Speaker/ Room Measurement and DSP


If speakers and room are the two most important elements in your sound system, how many of you have gone beyond “checking by ear” to optimize speaker placement? A couple months ago, I downloaded the free REW software and bought a calibrated microphone to run some experiments. It was a fun exercise although in the end, I only moved my SF Auditor M speakers by 3-4 inches. The fact that I could objectively validate that there was nothing more to be gained by speaker placement was reassuring.

REW generates a wealth of data, most of which I don’t understand. I have a room reinforced bass bump in the 58Hz range and then another at 100Hz. See the graph I uploaded to my virtual system. However, there is no way the interior design committee (wife) approves the use of base traps or multiple subwoofers. I was considering a miniDSP Dirac Live but I’m not sure trimming those bass modes would significantly improve the sound. I’m also concerned about the amount of power required (10dB attenuation?) from my 150W amp. The cost is not trivial for me, especially if I don’t like it. To those that have DSP units, what have you found for sound improvement? What baseline did you start from?

mikexxyz

Showing 1 response by erik_squires

Hi Mike,

Have you seen the GIK Acoustics Soffit Traps? Also look at their art panels which I believe can be used in bass trap (extra thick) configurations. Talk to them! :)  The range you need help in (60 and 100 Hz) are relatively easy to deal with.

Dirac is pretty comprehensive, but may also be a huge overkill if you already like the sound. It is kind of a love it or hate it. HOWEVER, lots of miniDSP units without DIRAC are cheaper and will remove those modes just as well.

Attenuating room modes reduces the burden on your amplifier. 10 dB modes are a big deal! I'm sure reducing those will improve the overall balance. Don't attempt to flatten the speaker response, just reduce the peaks, and you'll be very happy.

The ideal situation is to add bass traps first, and then add EQ if needed.

Personally, I run miniDSP on my subwoofer only. Removing the room modes allows me to turn the sub UP, and integrate seamlessly with the main speakers.

Best,

E