Searching for matching(?) Subwoofer solution

Mijostyn: "According to Earl Geddes... you want to keep your subs as far apart as possible and throw the fourth one away."

Duke:"The four-sub configuration I use was Earl’s first-generation multisub-system. He subsequently wrote a program that can analyze the outputs of three subs and design custom digital equalization filters that will attain his goals without needing that fourth sub. The drawback is, if you move any of your subs or buy a new sub or change rooms, you need to have Earl redo the equalization in order to return to optimization."


Hello Mike and Duke,

      Even though I don't doubt Earl Geddes when he now states three subs are sufficient to constitute an effective DBA, I know there are other benefits of utilizing four subs in a DBA system in my room; namely the sense of bass ease along with the sense of the natural and unlimited bass power and impressive bass dynamics of music that I normally only perceive with music I hear played live in person.  I wouldn't want to sacrifice that quality just to have one less inconspicuous sub in my room. 

Tim 

Tim, I use four subs.
Thanx Duke for the explanation.

    mijostyn,

     Oh yeah, sorry, I forgot you use a 4-sub line source bass array system.  Well, then I'm sure you understand exactly what I mean when I describe a 4-sub bass array system as having a sense of bass ease that gives the impression of unlimited and natural bass power while also being capable of reproducing the impressive bass dynamics of music that one normally only perceives with music one hears played live in person. I'm also fairly certain you wouldn't want to only use only three subs, either.

Tim

Hi Folks,

I just posted this question to James Romeyn on his website and thought I'd ask it again on this forum to seek your wisdom as well:

What is the smallest room size recommended for use with the DEBRA/SWARM systems?

Also, does ceiling height have any effect?

Thanks,
Hans

Hello Hans,

     I recall James and Duke agreeing that the 4-sub distributed bass array(DBA) concept actually works very well in small rooms.  It's a bit ironic since multiple sub bass systems in small rooms are probably one of the least likely solutions most individuals would logically consider as a viable solution.  
     I don't believe there're set limits to domestic room sizes, floor materials or ceiling heights that a DEBRA/SWARM system will be effective in, it's more a matter of accommodating four 1' x 1' x 2' subs along the perimeter of the room facing the nearest wall.  The main goal, counterintuitively, is to get as many bass modes (peaks and dips) distributed throughout the room as possible and rely on our brain's normal functioning to create the perception of smooth, detailed  and natural bass that seamlessly blends with the main speakers. The concept works exceptionally well in virtually any room and with any pair of main speakers.  

     I think either James or Duke will offer an in-room home trial period, as James did for me, to make sure your room isn't one of the extremely rare rooms and systems it does not perform exceptionally well in. This makes it a very low risk purchase and it'll all be needless anyway since your room has no obvious issues. I'm fairly certain you'll be very glad if you decide to give either one a try.

Tim