Merchendize Review. Retrieved 21 February 2024.