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Multiple subwoofers

mrinsatiable, modified 9 Years ago.

Multiple subwoofers

Padawan Posts: 30 Join Date: 12/9/09 Recent Posts
I currently have a hts6 subwoofer.

I would like to use another 7 subwoofers in my system: (4) HTS4 subwoofers and (3) HTS3 subwoofers.

The processor i'm using is a Meridian which is able to recognize either one or two subwoofers. If I wish to incorporate all of these into my system. What is the optimal way to do this?

Daisy chain? Use the base management on the processor? or the speakers?

Someone suggested I purchase a Lexicon MC processor which is the same has the jbl processor that can handle multiple subwoofers.

I'm confused.
dupe, modified 9 Years ago.

Re: Multiple subwoofers

Youngling Posts: 14 Join Date: 5/8/09 Recent Posts
I guess the first question has to be why? Increase the sound level or to flatten the frequency response? If its the later then you would be better off with some DSP platform fed for the processor sub out. The DSP platform can then apply all the necessary delays to make so many subwoofers work (I use XTA or BSS soundweb).

If you want to simply increase SPL then pile them all up in a corner and run from 1 feed, daisy chain style.

As a side not, you can not increase SPL AND flatten response, using multiple subwoofers to flatten frequency response leads to a loss in output as all the subwoofers are cancelling each other out at certain frequencies. It would also be a pain to set up, I ofter run 2 and find this a good compromise.

Another side note, due to the number of subwoofers and the delays applied to flatten response I subjectively detect a loss in transient response, gun fire for example appears to lose its bite. I intend to do more research on this, so this is my rough findings so far.

Dupe...
mrinsatiable, modified 9 Years ago.

Re: Multiple subwoofers

Padawan Posts: 30 Join Date: 12/9/09 Recent Posts
the first reason behind this is the smooth out the bass response. I spoke with Keith Yates whom suggested that having multiple subs in various spots in the room would smooth out the bass.

the second is the opportunity to buy this many in lower cost than to buy them as individuals. I would be getting a deal for used speakers not retail. Hence question.

but to incorporate that in a preamp/processor that only recognizes one sub is somewhat challenging.
dupe, modified 9 Years ago.

Re: Multiple subwoofers

Youngling Posts: 14 Join Date: 5/8/09 Recent Posts
In your case you will need some form of DSP platform to add the necessary delays and a bit of EQ to get the desired results. Setting them up will be fun!

Dupe...
digipete, modified 9 Years ago.

Re: Multiple subwoofers

Padawan Posts: 99 Join Date: 6/18/11 Recent Posts
Have you considered to use smarts rather than brute force?

A sub in each corner and with DSP gives free amplification, minimize room modes and investments.
Predictability and repeatability will be very high, i.e. flat frequency response and low distortion.
Presumes a longitudinal symmetrical setup and DSP at the level of GLM.

Just a thought - and how I an looking at doing it.
hachre, modified 9 Years ago.

Re: Multiple subwoofers

Padawan Posts: 27 Join Date: 9/23/11 Recent Posts
Can GLM automatically calibrate a system with four subs, one in each corner?
ilkka-rissanen, modified 9 Years ago.

Re: Multiple subwoofers

Yoda Posts: 2564 Join Date: 3/23/09 Recent Posts
Can GLM automatically calibrate a system with four subs, one in each corner?

GLM can calibrate a maximum number of eight subwoofers, but it calibrates them one by one, so it doesn't take into account how they affect to each other. That requires manual measurements and tweaking up.