Hsu Research VTF-3 HO Turbo & MBM-12

[Sheep]

The tapering you're referring to was plotted by Fletcher Munson (frequency response of the human ear). He found that at different volume levels, the human ear had different frequency responses. This taper isn't a brick wall, you will still get a good amount of bass, and when you reach 85dB, the bass taper is very slight. When you go above 85dB the 1-4KHz range is VERY exaggerated, and the bass is still prominent. Hence how hearing damage can occur.

Also, SVS, eD, and Epik all have subwoofers that can hit 115dB.

SheepStar

 

[Vaughan Odendaa]

Yes, 115 dB's if you perhaps use single-band test tones. If you are using real-world program material, 115 dB peaks are not unusual at reference but only for brief moments.

Of course, this is with main speakers set to large with a dedicated subwoofer for the LFE track. Setting speakers to small then improves this figure to a maximum 121 dB's for the LFE track.

I would argue that 121 dB's is not capable of causing hearing damage unless it is high enough in frequency and for pro-longed periods of sustained use.

However, neither really occurs in a HT setting. You may get brief maximum peaks but they are usually low in frequency and this is where our ears are usually insensitive (to attain an equal loudness).

I'm not disputing that SVS or Epik have subwoofers that can hit 115 dB's but I argue that, in my opinion, it isn't capable of causing hearing damage within the range it is playing in.

--Regards,

 

[Gov]

I hate to dig up this old thread, but I was researching the MBM-12 and read this as part of my research. I am glad I did!! Thanks! I have decided based on my capable SW and the measurements I get with it between 50-80hz in my room, I will be taking a pass on this module! Again, thanks "sheep" and "mike c" your posts on this subject made a lot of sense to me.

 

[Sheep]

I hate to dig up this old thread, but I was researching the MBM-12 and read this as part of my research. I am glad I did!! Thanks! I have decided based on my capable SW and the measurements I get with it between 50-80hz in my room, I will be taking a pass on this module! Again, thanks "sheep" and "mike c" your posts on this subject made a lot of sense to me.

I'm glad someone understands what we were saying.

SheepStar