Dual Sub Setups

[Gaigebacca]

Just a question I have been pondering. If you are going to do a dual sub setup... is it better to set them both the exact same way... or to set up one for the higher end of the LFE spectrum, say 60 Hz and up, and the other for the lower end 60Hz and below? Also, how would you set up differ if you had two difference qualities of subs... say one starter low end 10" and then another high end 12" or so?

 

[cbraver]

Just a question I have been pondering. If you are going to do a dual sub setup... is it better to set them both the exact same way... or to set up one for the higher end of the LFE spectrum, say 60 Hz and up, and the other for the lower end 60Hz and below? Also, how would you set up differ if you had two difference qualities of subs... say one starter low end 10" and then another high end 12" or so?

Dual sub setups with different subwoofers could be difficult, and would certainly require some sort of parametric EQ. The main problem, I would think, would be getting them to blend well.

As far as your crossover idea, the only places I have seen subwoofers crossed-over for "high" low frequencies and "low" low frequencies is in large nightclubs where there is tremendous output necessary. To my understanding, subwoofers in applications like these are setup for some to handle the "audible" bass which makes up a lot of the content, and then the low pass ones to handle the ultra-deep bass that mainly is for "impact." Where exactly they are crossed over I'm not sure, but my guess would be between 20-30Hz.

 

[darien87]

The ideal of multiple sub set-ups is to use multiples of the same exact driver. Using 2 different sizes of drivers will be harder to integrate and compromises will have to be made. I happen to be using a 10" and 12" sub in my system, but it isn't the ideal set-up. I just happened to already have the 10" and didn't want to get rid of it.

But while watching Live Free or Die Hard, my 10" sub bottomed out on one scene, while my 12" had no problems. It is better to have 2 of the same subs playing the same frequencies.

 

[jagxtype]

Get a 7.2 receiver/preamo that has the ability to adjust each sub separatly.

 

[bandphan]

i currently run 2 subs, velo hgs10(goes way down, below 20) and a martin logan abyss(12"), and have the setup at different crossover freq. ml50hz>velo40hz, havent had any noticeable issues(no subs when in stereo).

 

[bandphan]

But while watching Live Free or Die Hard, my 10" sub bottomed out on one scene, while my 12" had no problems. It is better to have 2 of the same subs playing the same frequencies.

Oh forgot, agreed

 

[Matt34]

Just a question I have been pondering. If you are going to do a dual sub setup... is it better to set them both the exact same way... or to set up one for the higher end of the LFE spectrum, say 60 Hz and up, and the other for the lower end 60Hz and below? Also, how would you set up differ if you had two difference qualities of subs... say one starter low end 10" and then another high end 12" or so?

I found setting up even two identical subs to be somewhat of a challenge. Having a real time analyzer/EQ of some sort really comes in handy for this task.

 

[sh0]

set up one for the higher end of the LFE spectrum, say 60 Hz and up, and the other for the lower end 60Hz and below?

The HSU MBM-12 is designed for that type of setup and is intended to be a different model than your "true" subwoofer. I never really looked into it though.

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/mbm-12.html

Get a 7.2 receiver/preamo that has the ability to adjust each sub separatly.

I was looking for a good receiver that could do Audyssey EQ on 2 subs but the only ones I found were the new NAD receivers. I never confirmed that they could configure both subs independently though. In any event, I went with the cheaper Onkyo TX-SR805.

Also, how would you set up differ if you had two difference qualities of subs... say one starter low end 10" and then another high end 12" or so?

I currently have 2 drastically different subs in my setup - a Velodyne DD-12 and an old Sunfire True Sub Junior (8" w/ 8" passive radiator). I bought the Velodyne thinking the one "high-end" sub would be best. It's more than enough output for my room and the real-time EQ is great. However I had nulls in all of the locations I tried. I wanted to avoid paying for another DD-12 so I just tried adding my old Sunfire. With both subs, I was able to address the null in the response while keeping the volume on the Sunfire really low. The Sunfire has an infinitely variable phase adjustment so I THINK I was able to get it fairly close to being in phase with the Velodyne (using the EQ output). Then I let the Audyssey in the Onkyo adjust them as 1 subwoofer.

I really don't know how much I'm giving up in terms of sound quality though. My thinking was that keeping the volume as low as possible on the lesser sub would somehow minimize the negative impact but it's possible I'm getting closer to the lowest common denominator in performance. I mean if it's loud enough to get rid of a null it must be able to have an negative impact on the sound quality. In any event, I should probably look into replacing the Sunfire with something better (I'd just prefer to not have to pay for another DD-12).

 

[jagxtype]

The HSU MBM-12 is designed for that type of setup and is intended to be a different model than your "true" subwoofer. I never really looked into it though.

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/mbm-12.html


I was looking for a good receiver that could do Audyssey EQ on 2 subs but the only ones I found were the new NAD receivers. I never confirmed that they could configure both subs independently though. In any event, I went with the cheaper Onkyo TX-SR805.
I currently have 2 drastically different subs in my setup - a Velodyne DD-12 and an old Sunfire True Sub Junior (8" w/ 8" passive radiator). I bought the Velodyne thinking the one "high-end" sub would be best. It's more than enough output for my room and the real-time EQ is great. However I had nulls in all of the locations I tried. I wanted to avoid paying for another DD-12 so I just tried adding my old Sunfire. With both subs, I was able to address the null in the response while keeping the volume on the Sunfire really low. The Sunfire has an infinitely variable phase adjustment so I THINK I was able to get it fairly close to being in phase with the Velodyne (using the EQ output). Then I let the Audyssey in the Onkyo adjust them as 1 subwoofer.

I really don't know how much I'm giving up in terms of sound quality though. My thinking was that keeping the volume as low as possible on the lesser sub would somehow minimize the negative impact but it's possible I'm getting closer to the lowest common denominator in performance. I mean if it's loud enough to get rid of a null it must be able to have an negative impact on the sound quality. In any event, I should probably look into replacing the Sunfire with something better (I'd just prefer to not have to pay for another DD-12).

HK avr-745 does. i just got mine and the setup allows to adjust them in sync or using separate EQ. I have hear on avsforum.com that the autoEQ does awesome with 2 subs. Good luck with the Onkyo though bro

 

[sh0]

HK avr-745 does. i just got mine and the setup allows to adjust them in sync or using separate EQ. I have hear on avsforum.com that the autoEQ does awesome with 2 subs. Good luck with the Onkyo though bro

Very cool feature - I wish it was a more common.