2. speakers
  3. 183096-12372

Equalization with REL six pack

I am preparing to set up a REL six-pack for the first time. Though I bought the subs used, I am paying a local dealer to set them up. One question I want to have perspective on before setup is this:

 

I use a Rives PARC attenuation-only equalizer that is indispensable to tame room bumps in the 40-80 hz range. (yes I know room treatments are more deal but let's put that aside please)

When I set up the six-pack, my thinking is that I should put the subs in place, stacked approximately where they are supposed to be just outside and slightly back from the mains, and with the subs unplugged, get the mains to sound the way I like with equalization. Then go through the whole six-pack setup. This makes more sense to me than bypassing equalization during setup and equalizing after the six-pack setup, since subs have separate volume control and can be set accordingly. I suppose I may do slight attentuation adjustments afterward as well. 

 

The alternative of bypassing equalization until after six-pack setup seems less appealing because much of the six-pack "by ear" setup could be thrown way off by adding significant attenuation after the fact.

 

Thoughts? I am not mentioning system components because I don't think it matters, but if anyone disagrees I am happy to give a rundown. My mains are Verity Parsifal Encores, flat to around 28hz.

 

Thanks

 

 

montaldo
m-db's avatar
m-db
985 posts
 

montaldo,

Exactly.

 

 

avatar:  Gene Czerwinski 

montaldo OP
201 posts
 

I am attenuating to ameliorate a room problem between 40-80 hz that I cannot treat for ... not for parlor tricks.

Thanks for assuming the worst without knowing anything about me, Gene.

m-db's avatar
m-db
985 posts
 

To be clear, that was a direct quote from the REL website. Point being they developed a remote volume control even though they claim adjusting volume level for music to HT is a parlor trick.

My response was in the form of a warning showing a blatant contradiction regarding something as simple as adjusting gain. If I'm not mistaken their contradiction now extends to the use of low level connectivity for the line array systems? 

I apologize for my lack of forum clarity and a failed attempt at sarcasm toward a product (not you) that I personally found to be stunningly lacking in control as well as frequency response.

In my experience with this sub-bass speaker I disregarded the manufacturer setup procedure regarding high level connectivity and location suggestions which exacerbated exactly the frequency range at issue here.

Relocating the REL within my rooms bass mode and using an optimized low level signal from a Velodyne DD subwoofer the $9K REL came into its own. Unfortunately, its limited -6dB low frequency response clearly choked the program material that the Velodyne easily conveyed. I can't imagine simply adding five more units filling that void.

Again, my apologies. All the best with your project. M

 

 

avatar:  Gene Czerwinski  

  

 

montaldo OP
201 posts
 

Thanks for clarifying Gene. You bring up another point that had me scratching my head, which is why the three subs would be moved alongside the main speakers when an array is used, versus taking advantage of slightly different room placement to even out the bass. I assume this is because the crossovers of the upper units get dialed up higher and that begins to be more directional. So it works better to be next to the mains.

montaldo OP
201 posts
 

However I'm not inclined to second guess John Hunter and all the dealers who have set up thousands of six packs. My working  assumption is that they are right but I would just like to know why!

More to discover