Sub Iso, and vertical angling

[IansDad88(Don)]

OK friends...

I'm starting a new thread because while I hinted at part of this in my other posting, I think it deserves its own spot even if it's just a quick yes or no. And this is strictly about subs.

I've seen marketing, and other sources where subs come with what I assume is an iso pad instead of feet. This pad, often very clearly, has a vertical tilt up on the front (firing direction) of the sub. And as I mentioned before I have a free floating iso stand.

Thing is that the stand instructions have pictures also with the front of the sub higher than the back. And the set comes with pegs so you can make adjustment like this if you choose.

By now you know where this is going. I know there are many variables in sub placement, and aside from the obvious *don't put it in the corner*. I'm very curious about this tilting. It seems like on one hand it could affect the first rearward deflection, but then again on the other hand in my mind you're swapping one sound wave onto two as the wave hits the corner of the wall and floor and splits. It's very likely this is all in my head and the little man who lives in my brain is just having fun with me to see if I'll actually post this, but "whiskey, tango, foxtrot.." I'm game.

I seriously doubt many people do it, but to be sure, I think you go to a respected forum and ask, no matter how silly it sounds. - no pun intended.

 

[lovinthehd]

Subs are more omnidirectional radiators than anything, tilting the sub up slightly is really meaningless. The pads generally are, too.

 

[lovinthehd]

Try this article http://ethanwiner.com/speaker_isolation.htm

 

[Pogre]

Yeah, I don't think ISO pads and angling is gonna make much difference unless maybe if your on a wooden floor with a lot of flex or something. Getting the right sub, then finding a spot that makes you both happy are the real keys. Ever heard of the sub crawl? It's a quick n dirty and effective way to figure out where your sub can sound its best where you sit. Reverse physics!

 

[ryanosaur]

Vibration isolation can be effective for situations like mine where I have a suspended wood frame floor that is part trampoline(too much space between joists or thin floorboard). Anyway, if you get significant structural vibration passed between you sub and the house... or, you get significant sympathetic vibration like cabinet doors rattling, you probably don’t need that.
Next up, is changing height and angles... this is a solution to an outlier problem. Chances are very good that you do not need to worry about this. If you make certain that none of your speakers are exactly the same distance from each other and the walls, the soundwaves should not interact in such a destructive manner that would require this.
If on the other hand, you are installing 4 subwoofers, symmetrically placed in a symmetrical room... you will likely have problems.

So, I also second doing the sub crawl! It’s crude but flipping works.

And I agree with lovin: LF soundwaves act omnidirectional... again tilting it doesn’t matter... it’s more a function of breaking symmetry. You don’t need a special product to do that.

Lastly... corner loading is not necessarily wrong. Again, you have to learn about your rooms acoustics to know, and the best way is the crawl. I generally oppose corner loading as a rule, as well as front wall placements for subwoofers. But, every room is different. You have to learn what your room is like as soundwaves interact with it. Again: do the crawl!

 

[ryanosaur]

Try this article http://ethanwiner.com/speaker_isolation.htm

I do like this, and tend to agree... though you and I have discussed several times my situation. I don’t claim to be special, nor do I want/need to be right, but I am certain that in some instances, isolation can be a benefit.

That said, I use foam pads under my speakers, not because of isolation, but to protect the finish and/or change the angle (of my center channel specifically). (But you don’t need super expensive foam for that!)

My subs and bass cabinets are a different story. Perhaps later our friend will find it.

For now, I’m done. Moms is still a wreck and I have no clue if I will have to change my flight again. FML

 

[lovinthehd]

I do like this, and tend to agree... though you and I have discussed several times my situation. I don’t claim to be special, nor do I want/need to be right, but I am certain that in some instances, isolation can be a benefit.

That said, I use foam pads under my speakers, not because of isolation, but to protect the finish and/or change the angle (of my center channel specifically). (But you don’t need super expensive foam for that!)

My subs and bass cabinets are a different story. Perhaps later our friend will find it.

For now, I’m done. Moms is still a wreck and I have no clue if I will have to change my flight again. FML

I'm talking in this case about transferring audio waves to another room via floors/ceiling/walls, a pad won't stop that....might help rattles and issues with flooring (for yourself).

My best wishes for you and your mom.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

I like ryno dynos advice here. A suspended floor could possibly benefit from a pad but if the sub is transferring directly into the floor, from itself IMO the cabinet/feet isn’t/aren’t very good. Also, remember the rules for subwoofer placement are not hard and fast(with exceptions obviously). IMO corner loading can be great for a subwoofer as it excites more modes adding modal density. Modes can be fixed. Nulls can’t. Plus it can definitely help with output capability. That’s not to say it will necessarily be the best place either.


@ryanosaur. Hope everything with your mom and family can go smooth and quick, and she can be back to good. Sorry for your troubles.

 

[ryanosaur]

I'm talking in this case about transferring audio waves to another room via floors/ceiling/walls, a pad won't stop that....might help rattles and issues with flooring (for yourself).

My best wishes for you and your mom.

Thanks, Guys.

To be certain, you cannot isolate from the soundwaves! Those sonic serpents will do what they want, however they want. Any isolation attempt is only good for the physical transference of energy between the sub and the structure. Yes, most cabinets themselves are inert, but the structures they may sit on are not. That is the only time isolation should really be a consideration.
But the sonic transference of energy... good luck. Museum putty and felt pads to treat those rattles!