Subwoofer Frequency Response question


I just started testing my frequency response with a Radio Shack SPL meter (digital). My subwoofer is a Paradigm PW-1100 (10 in) with Green Mountain Europa speakers. The room is small, 12 X 14 X 9. The frequency response is generally very good with bass response down to 25 Hz. My issue is I have a dropout of nearly 20 db starting at 45 hz through about 70 hz. I have not been able to change it by moving the sub or changing the settings (phase and crossover point). I also have the sub on an elevated platform of 1 1/4 inch MDF with spikes between sub and platform.

I am wondering if adding internal bracing and additional acoustic dampening material to the sub woofer would change the response characteristics in a positive way.

Any ideas would be appreciated.
drewh1

Showing 2 responses by martykl

Most bass traps I've seen are designed to reduce peaks at 80hz upward though some provide a little boost at 50ish hz (bass busters). You can eq nulls, but it's not easy for a 20 db problem, I'd guess you might get some improvement via PEq, but not a full fix. I would have seconded Eldartford's recommendation, but it seems from your post that you've already tried that with no success.

I use a Velodyne SMS-1 x-over, analyzer, and PEq unit that is fantastic, but in your case I'm not sure what will help.

Marty
Sharome,

That is one very handy bit of info. It implies that there will always be an Fc, which can be raised as we place the speaker closer to the rear wall and lowered as we move it away. However, it leads to 2 questions:

First question: If the cancellation frequency is -round numbers- 90 divided by Baffle to wall (in meters), does the size of the suckout change predictably as Fc changes. That is, if we move a speaker to 2m out from its original position 1m from the front wall and Fc drops from app 90hz to app 45hz, have we reduced the magnitude of the problem or merely shifted it downward? If the latter, then is the idea simply to move the speaker so far out (the recommended 5m equates to app 18hz)that the suckout is below the range of the speaker's output?

Conversely, is the idea behind <1m to keep the suckout in the same region as bass peaks in a typical room? Given the variation in peaks from room to room, this strikes me as quite a risky approach. (I see why you like the soffeted approach.)

Second question: Which baffle? In a Mains/Subs set up, you will likely have 2 different Baffle to front wall distances. Do you know how to determine which is relevant (or in what ratio relevance can be determined) to the calculation? Is the crossover point relevant in making this determination? Does staggering the Baffle to wall distance create 2 problems equal in magnitude or 2 problems smaller in magnitude than the original?

I guess that's more than 2 questions Thanks in advance.

Marty

Marty