Is this how a Subwoofer Crossover is supposed to work?


I bought two Starke SW12 subwoofers that I installed.  So far I'm not particularly happy with them.  They are way too loud even with the volume set almost to off.  More importantly, I'm having trouble integrating them into my system and I'm wondering if that is because their crossover setting is really functioning as I understand a crossover should. Attached please find measurements from Room Equalization Wizard with SPL graphs of the two subs (no speakers) taken at my listening position with the crossover set at 50 Hz, 90 Hz, and 130 Hz. Ignore the peaks and dips which I assume are due to room nodes.  All of those settings appear to actually have the same crossover point of 50 Hz. All that changes is the slope of the rolloff in sound levels. This isn't how I thought a properly designed crossover was supposed to work.  I thought the frequency the levels would start to roll off would change, i.e. flat to 50 hz then a sharp drop, flat to 90 hz then a sharp drop, etc. etc..  But Starke says this is how a subwoofer crossover is supposed to work.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/8x4cr32pagwg48i/Two%20Subs%20Different%20Crossover%20Points%20No%20Speaker...
Any experts on here with an opinion about this?  Is it possible to buy an inexpensive active crossover that I could use in place of what is built into these subs?
pinwa

Showing 1 response by gp4jesus

1. At the top your list must be to deploy a single solution to control system volume you’ve been presented w/one or more to date. 

2. Either
  a. replace your existing subs or
  b. find an external XO* w/some DSP to aid in room integration 
*DBX Drive Rack PA 3 - way or PX - 2 way

I realize I committed a sin suggesting DSP in this system. I’m sure others will have better ideas. 
The “admission $”, used, is insignificant compared to what you have spent so far. If my solution sets you back instead of move you forward, you’ll have little trouble selling it.  
BTW I use 3 DRPAs and 1 DRPX to tri-amp 3/5 channels & integrate 4/5 subs into my 5.5 HT. From adding the first DRPA to the DRPX, my system moved forward every time. While your doin’ 2Ch VS HT & on a different level to boot, I’m satisfied for the moment... But that is for another day. 
Happy New Year and tweaking