What process did you use to integrate multiple subwoofers for 2 channel listening?


Today I will be trying to integrate up to three subs. Two are matching Rythmiks F12SE, and one is a REL R-328. The Rythmiks have a variety of adjustable parameters, including phase, crossover, and gain. There are other switches and passes on the sub, but I'm going to try to keep it basic to begin with. The REL has variable gain and crossover; the phase on REL is either 0 or 180.

I have REW for measurement. I will be buying a few more furniture sliders this morning, on doctors orders. ;-)

QUESTION: If you have multiple subs, by what process did you integrate your subs? One at a time? More? Which adjustments did you try first and in what kinds of increment?

I know that trial, error, measuring, and listening will all take time. Rather than look for a needle in a haystack, I'm curious what sequence or process was most effective for you.

Thank you.
128x128hilde45
I have learned to respect millercarbon's opinions. Also, I have traveled down the road to the integration of subs.

If you have the patience to really understand the science about sub placement, settings, etc. read this article. It's quite large but explains a lot about using subs.......
http://www.soundoctor.com/whitepapers/subs.htm

@golfnutz Great tip. I’ll head over to AVS and look for Enrico’s tips. I’ve been playing with a lot of parameters but not the filters as much. I thought those might be later factors — too complicating, early on.

@djones I’m not running any software that applies EQ. I was hoping to avoid adding that to the signal chain.

@whart — it may be that DSP is a necessary step. Thanks for your detailed process. There’s a lot for me to try in there. And yes, listening will be the final test, and at many points along the way.

@fittebd — thanks. Will check it out.

@jrpned Thanks for the white paper.

@miller the hump is one main problem. You are saying that (a) I don’t know my own goals or mind, (b) don’t know how to use words and (c) don’t pay attention. I think the final answer is actually not listed — that you don’t really want to help. You want to find clever ways to poke at me. I’d prefer for you to simply stop posting on my threads. The whole tone of conversations without you are more amiable and relaxing.  Absence makes the heart grow fonder. I think I'd like you more if you were not around. 

@mapmapn, I’ll take a look at audiokinesis. Thank you. I realize that putting them in various places may be key. I worked all day at that — and didn’t get rid of several troublesome areas.

@erik_squires I have a lot of GIK stuff, as well as Real Traps. I found I had deadened the room too much in the 1-4k range and so had backed off. Some of the traps have limp membranes so perhaps some rearranging could help so I can do as you suggest without killing the "air" of the room.


Im running 4 rel subs in a room. They are all crossed over around 55. Very low gain. 
Its awesome. 
@hilde45 -  The problem I’m not able to solve, and perhaps the room’s physics make it impossible, is a +5db or more bass hump from about 73-92 hz. This is evident in REW and it’s also easily noticed with music. A tubby zone. The idea that one more sub would solve this is implausible.

I have the Swarm DBA from AudioKinesis in my system.  There was an issue with shipping causing the Dayton amp and two subwoofers to arrive a few weeks before the rest of the system.

Not wanting to wait for the other two subs, I hooked up the Dayton and one sub at first.

Yes there was an increase in bass quantity but not quality.  The next day, I connected the second sub and noticed an improvement.  Bass was less bloated and seemed better timed.

When the other two subs arrived, I connected a third and again noticed improvements.  Perhaps the same type of improvement to a lesser degree.

After connecting the fourth sub, I couldn't hear anything negative with the bass response.  No bloated or slow bass.  Even the higher frequencies showed improvement.

I have used the DBA in a small 11 x 13 (minus closets) room and also a 12 x 15 living room at my old place with outstanding results.

The DBA continues to shine in the 15 x 19 listening room I have at my new place.

Hope this is helpful to you!