Protip: Using a sub? Plug your mains


Merry holidays, or drinking season, whichever you celebrate I support you.

For those of you with ported main speakers and subs, here’s a big tip: Plug your main speakers.

It will reduce the bass output, but also greatly reduce the movement of the driver below the port frequency. This combination increases the dynamic range, and reduces distortion, especially when used with a line level high pass filter. It also often makes integrating the subs easier thanks to less overlap. Use a sock, preferably yours and clean unless you are some weirdo. You don’t have to stuff the entire port length, just plug the end tight. I won’t be held responsible for those of you who lose their intimates inside their speakers.

erik_squires

Showing 2 responses by testpilot

Isn’t that we have crossover slopes in both the sub and main speaker to ensure a smooth handoff of the frequency?

My sub has the ability to contour/adjust the levels of specific audio bands (parabolic equalizer) so that I can integrate the sub with my mains.  With the use of a microphone, I can plot the frequency response of my room.  Not sure what the benefit would be with plugging the rear ports.