As mentioned, a too-common post in audio fora is, "I got a sub, and it doesn’t sound good. Help me!" Unfortunately, trying to integrate a sub without measurement capability is a fool’s errand. That’s a tough thing for a newbie to accept, one who has spent a wad on a new sub, and who is reading audio fora and magazines where measurements often are held to be irrelevant.
In integrating subs, many people emphasize the primacy of placement, and I agree. And it’s a LOT easier to compare placements if you measure! In some rooms, nulls can’t be avoided, but if you measure, you can place the subs so they don’t have nulls at the same frequencies as the mains.
This is true whether you use DRC (digital room correction) or not.
Now you have to set up good crossover frequencies and slopes. I’ve done it both ways, and I agree, it’s far easier done by using some kind of DRC. I’m currently using Anthem’s ARC, which does an outstanding job at this. I had fine results formerly from a Tact 2.2X.
Finally, you have to adjust phase of the subs, and though it can be done without a microphone, it too is way easier with one. How many DRC systems do this automatically? ARC Genesis used with Anthem’s STR line does, but many do not.
So yes, the DRC systems really do help in setting up subs. (And as Erik said, this is independent of the EQ features.) Even more important is the measuring mic, its software, and the patience to learn how to use them.
In integrating subs, many people emphasize the primacy of placement, and I agree. And it’s a LOT easier to compare placements if you measure! In some rooms, nulls can’t be avoided, but if you measure, you can place the subs so they don’t have nulls at the same frequencies as the mains.
This is true whether you use DRC (digital room correction) or not.
Now you have to set up good crossover frequencies and slopes. I’ve done it both ways, and I agree, it’s far easier done by using some kind of DRC. I’m currently using Anthem’s ARC, which does an outstanding job at this. I had fine results formerly from a Tact 2.2X.
Finally, you have to adjust phase of the subs, and though it can be done without a microphone, it too is way easier with one. How many DRC systems do this automatically? ARC Genesis used with Anthem’s STR line does, but many do not.
So yes, the DRC systems really do help in setting up subs. (And as Erik said, this is independent of the EQ features.) Even more important is the measuring mic, its software, and the patience to learn how to use them.