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What process did you use to integrate multiple subwoofers for 2 channel listening?

Today I will be trying to integrate up to three subs. Two are matching Rythmiks F12SE, and one is a REL R-328. The Rythmiks have a variety of adjustable parameters, including phase, crossover, and gain. There are other switches and passes on the sub, but I'm going to try to keep it basic to begin with. The REL has variable gain and crossover; the phase on REL is either 0 or 180.

I have REW for measurement. I will be buying a few more furniture sliders this morning, on doctors orders. ;-)

QUESTION: If you have multiple subs, by what process did you integrate your subs? One at a time? More? Which adjustments did you try first and in what kinds of increment?

I know that trial, error, measuring, and listening will all take time. Rather than look for a needle in a haystack, I'm curious what sequence or process was most effective for you.

Thank you.
128x128hilde45
hleeid
219 posts
 
@hilde45 -  The problem I’m not able to solve, and perhaps the room’s physics make it impossible, is a +5db or more bass hump from about 73-92 hz. This is evident in REW and it’s also easily noticed with music. A tubby zone. The idea that one more sub would solve this is implausible.

I have the Swarm DBA from AudioKinesis in my system.  There was an issue with shipping causing the Dayton amp and two subwoofers to arrive a few weeks before the rest of the system.

Not wanting to wait for the other two subs, I hooked up the Dayton and one sub at first.

Yes there was an increase in bass quantity but not quality.  The next day, I connected the second sub and noticed an improvement.  Bass was less bloated and seemed better timed.

When the other two subs arrived, I connected a third and again noticed improvements.  Perhaps the same type of improvement to a lesser degree.

After connecting the fourth sub, I couldn't hear anything negative with the bass response.  No bloated or slow bass.  Even the higher frequencies showed improvement.

I have used the DBA in a small 11 x 13 (minus closets) room and also a 12 x 15 living room at my old place with outstanding results.

The DBA continues to shine in the 15 x 19 listening room I have at my new place.

Hope this is helpful to you!

mapman's avatar
mapman
21,930 posts
 
https://ohmspeaker.com/news/for-optimum-sound-how-many-subs-and-where-do-you-put-em/

More info fwiw. 
axpert's avatar
axpert
110 posts
 
Get in touch with REL. They have technical specialists that will help with optimizing your setup
jmalen123
146 posts
 
I have over the past year added 3 subs to my system 1 at a time. Placement was not as much an issue as volume level and low pass set point. For me both went down quite significantly over time. You might save yourself some time and start out with a lower gain and low pass. Good luck.
gosta's avatar
gosta
839 posts
 
It's a mistake not to use digital room correction in addition to several subs and sub placement. If you add it to your digital chain it will only improve your sound.

For me Dirac bass management plus additional (to my hearing) Roon PEQ filters works fine to give impressive lower and upper bass.

If your only concern is a +5 db hump then you're really fortunate. More normal would be +/- 20 db between 20-100 hz. With one or two nulls.
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