Searching for matching(?) Subwoofer solution

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  

Actually, it might work better in a small room. Every dimension in a room makes difference but perhaps less so with multiple subwoofers.

mijostyn:"Actually, it might work better in a small room. Every dimension in a room makes difference but perhaps less so with multiple subwoofers."


  Hello Mike,
     
     I believe you're correct.  Very few people probably even consider, much less attempt, using multiple subs in a small room and are unaware this would be a good bass solution.

Tim


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

This will be somewhat counter-intuitive, but a small room benefits more from a distributed multisub system than a large room does. The reason is, smaller rooms are correspondingly worse in the modal region and so they have more room for improvement! 

So the large room starts out better. Assuming equivalent multisub systems in both, the small room will improve more and "catch up" to the larger room somewhat, but I would expect the larger room to still sound better.

I think the lower room size limit is set by practicality... when you can just barely shoehorn four small subs into the room along with the rest of the system and yourself, you have found the smallest room size.

I’m working in a small-room optimized speaker system and surprise surprise it includes four small subs, two of which are built into the bottoms of the main speakers for the sake of practicality.

Duke

audiokinesis:"I’m working in a small-room optimized speaker system and surprise surprise it includes four small subs, two of which are built into the bottoms of the main speakers for the sake of practicality."

Hey Duke,

     Very interesting.  As I understand it. having main speakers with subs built-in can be an issue since main speakers are typically positioned in the room to optimize the midrange and treble response, along with the  stereo and soundstage imaging, at the designated listening seat.  This means the built-in subs, because they are housed in the same cabinet as the midrange and treble drivers and are restricted to being positioned at the exact same room positions as the midrange and treble drivers, which are unlikely to be the exact optimum sub room positions in the room for bass response performance at the designated listening seat.
     Because I believe you know all of the above, I'm thinking your purpose for these two built-in subs is probably just to create numerous bass modes (peaks and dips)in the room. 
      Is your new small room concept based on the reasoning that placing the first two subs at the predetermined locations where the midrange and treble drivers perform best will typically be placed sufficiently that, with the additional two subs being capable of being placed optimally in combination with the two predetermined subs. the overall bass response in the room will be generally not be optimized but still exceptionally good?
     If so, is the reason for not using four independent subs along with a pair of independently positioned and matched bookshelf type satellites just practicality?

Just curious,
     Tim