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Importance of phase and timing optimization when incorporating sub woofers ?

For incorporating a pair of sub woofers into a music system, how important is it to be able to optimize phase ( continuous adjustments and not just 0 or 180) and timing ( optimizing delay ) ? Reading on this subject, some say to get the best seamless integration, the two above factors are essential. REL is frequently mentioned as the most musical/fast/detailed sub woofers for music, however they only allow of 0 or 180 deg phase and no other room correction, as compared to Velodyne DD’s or JL Audio’s. I could utilize something like the JL Audio CR-1 crossover, but adding an additional piece of equipment into the audio chain wouldn’t be my first choice. On the other hand, the added benefit, might make the addition of a well made crossover a net plus ??? Regardless I plan on having my room/system measured to assist with incorporating what ever two subs I go with.
Thoughts from experienced users?
jim94025

Showing 2 responses by audiokinesis

audiokinesis
2,722 posts
 
At low frequencies, speakers + room = a "minimum phase" system. In English, this means that the frequency response tracks the time-domain response. 

So if you have an in-room bass peak in the subwoofer region, you will also have modal ringing at that frequency - the energy will there will take longer to decay into inaudibility. (It is the frequency response peak that we actually hear; the ear as very poor time-domain resolution at low frequencies but arguably has heightened resolution in the loudness domain.) The good news is that when you fix one (by EQ or bass trapping or some other technique), you simultaneously have fixed the other.

Therefore, in my opinion, the phase adjustments on a subwoofer amp (and/or timing adjustments within a bass management system) are tools to be used with the focus on getting the frequency response smooth. Smooth bass = "fast" bass. In other words, don’t sacrifice frequency response in pursuit of what you think would be better phase response. In the bass region when the frequency response is right, the time-domain response (which includes the phase response) is also right. 

Duke
audiokinesis
2,722 posts
 
Mijostyn wrote: " Yes Duke but FR, Phase and Time interact."

Agreed! Of course they do.

And I bet that when you get the phase and time right, the frequency response is also right. 

Duke
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