Subs and room nodes
Hi everyone. I have heard so much about how multiple subs cancel out room nodes and I am a believer. I would like to learn more about how this happens. Let’s say your sub crossover is set at 80hz but the room node is at a higher frequency. If the sub doesn’t come in until 80 hz and lower how is it able to cancel the node? This is in regards to my new 2 channel dedicated room that I will be adding to my systems page soon. Thanks.
Ron
Hey, No, subs don't work magically to cancel room modes above the operating frequency. :) Turns out the worst room modes tend to be in the bass though so that's why usually when we talk about cancelling room modes it's a discussion that centers subwoofers, bass traps and EQ. Do look into proper room treatment for help in smoothing out the mid-treble as well as the bass. Best,
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Hi Erik Thanks for the response. I think I’m in a tricky situation as my room was designed by an acoustician. There is no drywall inside the room. All the walls have Rockwool between the studs with 1/4 inch pegboard on top of that. In addition to that the walls opposite the speakers have 2 inch rigid fiberglass on top of the pegboard with fabric covering everything. There is plenty of bass between the speakers next to the floor to ceiling bass trap in the corner. Of course it’s the listening position where it’s gone. I believe I will have to measure the room at some point to ascertain a more accurate picture of the room |
Have you tried placing a speaker at the seating position, playing a bass tune and crawling around the normal speaker placement area? Wherever the bass is strongest is where you should place your speakers -- approximately. You mentioned that your room is sound optimised, so the solution must be in speaker (and seat) placement!
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You might find useful information here on the "subwoofer crawl". It is quite effective, especially when combined with REW and a calibrated microphone to fine tune levels and phase delay after placement. https://www.svsound.com/blogs/subwoofer-setup-and-tuning/75365187-the-art-of-subwoofer-placement
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I am an advocate for going sans subs. My room is no where as nice as @ronboco however my QLN Sonora's work well in my treated room with my X200, for now.... |
Subs in a system is unfortunately not a fashion statement. Going sans sub might look chic but might sound anemic. It’s about frequency response at the listening position and your room will have a lot to say about that. Your dealer will most likely take some measurements and will give you his verdict. But you probably already know the answer. Two subs might be all you need. Good luck in your journey. It’s going to be fun. |
Those are some serious speakers. When your dealer gets there, you may find that all is needed is some small physical adjustments of the speakers within the room and possibly a small adjustment to your listening position to better take advantage of the existing room modes where the speakers are being reinforced by the room, rather than the room detracting from their bass performance. When I was at a class at Sumiko years ago, one of the gentlemen there made a comment that has stuck with my since. "The room is the drum and the speakers are the mallet." Let us know how it goes. |
Thank you. I have been enjoying the Aviors tremendously. The Boulder 866 paired with them seems to be an amazing combination. One thing I didn’t realize was how much the sound would change as the speakers have broken in. I actually thought the room was a dud but it was the speakers not being broken in. I think you are right that just some small adjustments will be needed. |
