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Revel b15a LFO software help

I finally found a used b15a sub in very good condition. In preparing for arrival, (tomorrow) I called revel and inquired about obtaining the software so I could use the test tone cd to set it up in my system. When I talked to the customer service tech at Revel about getting it, he told me it wasn't currently available. He THEN goes on to tell me that Revels designer Kevin Voecks doesn't think that the software is very good anyway and that there are better formats out there.????? I mean really? Are all these reviews that describe the set up with the LFO software that explain how good they sound after using the software fake? Can I assume that just setting up the sub without using the equalization is going to be good enough? I have to believe that there was a reason for putting the out board parametric equalizer on it to flatten room response etc. etc. and that although not exact, by using the software to give you the settings for the frequencies would be a better set up and give better performance than just setting the sub volume and keeping the frequencies neutral??

Help!! anyone have a copy of the LFO software that I could get a copy of? Any suggestions? Please respond...

Thanks
starje

Showing 3 responses by internetmin

internetmin
258 posts
 
Dear Starje

First off you are going to fall in love with that sub. It is hands down one of the best subs out there. I've had my B15 for many years and its just amazing. Now to your questions:

1) yes, Kevin is right but put this in perspective and he is talking about now vs then.. When the B15 and B15a came out there was VERY LITTLE in terms of built in EQ. Revel was way ahead. It did a decent job for what it did and YES it makes a difference.

2) however the EQ built into modern processors is far superior to the older Revel software. That's what Kevin is referring to. That is also why Revel went with a pure software solution going forward. The current one uses an SPL meter and you manually enter in the numbers.

So in my case I used the LFO SOftware for years and then getting an Anthem Pre-Pro with ARC was night and day. ARC is much better than the LFO software. I never use it any longer.

I have a copy of the LFO software CD and can put it online for you to download if need be. I don't think Revel makes it any more so you can only get copies from other owners.

Bottom line: the LFO software is OK but it's no match for the modern EQ systems like Anthem Room Correction or Audyssey.
internetmin
258 posts
 
The pop is no big deal per se but keep dial volume at a max of 7. You are hearing pop most likely because sub volume set too high. But on manual switch power up that's normal. When you do audyssey, try sub at the 5 setting. If you have an SPL then set it to 70 using pink noise from the receiver as a start.

Sorry to hear about the feet. Ground loop is a very specific sound. Is it coming from sub's woofer or the amp section? If its from the amp section it may be DC Offset and not ground loop.

I have DC Offset issues at my house due to dimmers and hear it on my power amp but not the revel but that doesn't mean you won't in your case.
internetmin
258 posts
 
Here's a link to Kevin Voecks talking about subwoofer EQ that I dug it up from by bookmarks. This is a good listen regarding exactly what you were asking about. It covers both the B15, the LFO software, and also Kevin's perspective on subwoofer EQ.

http://www.pooraudiophile.com/2009/07/subwoofer-equalization.html
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