Sub Set-up/Config

[Humble1]

Hey All,

I just recieved my new SVS PB12NSD. I did the auto config with the A/V receiver (Pioneer 1019) and I began playing/listening to different music. The sub seemed to be putting out very low/minimual bass. The settings on the sub are the following: X-over turned off, Phase set to auto, and the volume/gain was set to 50%. Can someone tell me if I am doing something wrong here. Also, would it be OK to set the volume/gain to max or would I blow the sub? Thanks in advance.

 

[Ares]

After you ran the MCAAC do you go into the receiver's menu to make sure everything was set correctly. speakers set to small make sure the X-over is right on the receiver. also are you using a LFE cable. the more info you can give us the better.

 

[Adam]

Great advice from Ares. MCACC will typically set speakers to small, so bass won't be directed from the speakers to the sub. Set them to small (if appropriate, which it usually is), and 80Hz is a good starting point for a crossover (it's the THX recommendation).

 

[Humble1]

Hey Adam & Ares,
The speakers are set to small and the receiver x-over is set to 80 Hz. In regards to the LFE cable, I have no idea what that means. I have a sub cable that I bought from BestBuy, I think the brand is fishhead or something like that. The sub cable is plugged in to the receiver sub out and then I have the other end going to the sub low input. I was expecting the sub to knock down walls, instead I am looking/listening as to where the bass is. Also, if I set the sub volume/gain to the max will I blow the sub, as this is the only time that the sub really put out any real bass. Thanks again.

 

[Adam]

Hi, Humble. "LFE cable" meant the same thing as your subwoofer cable, so you're good.

Some comments:

• Check the subwoofer level setting on the receiver. The two Pioneers that I've owned have nailed the speaker levels, but perhaps the 1019 set the sub too low.
• The "Auto - On" setting on the subwoofer amp (shown below) is for power, not phase. I wouldn't worry about that, though, if you are using the Phase Control on the 1019. I recommend using that feature if you aren't. I am quite happy with how well it works on my VSX-23.
• My SVS sub allows me to connect the subwoofer cable to either the left or right input, but I didn't see the manual for your sub on SVS's site, so you'll have to check if that applies to you.
• How big is your room? If properly set up, that sub should perform very well in an average-sized room, so there's probably just something that we're missing. I recommend contacting SVS, too, as I've been very pleased with their customer service.
• I shy away from setting the gain to the max, but I can't say if it will actually hurt anything.

 

[Humble1]

Hey Adam,
Thanks for the quick response. I have the gain/volume currently in the 12:00 clock position. Also, the phase is set as it is in the picture you posted. Should I have the sub switch you referred to in the on position or keep it on auto? One last thing I have been looking for the volume control for the sub within the receiver and I cannot find it. I suspected this from the beginning but have failed to find the setting for the sub within the receiver, I will keep looking. Thanks again.

 

[Adam]

Hey. Check out page 94 of the owner's manual for the 1019. It covers getting into the manual speaker settings, and page 96 covers setting the speaker levels.

 

[njedpx3]

higher x-over frequency ?

Hey Adam & Ares,
The speakers are set to small and the receiver x-over is set to 80 Hz. In regards to the LFE cable, I have no idea what that means. I have a sub cable that I bought from BestBuy, I think the brand is fishhead or something like that. The sub cable is plugged in to the receiver sub out and then I have the other end going to the sub low input. I was expecting the sub to knock down walls, instead I am looking/listening as to where the bass is. Also, if I set the sub volume/gain to the max will I blow the sub, as this is the only time that the sub really put out any real bass. Thanks again.

You might need to set the x-over higher. Change it gradually increments 100,120,150 and see if one of those sounds better.

And Adam and Ares have given you excellent advice.

Good Luck!

Forest Man

 

[Humble1]

Hey Adam,

I think I found the sub db setting within the receiver. Should I set the db settings high within the receiver for the sub and then control the sub volume directly on the sub?

 

[Humble1]

Ok,
So I found the sub settings within the A/V receiver and it was set to -6 db so I changed it to +6 db. It defiantly sounds a lot better now and I will continue to play with the settings to get it just right. Thanks for your help.

 

[Adam]

Should I set the db settings high within the receiver for the sub and then control the sub volume directly on the sub?

That's a good way to overcome an issue (if you have it) of the auto-on sensor in the sub not keeping the sub powered up. If the input signal is too low, then a sub will tend to turn off during a movie and then turn on during scenes with bass (but after some delay).

Ok,
So I found the sub settings within the A/V receiver and it was set to -6 db so I changed it to +6 db. It defiantly sounds a lot better now and I will continue to play with the settings to get it just right. Thanks for your help.

Cool! Sorry for not responding last night. Some people like to have their subs level matched with the other speakers, and others like to turn the subs up a bit for more bass. It's all about what you like.

 

[KEW]

also are you using a LFE cable.

Am I missing something?
I thought a simple RCA to RCA cable was all that was required for a sub. Is there some special characteristic of a LFE cable which makes it better suited for the task?

 

[Ares]

Am I missing something?
I thought a simple RCA to RCA cable was all that was required for a sub. Is there some special characteristic of a LFE cable which makes it better suited for the task?

You are correct and no you are not missing anything I just use that term for RCA to RCA cable in general sorry for any confusion.

 

[Humble1]

Hey Adam,

Thanks again for everything!