Technically Correct Subwoofer Settings.....

Just guessing here.... Maybe the HT standard has a deliberate bass boost in it? Wouldn't surprise me, given the wildly overblown bass in many theaters. If this is the case, the only solution I know of is the most recent REL subs which can be hooked up simultaneously for HT (5.1 LFE channel) and music (full range) with separate inputs.

The only other guess is that the "subwoofer" track has low-pass filtered noise, i.e., it simulates the LFE spectrum rather than a full-range signal. This might account for the level difference. If this is the case, though, one would think the disc would have high-pass filtered noise as well, to be used for setting the main/rear/center. Then you would be back to a level response again.

If all else fails, I'd set it where it sounds right on music and live with it for HT; this is a lot better than the alternative!

Use your ears!

Get a cut with a good full drum set. I like Phil Collins "Hello! I must be going." Work on it--then leave it and come back the day after with some more music. It's very subtle changes ( as little as 0.1 dB ) that make the magic happen...

I am assuming your system's main speakers are already tuned...

Try reading Vans Evers website notes on tuning bass. Also the Audiophysik website is excellent.

Regards,

P/A

I've used both the technical (1/3 octave analyzer with pink noise) and empirical (listening to music) methods. Over time I've shifted almost entirely to the latter. Integration requires both level and phase. Pink noise is of no help with the critical phase setting which causes the music to 'lock in.' I use cut 11 on Albert Collin's Deluxe Edition from Alligator Records. It's a 20 bit recording that starts with a killer bass solo. When the bass is right I then listen to the attack of bass and drums after the solo. Once done, I go to piano (cut 2 of Gould's Hindemeth CD for example) for any fine tunning. This is followed by cello and classical guitar. IMO all of these instruments need proper setup of a sub that goes down to 20Hz to sound right.

My experience is that HT and music work best with completely different LF settings. How much of a boost is required for "best" HT will vary with the extension, type of loading and placement that the subs have to offer. Trying to find one setting that is a good blend between the two different formats is very tough and usually a compromise at best.

As far as integration goes for music, one should mount the subs pretty close to the mains ( if at all possible ). This presents a more stable image, less localization problems and minimizes the time delay differences between each cabinet. Using large full range speakers for every channel is by far the best solution but most people aren't willing to sacrifice the necessary amount of "acreage" to do so.

Once you achieve the proper blend between your mains and the sub(s) for music, one can simply introduce more LF boost for movies as they see fit. Toggling between two different settings is not that difficult in most cases, especially if you have some type of programable processor.

If using powered subs, simply dialing up the gain on the sub amp is a quick and dirty approach. That is, so long as you remember where the settings are. Making a paper template with several different preset marks and taping it to the control panel on the sub can also be done quite easily. This gives you an instant reference for various settings ( rock / classical / jazz / movies, etc... ) with minimal fuss and no worries about memory loss : ) Sean
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