Velodyne SMS-1

[Grimster74]

New to this forum but long time audio enthusiast. My question is in reference to the Velodyne SMS-1, subwoofer management system for those not familiar with this unit. My current setup as far as processor and subwoofers is as follows, running the Anthem AVM-60 processor with Outlaw amplifiers and my subs are Dual SVS PB-12/Ultra-2's in front of the room which are corner loaded (left and right corner) and a single SVS PB12-Plus in the rear of the room which is roughly centered on the rear wall.

The SMS-1 is not currently hooked up at the moment due to I was thinking about selling the unit at one time but never posted it for sale. Anyways, I don't really feel like I'm lacking in the low end department of my system but I feel there is always room for improvement. I've been thinking about purchasing the UMK-1 mic and downloading the REW software which I'm sure I'm going to order this week but I was wondering if the SMS-1 basically does the same thing? Would I get better results using the REW software and mic and manually checking my subs or should I hook the SMS-1 back up and let it manage my subs?

So depending on which route I go, do I get my subs setup correctly then run the ARC Genesis of the AVM-60 or do I run the ARC software and then fine tune my subs? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Irvrobinson]

I'd recommend reading the AH review on the SMS-1:

velodyne-sms-1-subwoofer-parametric-eq-system

If you have subs without parametric equalization capabilities, the SMS-1 can help you tune your subs to your room. I've never been happy with Velodyne's auto eq function, so I don't use it, and either does Gene (who also has used Velodyne subs). On the other hand, in combination with REW or OmniMic, the SMS-1 can allow you to fine tune a sub to get smoother bass response at your listening seat. If you have more than one sub you really need an SMS-1 for each sub to get the best effect, but even one SMS-1 for two subs which don't have any PEQ capabilities might be a lot better than nothing. In my experience the solution is always separate EQ for each sub, but subs with built-in PEQ capability are usually expensive.

I've also never liked the effect from any software-driven single mic bass optimization system, but perhaps that's just me, and I've only heard about five systems using it over the past few years. (All ran the bass too hot, but the owners were happy, and there seemed to be a lot of emphasis below 40Hz.)

I recommend experimenting with the SMS-1 and REW before you get rid of it. I find a frequency response curve at the listening seat that's as flat as possible, with a linear slant of +3 to +6db at 20Hz and -3db to -6db at 10KHz to be most accurate sounding when using my self-made recordings.

 

[WaynePflughaupt]

I've been thinking about purchasing the UMK-1 mic and downloading the REW software... but I was wondering if the SMS-1 basically does the same thing?

No. REW is only a measurement platform. Any correction desired as a result of those measurements requires an outboard device like the SMS-1.

As you probably know, the SMS-1 actually does measurement and correction. So with that device, REW would mainly only function to let you see what the SMS-1 has accomplished.

So depending on which route I go, do I get my subs setup correctly then run the ARC Genesis of the AVM-60 or do I run the ARC software and then fine tune my subs? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I believe the general consensus is to use outboard correction on the subs, then run the AVR’s room correction. There are a couple of reasons. For one, it gives the AVR correction less to do. Second, very few AVRs can accomplish correction for the subs as well as can be had with measurement and outboard parametric EQ.

BTW, here's an evaluation Audioholics did on the SMS-1.
https://www.audioholics.com/acoustic-reviews/velodyne-sms-1-subwoofer-parametric-eq-system

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt