MiniDSP with non-DIY sub

[ChicagoLR3]

Does anyone use MiniDSP with a non-DIY sub? I don't have built in DSP on my sub, and the MCACC on my VSX-52 does not adjust the LFE (I believe). My sub is nothing special, a Klipsch SW-112, but would it benefit much? In the future I would like to go to 2x DIY subs, but until we move, that's a no go.

 

[shadyJ]

I think the MCACC only EQs down to 60 Hz. I wouldn't bother with miniDSP until you get a couple subs. Will there be benefits, yes, but probably not enough to make it worth it until you bring your sub setup up a notch.

 

[ChicagoLR3]

Isn't some sub EQ better than none? I don't have anything at present. Sure I wouldn't be using REW to its full capacity, but I guess I don't see why it wouldn't be a big help.

 

[TLS Guy]

Isn't some sub EQ better than none? I don't have anything at present. Sure I wouldn't be using REW to its full capacity, but I guess I don't see why it wouldn't be a big help.

It very likely could be worse than none.

That sub is ported, so you can NOT use Eq to extend the bass response. Drivers in tuned ported enclosures rapidly decouple from the box below tuning. Cone excursions become large and ineffective. If you try and use Eq to extend the bass you will destroy the driver.

You could Eq some room modes out, but I doubt the benefit. On a sub of that quality I would not invest time and money in it. You money will be much better spent on a better or two much better subs.

 

[TheWarrior]

Does anyone use MiniDSP with a non-DIY sub? I don't have built in DSP on my sub, and the MCACC on my VSX-52 does not adjust the LFE (I believe). My sub is nothing special, a Klipsch SW-112, but would it benefit much? In the future I would like to go to 2x DIY subs, but until we move, that's a no go.

I used a miniDSP PWR ICE 250 2 ch amp with a pair of SEAS drivers. You need to know what you are doing with the bi-quads otherwise you can very easily destroy the woofer from over excursion.

TLS brings up the fact of the nature of ported subs, which will also destroy your woofer.

Just buy a better sub!

 

[ChicagoLR3]

We are in the process of looking for a new house, one that will include a home theater space for me. Once we do, I hope to build a pair of DIY subs. This is a stop gap until that point.

I understand ported enclosures and tuning frequencies. My goal would be to even out room modes, rather than deepen the extension.

 

[WaynePflughaupt]

In that case the miniDSP might be worthwhile, but your sub isn’t all that powerful. So be advised that any equalizing will reduce headroom, even if you are only cutting modal peaks. The situation is that you have adjusted your sub’s level to those peaks, and when you reduce them via EQ you’ll find the sub is not loud enough. So naturally, you’ll turn it up to compensate.

If you’ve been running the sub anywhere near its maximum output, it will now be overdriven and the driver will bottom out. Or if it has one, the limiter will kick in and reduce bass levels during demanding passages (i.e. just at the time you want to hear it!).

On the other hand, if you’re not a “bass head” and /or have the sub in a small enough room so that it’s loafing, then you’ll be able to get away with EQing it.

Additional bit of advice, if you get the miniDSP 2 x 4 be sure and get the balanced one, not the unbalanced. The latter has severely limited head room and can only accept a signal that’s .9 volts or less. Most HT receivers’ sub outputs are capable of generating way more than that. The balanced mini has a headroom of 2 volts.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[lsiberian]

Additional bit of advice, if you get the miniDSP 2 x 4 be sure and get the balanced one, not the unbalanced.

You can set the voltage with a jumper on the board for the unbalanced one.