Where do you guys set your sub SPL?

[deedubb]

Do you match it to the rest of your speakers or do you set it higher? Most of what I've read tell you to set it at the same as the other speakers. I've noted on the occasional thread where people talk about setting the sub gain to about 1/2 maximum. If I did that, the sub level would be about 20-30 dB higher than the mains. I have mine set less than 1/4 maximum and it's about 10 dB louder than the other speakers.

 

[Adam]

I set mine equal to my other speakers, but it's really up to your own tastes. Some people here set their subs higher because they like more bass. It's all about what you like - there is no wrong way, really.

The two things that influence the sub output are (a) the volume knob on the subwoofer amp and (b) the subwoofer output level on your receiver. Also, one subwoofer amp set at 1/2 volume is almost surely not going to be the same as another model of subwoofer amp set at 1/2 volume. So, don't worry about what other people set their volume knobs at. It doesn't mean much to your system.

 

[tcarcio]

I agree with Adam and it has alot to do with your taste. According to the spec you should set all with an spl meter to 75db including sub. I like my system to run a little hotter so I set my mains and surrounds to 80db and my sub to 85db.

 

[MDS]

I set the sub level so that the SPL meter reads the same value it does for all of the other channels but since the radio shack meter is actually off a bit in the low frequencies, the real level is ~2 dB higher than the other channels. It sounds just fine to me.

 

[j_garcia]

I set my surrounds about 1dB lower than calibrated level of my mains, but my sub I run +2dB because it sounds better at lower listening levels. With multichannel music, I run it at calibrated level, since I can have different settings for my multichannel input vs the rest.

To set your sub correctly, you can use 1/2 gain on the sub to find out where that puts your calibration on the receiver. What you want to know is roughly what level on the sub gives you "0" calibraton on the receiver, giving you the most adjustment if needed. To set it properly, you may have to go back and forth between the receiver and sub's levels to get it dialed in just right, and most people that I have encountered have this set wrong. If you adust the sub so that you are all the way maxed out or almost minimum, then you lose much of your ability to adjust, both of which would indicate you probably have the sub's adjustmen set too high or too low (or if too low, your sub may be insufficient for your room).

The SPL meter is not off exactly 2dB at all frequencies - you can get a table of the correction values for the commonly measured frequencies, though you need those same tones to measure.

 

[Ron Temple]

Running your sub too hot can cause a problem at close to reference level. A 30db LFE peak comes along and you run out of sub amp headroom...can cause distortion, protection issues or bottoming. Some run hot because of a dip at the seating position, others just because they like more bass. Just be careful.

 

[Sheep]

Running your sub too hot can cause a problem at close to reference level. A 30db LFE peak comes along and you run out of sub amp headroom...can cause distortion, protection issues or bottoming. Some run hot because of a dip at the seating position, others just because they like more bass. Just be careful.

Like Mike C! He's has his subwoofers like 10dB above his mains!

I really need to get my hands on one of those SPL meters. Maybe I'll make a trip across the border.

SheepStar

 

[Adam]

I really need to get my hands on one of those SPL meters. Maybe I'll make a trip across the border.

Maybe we could have one as a door prize at the Arizona GTG.

 

[croseiv]

In my receiver, I have the level set at -5 dB, the gain on the sub is at 12 o' clock. THis setting gives me equal dB at all speakers. -15 dB on the MV=70 db with Avia II. I run my sub 3 dB hot, so it's set at -2 dB in the receiver. For some music I push it to 0 in the receiver (5 dB hot). I do this to reduce the chances of my pre-amp clipping the signal during the explosive passages.

 

[trilogy]

My outoard amps don't have a volume control for my four subs. They each equal 78dB, but I equalize with my BFD to a 75dB -30dB FS target. I'm currently using a 100Hz crossover with my towers, and center channel and the mains are 68dB with the surrounds at 66dB. I did a very small cut around 100Hz on the sub, so it is a couple dB louder there. I don't have a receiver right now, so my XA2 DVD player with the analog out has settings such as 0 for the sub, and around -9 for the mains or near -10 for the surrounds while they are set to small. My listening taste varies, but if I am looking for the experience the director intended, and I have a good idea what level the track was mixed at, I use 75dB for each channel using a THX optimzer disc.

 

[jliedeka]

I'll add another vote for setting the sub +2dB. That's totally personal taste. Any less sounds thin to me and any more can be too much.

Jim

 

[mike c]

i have each sub 6db hot to the other channels IIRC.

when each LFE sub is 6db hot, i get a total of around 20db above the other channels (uncorrected SPL meter reading) for the LFE channel

 

[croseiv]

The SPL meter is not off exactly 2dB at all frequencies - you can get a table of the correction values for the commonly measured frequencies, though you need those same tones to measure.

This is a very good point!

 

[billy p]

I have learned a lot since I've bought my SPL metre. I used 75 as my reference point on my RSM running the subs volume just under half and about 3-5dbs hotter than my mains with the receivers sub level at 0 dbs for all surround modes, but for music in stereo I add a little more bass if I'm home alone.

BTW you guys are very helpful and I've learned a lot reading your posts.

 

[deedubb]

Thanks for all the replies. I'll leave mine about 10 dB higher than the rest as it sounds good to me at that level. I guess the main reason I posted is because I can't see how a lot of people run their subs at half maximum gain without their house falling apart. My basement HT has an PB12-Plus/2 at just under 1/4 max gain, and my upstairs HT has an older model PSB sub at just over 1/8 max gain. That's the highest I can set them without being overwhelmed by bass, and the SPL is still higher than the mains!

 

[Adam]

I guess the main reason I posted is because I can't see how a lot of people run their subs at half maximum gain without their house falling apart.

They might have the subwoofer level turned down lower on their receivers, might have subs that simply don't play as loud when the gain is set to half, might have bigger rooms, and/or just have really sturdy houses.