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Equalization with REL six pack

I am preparing to set up a REL six-pack for the first time. Though I bought the subs used, I am paying a local dealer to set them up. One question I want to have perspective on before setup is this:

 

I use a Rives PARC attenuation-only equalizer that is indispensable to tame room bumps in the 40-80 hz range. (yes I know room treatments are more deal but let's put that aside please)

When I set up the six-pack, my thinking is that I should put the subs in place, stacked approximately where they are supposed to be just outside and slightly back from the mains, and with the subs unplugged, get the mains to sound the way I like with equalization. Then go through the whole six-pack setup. This makes more sense to me than bypassing equalization during setup and equalizing after the six-pack setup, since subs have separate volume control and can be set accordingly. I suppose I may do slight attentuation adjustments afterward as well. 

 

The alternative of bypassing equalization until after six-pack setup seems less appealing because much of the six-pack "by ear" setup could be thrown way off by adding significant attenuation after the fact.

 

Thoughts? I am not mentioning system components because I don't think it matters, but if anyone disagrees I am happy to give a rundown. My mains are Verity Parsifal Encores, flat to around 28hz.

 

Thanks

 

 

montaldo

Showing 2 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires
15,643 posts
 

PS - It’s not either / or with EQ and room treatments. EQs alone are a huge improvement over nothing for subs.

Room treatments can smooth out room modes which means a couple of things:

  • EQ’able nulls!
  • More even bass response no matter where you sit.

So if you just want to EQ, that’s great, big improvements. Clip the peaks, raise your sub level and you have at least 1 good bass spot but for many who are attempting to plumb the depths, bass traps can be really important.

erik_squires
15,643 posts
 

First, check the AM Acoustics room mode simulator. Put your speakers and subs outside the lowest room mode boundaries if you can

I’m not sure what the process you think is, but making sure your mains roll off smoothly below ~ 70 Hz. Don’t try to equalize all of your mains. It should slope downwards from around 100 Hz. Just get a smooth roll-off around 24 db/Octave. Sometimes plugging your mains is very helpful.

Overall, avoid mains and subs overlapping in lower octaves. Its’ bad.

The subs, if you have big valleys and peaks, consider bass traps. If you can get away with just clipping peaks then EQ is the way to go. Treat each stack as 1 subwoofer for EQ’s sake.

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