SMS-1 v2.1.3 firmware update

[Warpdrv]

Just coming down the pipe, but curt c from velodyne sent me the firmware update already... claiming the elimination of the drastic rolloff and added distortion...

Here's the info... quite possibly a must for those with an SMS and deep digging subs...

Subwoofer Management System (SMS-1) Release 2.1.3

Release Notes

This document discusses the latest release of Velodyne’s Subwoofer Management System (SMS) firmware – release 2.1.3. This firmware addresses two issues related to the low frequency management of the SMS. First, it allows the subsonic filter to be set low enough that the only remaining rolloff in the low frequency is restricted only by the hardware, and secondly, corrects some distortion that previous versions of the firmware introduced to the audio spectrum.



Figure 1: SMS-1 Frequency Response

Please refer to Figure one. This graph shows actual output from the SMS-1 with the subsonic filter set to 5 Hz. The various curves shown reflect the subsonic filter as set to 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 dB/octave -- the steeper the slope, the higher the subsonic slope setting. As you can see, the actual point at which the curves converge is 5 Hz, and at 5 Hz, the audio frequency is down about 5 dB. The typical 3 dB down point is about 8 Hz. This point is a limitation in the hardware and the low frequency response of the SMS cannot be extended any further without changing components in the hardware. In release 2.1.3 the subsonic filter can be set as low as 1 Hz., but any setting below 5 Hz. has negligible effect on the frequency response.

Note that the low-pass crossover in this example is set to the default of 80 Hz and 24 dB/octave.

Some users of the SMS measured the low frequency performance and discovered that the SMS was adding some distortion to the lowest frequencies. Most users did not notice this added distortion due to the low frequencies affected. The distortion was inadvertently introduced as the frequency processing software, which was based on Digital Drive subwoofers, was rewritten for the SMS. The 2.1.3 firmware corrects this problem.

There was some confusion that this distortion was also present in the DD series. This is not and was never true – the distortion was introduced in the SMS only, and has now been remedied.

If you have any questions on this information, please contact Velodyne customer service at techhelp@velodyne.com.

 

[mike c]

i got the update as well, but I dont have a USB to RS232 cable yet ...

 

[mike c]

bought me the USB to Serial cable: make sure to use COM6 port on the settings.

if the display on the SMS-1 is not flashing, it's not updating

Axiom EP500 - should be good to 18hz

measurements taken 2-3" from the driver
v2.1 lowest possible subsonic filter

v2.1.3 lowest possible subsonic filter

curious why there's barely any difference, I remembered the driver might not be producing anything below tuning

measurements taken from the port
v2.1 lowest possible subsonic filter

v2.1.3 lowest possible subsonic filter

tiny amount of difference
im pretty sure the mic calibration and sms-1 EQ output is fine because when I use the SMS-1 to output its EQ to the receiver, the DD subwoofer is outputting and measured at 15hz

 

[Warpdrv]

Yeah, I curious as well... I'll get the cable today, and see If I can take some measurements tonight or tomorrow...

 

[Davemcc]

This is good news. I'm expecting my SMS-1 to arrive today or tomorrow. Thanks "A".

 

[JimP]

Mike,

On a couple of your screen shots, you had the volume set up too high to see the relative difference in frequency response.

Something else you might want to do is to to bypass the sms-1 and run your subwoofer out cable directly from your preamp/receiver to your subwoofer. You'll still want to keep your sms-1 connected to generate the audio signal and be able to photograph it. This way you can make a comparison as to what the sms-1 is doing to the lower frequencies vs no sms-1 at all.

I'm seriously looking forward to seeing what the new firmware does for this little guy.

 

[GlocksRock]

i got the update as well, but I dont have a USB to RS232 cable yet ...

If you are looking for one, you can get an adapter here, and it comes with a USB extension cable that would give you what you need. I'm not sure what they cost elsewhere, but this site has some good stuff for really cheap, and free shipping on everything.

http://www.ledshoppe.com/Product/com/CA4037.htm

 

[Warpdrv]

I found one locally, but they have to bring it from the other side of town...

I'll get it on friday, but thanks...

 

[GlocksRock]

No problem... maybe someone else will find it useful.

 

[mike c]

JimP, there's no need to bypass, if a subwoofer is connected to the "through" output of the SMS-1 (like my DD subwoofer is) it registers flat to 15hz no problem. it's like the SMS-1 is the one killing the output down low (out of its LFE outputs)

i'll try the DD subwoofer again connected to the LFE outputs instead of "thru" at least im sure that subwoofer goes to 15.

re: volume, i know about the volume, but at lower volume levels, the low end slope doesn't even kick up around 20hz.

i've brought back the SMS-1 to the HT, so I won't be able to change the firmware again (btw, I changed from 2.1 to 2.1.3, discovered how tiny the difference was and changed it back to 2.1 to see - my pc is another room, and my axiom subwoofer is in my bedroom.) I set it up in the HT because my HD DVD player is arriving today along with transformers

edit: I bought this:
http://www.cdrking.com/local/products/index.php?action=&temp=2&typeno=8176890-373780-839110596-1439562&prod=PS2/Serial Cables&prodcode=5878536-004599-420850975-3272289

that big adapter is just included in the package, but the cable is in the smaller thumbnail.

3 US bucks

 

[RPM2]

Download site for the update?

Can one of you that have the update let me know how you got it?
If it is not on a server yet can you email it?

 

[Warpdrv]

Can one of you that have the update let me know how you got it?
If it is not on a server yet can you email it?

Its in your mailbox there partner...

I updated mine tonight, and it went well...

Follow instructions and it will go fine...

 

[Warpdrv]

Well I did the upgrade last night... results look very good....

My on screen FR showed a positive change, and opened up the lower end...
I put the SVS subs temporarily in 16hz mode, rolling off gradually down toward 12hz, the measurement was drastically different... After I set the subsonic freq. lower I wasn't showing any roll off just below 20 hz like before, and changing the slope measured far better as well...

Now I got smooth output down to 16hz, instead of it dropping like a rock at 20hz. My huge room (8200^3 open concept) and my listening habits prevent me from plugging ports and setting it to 16hz, as the strain is noticeable from the two subs... They just aren't powerful enough for that large of a room... Hence my need to upgrade my subs... I am taxing these SVS subs (Plus/2 & Plus) beyond their limits in that regard.

I look forward to the results from my DIY subs (dual 320L TC2K's) in that room... I should have tons more headroom that I am restricted by now. But at least I can feel comfortable about keeping the SMS-1 with the fix that Velodyne has provided makes it worth keeping. If not for this system, then for the bedroom. I'll have to see how it fares with the new subs, but most of my EQ-ing is done above 20 hz, so Im not locked into using this unit for sub 20 hz eq. A DEQ would probably work just fine for me...

Thats my Report....

Warp Out

 

[mike c]

no pics?

 

[Warpdrv]

No, sorry to say mike, my camera has been borrowed...

Either way.... nothing new to see that you haven't already seen many times.

There is a slight rolloff starting to drop after 15-16hz.... per the settings I have chosen for my system...

My main concern is that its clean down below my tuning point for my future subs, and the subsonic/highpass filter is adjustable to contain cone excursion below my tuning point as well...

From what I have seen so far... Im very happy with the results, and I can live with the results for where ever I decide to use it... Either with my new setup, or in my bedroom....

I will still need to find some sort of Outboard Phase adjustment device for dual subs... My SVS's obviously both have phase adjustment, but my new subs won't.. Any suggestions in that direction would be of great importance to me...

 

[RPM2]

warpdrv,
First thanks for helping me out. I appreciate the fast response.

I have had the same results with my setup as you did. I have a much better low end with the new firmware and it seems to me to be cleaner.(less distortion) In the pod race scene in SW the pods have a better more realistic sound and all at 16HZ and below. Really rumbles the house. I have 2 SVS PB12-Plus/2 subs in an 18X24 room. I get about a 3db drop from 20 to 15HZ haven’t had much time to play so far but I like what I see, hear, and feel!

 

[mike c]

AVTALK has tested the new software: it works!

before:

after:

looks like it's flat to 10hz f3

here's the linky to Velo's software update page
http://www.velodyne.com/support/softwareupdates.aspx?sid=454d756r

 

[Warpdrv]

Link to avtalk?
Is there an article that goes with this..

 

[mike c]

Link to avtalk?
Is there an article that goes with this..

http://www.avtalk.co.uk/forum/index.php?t=msg&th=18235&start=25&rid=7164&SQ=1197035319

 

[Matt34]

Mike,

Will this cable work?

http://www.usbgear.com/usa/item_288.html

I'm finally going to get this update done.