I'm fazed by phase

[jayhawk069]

Why do many subwoofers have variable phase controls? Is it just to confuse us? Should I worry if the phase is set at 187 degrees when it should be 171? Am I being facetious? Maybe a little, but what is the deal with this "feature"?

 

[highfigh]

They have a variable control because there's no guarantee that just inverting it by 180 degrees will put it in correct alignment with the speakers. If the phase of the high pass and low pass aren't aligned, phase canceling occurs and this produces peaks and valleys in the response.

 

[Jeff R.]

Out of curiosity, is it very evident when this is taking place. I have had a sub intergrated into my system and had it in various locations, however most commonly up front next to my main speakers and I have never noticed anything or seen major changes to sound when adjusting the phase control. I am I just not noticing or just lucky due to my system and room layouts.

 

[no. 5]

Out of curiosity, is it very evident when this is taking place.

With an A B comparison, or if you know what to listen for, it can be. It depends on how far out of phase both loudspeakers are to start with.

 

[highfigh]

Out of curiosity, is it very evident when this is taking place. I have had a sub intergrated into my system and had it in various locations, however most commonly up front next to my main speakers and I have never noticed anything or seen major changes to sound when adjusting the phase control. I am I just not noticing or just lucky due to my system and room layouts.

Are you trying to hear it while you're right there or are you going back to the listening position? If there's no great amount of overlap in frequencies, it may be harder to hear. A better way to tell is by having someone else flip the switch while you listen, preferably without knowing they're doing it.