Is mid-bass more important than people think?

[Defcon]

Most commercial cinemas don't go below 35Hz. Most movies don't have a lot of ULF content. Yes I know there are many with single digit bass. But chasing that gets real expensive real quick.

The 'chest slam' is in the mid-bass area, 40-60Hz. I was thinking there are lot of pro audio subs and drivers which perform well in that area, and could be very useful for HT.

 

[shadyJ]

All frequencies are important. However, if I had to give up any range, it would be the low stuff. You will really want a flat frequency response from at least 30 Hz and up, and preferably from 15 Hz and up. Don't assign too much importance to any frequency band. Having too much bass in a band can sound pretty bad. If you want to run your bass hot, do it through equalization, not through having too much speaker in a certain range.

 

[herbu]

Yes I know there are many with single digit bass. But chasing that gets real expensive real quick.

Agree. That's why low-mid price systems don't stress that.

 

[Steve81]

Is mid-bass more important than people think?...The 'chest slam' is in the mid-bass area, 40-60Hz. I was thinking there are lot of pro audio subs and drivers which perform well in that area, and could be very useful for HT.

I think it's fair to say that the 40-80Hz octave is very important for the reproduction of both music and movies. OTOH, you seem to be implying that bass under 35Hz isn't important, which I disagree with. This isn't to suggest that one needs to achieve single digit extension in room to enjoy a movie. If I were to watch a few flicks with a JTR Growler filling in the low end, I'm sure it'd be entertaining. OTOH, limiting yourself to that kind of extension means that many scenes will lack the impact they deserve.

 

[markw]

I'm fond of 2 way speakers with 6 1/2 woofers* for two channels and have my sub set manually to simply fill in where they fall off, which is generally around 50 - 60 hz or so.

I have my sub connected speaker level to the "B" speakers and can instantly switch it in and out.

With most music I'm surprised how little the sub contributes to the overall sound. In most cases, it's virtually invisible and would not be missed if it were not there.

Of course, there are those that will crank the sub's Xover to higher frequencies and then complain about muddy sound. The stupid will always be with us.