2. speakers
  3. 194498-7564

Bass management--high/low pass filtering

A few days ago I posted to this forum seeking recommendations for a new subwoofer, and that discussion has turned out to be very enlightening, offering advice about subs and integrating them into my system. One reply mentioned the advantages of bass management for my main speakers (Ryan R-610 bookshelf speakers), but rather than sidetrack that discussion I thought I'd ask this separately:

It was suggested that I try cutting off the frequency response of the Ryans at 60 or 80Hz and letting the sub take over from there, thus relieving the mid/bass woofers of that substantial burden. On paper, this seems like a promising avenue to pursue, so I'm wondering if anybody has tried this and if there is a hardware device that can accomplish it. I'm certainly not an electrical engineer--far from it--so trying to design and build one is way beyond me. 

My integrated amp is a Modwright KWI200 and my previous sub (which is now dead and not repairable) was connected via speakon (speaker level) cable, though the Modwright does have a pre-out that can also be used to connect to a sub.

While pretty much all active subwoofers have adjustable low-pass filters, it appears that this would entail a high-pass filter somewhere in the chain. Is this something I can buy as an add-on? Couldn't find anything online, so I'm hoping that somebody may have some suggestions. Thanks.

cooper52

Showing 1 response by mswale

mswale
227 posts
 

Every room, and every system is different. My take is don't buy new stuff until you need it. Also what is the problem you are trying to solve for? Like are you missing bass, or are you missing deep bass?

Run the mains full spread, add the sub, adjust it to fit your mains. Then live with it for a few weeks, it will take several adjustments to get right. From there, figure out if you want to cross over your main speakers or not. 

My HT has everything crossed over, my mains are at 60hz, subs are also at 60hz, it works well there. Plenty of bass, clean sound.

The 2ch has the mains running full, sub crossed at 40hz. Tried all the hi-pass and low-pass settings. It was just missing something. Lost body and tone on my mains. Sounded almost hollow in spots. After weeks of messing with it, went no crossover on the mains, and 40hz on the sub, the light just clicked, this is correct. 

My other half felt the same way. Was listing, she walked in, looked at me, and said "this sounds great". That was all I need to hear about my settings.

More to discover