Merlin VSM MME Master BAM Modification

Oh of course, im on touch with him. Just wondering what people do. I do want to change slightly the tonal balance, so im curious.

This speaker was designed to work with amps that had a fairly high output impedance. That might be why you’re having an issue with tonal balance, if you are using an amp with a low output impedance.


While Bobby was alive, his speakers were the most commonly used with one of our amps called the M-60. We showed with Merlin at shows using M-60s. The M-60 has a pretty high output impedance compared to solid state amps. I’m only mentioning this so you know I’m not making this up.

Agree re frequency response.  However, the BAM can be meaningfully improved with a better external LPS than the stock button cell batteries, and better coupling caps than the stock Hovlands.

As a Merlin VSM owner from 2007, my advice is - DON'T MESS WITH IT!  If you want to change the tonal balance, the best way is to get an excellent subwoofer (or two) - I use a JL Audio Fathom crossed over at 32 Hz.  The second best way is to change your speaker and/or interconnect cables.  I would NOT modify the frequency response of the BAM - Bobby spent about 15 years optimizing that system.

Oh of course, im on touch with him. Just wondering what people do. I do want to change slightly the tonal balance, so im curious.

Talk to Rich Brkich at Signature Sound in Liverpool, NY before you do anything. He was a confidant of Bobby's and showed with him at dozens of shows. He probably knows more about getting the best out of Merlins that anyone else. Cheers,
Spencer

The BAM is designed to work with the VSM's natural roll off frequency of 35hz.  By applying a 35hz boost, the BAM merely flattens the 35hz to provide a non-rolled off 35hz signal.  By altering the EQ (assume higher), you will in effect be providing a boost to the frequency that will be disproportionate to the rest of the freq bands, therefore, creating a bass hump.  When I owned VSMs, I had better results disengaging the BAM and using dual subs for lower bass management.

What?