Subwoofer Question


Could having just one subwoofer (REL T/7x)with the crossover set around 60hz pull my image to the side that the sub is on?

maprik

Showing 4 responses by soix

Those frequencies can be directional due to intensity/level/loudness.  If the frequecies for the sub are recorded stronger in one channel or the other it will pull the image toward the sub.

@emuagogo  No.  Just…no.  If the sub is properly located and calibrated it will not pull images toward the sub, and if it does that’s because of very poor setup by someone who has no idea what they’re doing.

In case it helps, here’s a method to find the best locations for a sub(s) in your room…


https://www.audioholics.com/home-theater-connection/crawling-for-bass-subwoofer-placement

Here are some steps from Paradigm how to adjust sub settings (after you’ve found proper placement) that I’ve found to be simple and effective…

1. Turn the Subwoofer Level control completely counterclockwise to its minimum; 2. Turn the Subwoofer Cut-Off Frequency control clockwise to its highest frequency (i.e. 150 Hz). 3. Set the Phase Alignment Control to 0°; 4. While you listen to a bass music or video selection in your primary listening area, have an assistant turn up the Subwoofer Level control until the subwoofer can be clearly heard; 5. Have an assistant try the Phase Alignment control until you hear the most bass. Your subwoofer and front speakers are now in phase. Do not change phase alignment again unless you move the subwoofer or the front speakers to a different location in the room or move or remove large items of furniture or room furnishings (i.e. carpet, draperies, etc.) 6. Turn the Subwoofer Level control completely counterclockwise to its minimum. 7. Turn the Subwoofer Cut-Off Frequency control completely counter-clockwise to its lowest frequency (i.e. 50 Hz); 8. Slowly rotate the Subwoofer Level control until you match the subwoofer output level with the level of your front speakers. Bass should be clearly audible, but not intrusive; NOTE: If using an A/V receiver or processor to control crossover setting, skip the next step and set the subwoofer cutoff frequency control to ‘Bypass.’ 9. Slowly rotate the Subwoofer Cut-Off Frequency control until you hear the best subwoofer/main speaker blend. If the sound is too ‘thin,’ you have not set the frequency high enough; if the sound becomes ‘boomy’ you have set the frequency too high. Adjust until you find the most natural balance.  The sub should not draw attention to itself.

In both cases you really should have someone else to help to get best results. 

To be clear, the OP was asking about imaging being pulled to one side.  Properly set up and set at 60Hz the imaging and image placement from your main speakers won’t be affected (other than imaging improvements subs can provide) but you may sense more weight or pressure coming from the area where the sub is located depending on placement, which is a major reason why two subs are much preferred to one along with better dealing with room issues, lower distortion, etc..  But that’s separate from imaging from your main speakers, so voices and other instruments should still appear where they normally do, and if not then that’s a sub setup problem.