I am getting a MFW-15 and my current sub already has huge peaks in it and I am confused on how equalization works and what equipment is needed. Can someone give me a brief explanation. Thanks in advance.

There is no answer except that EQ is intended to compensate for the peaks and valleys which are common aspects of in-room responses. It can be accomplished by a stand-alone bass EQ (Velodyne SMS-1, Anti-Mode 8033, R-DES, Rives sub-PARC etc.), stand-alone full spectrum EQs (Audyssey Sound Equalizer, various Behringer units, etc.) or those built into processors and/or AVRs (Audyssey MultEQ, TacT, ARC, MCACC, YPAO, etc.). Some are analog, some digital. Some have built-in measurement systems and some require external measurement systems (such as RoomEQ Wizard).

Try Googling some of these for more info on how they work.

My receiver has "Audyssey" where it sends out the test tones and configures all the distances and everything but I don't think this is the same thing correct? Can someone give an explanation on how it actually works. I know its suppose to flatten out the response but how does it do it I guess is what I am asking. Thanks in advance

My receiver has "Audyssey" where it sends out the test tones and configures all the distances and everything but I don't think this is the same thing correct? Can someone give an explanation on how it actually works. I know its suppose to flatten out the response but how does it do it I guess is what I am asking. Thanks in advanceIt is exactly the same thing. Try the Audyssey website for an explanation of what it does and how.
http://www.audyssey.com/technology/index.html

I am pretty sure mine version is not the Audyssey MultiEq version if that matters (have an Onkyo 605) So am I correct in assuming the ONLY way I can get a flatter response is bass traps? (considering I have already used the AudysseyII? or whatever my receiver has as well as trying multiple placements of my sub?

I am pretty sure mine version is not the Audyssey MultiEq version if that matters (have an Onkyo 605) So am I correct in assuming the ONLY way I can get a flatter response is bass traps? (considering I have already used the AudysseyII? or whatever my receiver has as well as trying multiple placements of my sub?Your AVR has Audyssey Dynamic EQ (http://www.audyssey.com/technology/dynamicEQ.html)which is frequency-to-volume correction processor. It is supposed to balance the different frequency balance as volume increases or decreases. It is not the EQ processing. It appears you only have automatic distance settings and a 5 band graphic equalizer. I seems like this receiver is not doing any Eq or AutoEq processing. Looks like you will need an outboard Eq.

Ok thanks for looking that up for me. Could you explain how it solves the problem (I understand what it does just not how it does it). I tried reading up on it but I think I am getting confused

... Can someone give me a brief explanation...
Drop a rock into a small pool. Watch the waves radiate outward from where the rock fell in. Watch the waves bounce off the walls, and anything else already in the pool, and change in size and shape as they collide back into each other.

EQ is used to counteract the effects of the collisions so that normal waveforms are restored, as perceived from a given position in the pool.


Tim

Your AVR has Audyssey Dynamic EQ (http://www.audyssey.com/technology/dynamicEQ.html)which is frequency-to-volume correction processor. It is supposed to balance the different frequency balance as volume increases or decreases. It is not the EQ processing. It appears you only have automatic distance settings and a 5 band graphic equalizer. I seems like this receiver is not doing any Eq or AutoEq processing. Looks like you will need an outboard Eq.Wrong!

First, one cannot have Audyssey Dynamic EQ without having some form of Audyssey EQ since the DEQ operation depends on the measurements made by the EQ setup.

Second, the 605 has Audyssey 2EQ which is the least capable version of Audyssey EQ and, unfortunately, will not do anything for your subwoofer.
http://www.audyssey.com/technology/images/product_comparison.gif

Finally, the 605 does not have DynamicEQ according to Onkyo. The newer 606 has it.
http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=TX-SR605&class=Receiver&p=f

Ok thanks for looking that up for me. Could you explain how it solves the problem (I understand what it does just not how it does it). I tried reading up on it but I think I am getting confusedAudyssey calculates digital filters which compensate for the magnitude and excessive decay times for many frequencies. How many filters it generates depends on the version of Audyssey and the amount of processing power in your AVR or pre/pro.
http://www.audyssey.com/technology/images/product_comparison.gif

Wrong!

First, one cannot have Audyssey Dynamic EQ without having some form of Audyssey EQ since the DEQ operation depends on the measurements made by the EQ setup.

Second, the 605 has Audyssey 2EQ which is the least capable version of Audyssey EQ and, unfortunately, will not do anything for your subwoofer.
http://www.audyssey.com/technology/images/product_comparison.gif

Finally, the 605 does not have DynamicEQ according to Onkyo. The newer 606 has it.
http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=TX-SR605&class=Receiver&p=fYour right. Dynamic Eq is listed in the processing features, but it isn't checked. But, they don't even show any other Audyssey in the list of features.

Ah, I see. 2Eq is shown as a logo at the top of the page. Wonder why it's not in the features list.

So would something such as the Behringer Feedback Destroyer help to solve my problem to some extent. Can't really use and bass traps b/c its not a dedicated HT room

So would something such as the Behringer Feedback Destroyer help to solve my problem to some extent. Can't really use and bass traps b/c its not a dedicated HT roomI gotta say that the effective use of the BFD sort of demands some mastery of Room EQ Wizard as, I am told, the BFD's autoEQ is far from optimal. This is all hearsay because I have not used the BFD but you can research it for yourself.

I would think you consider something with an easier setup procedure like the Velodyne SMS-1 or the Anti-Mode 8033.

Also, considering the cost of these gadgets, you might also think about getting a better AVR that will incorporate all the EQ functions you need. But its your money.

Yes the behringer can help, but you need the behringer, a mic preamp, and a mic to use it.

So would something such as the Behringer Feedback Destroyer help to solve my problem to some extent. Can't really use and bass traps b/c its not a dedicated HT room

How about one of these?

http://www.gikacoustics.com/images/gik_table_01.jpg

http://www.gikacoustics.com/gik_elite_table.html

Or also some of these? They have different colors also to match your media room.

http://www.gikacoustics.com/images/pillar_front_trap.jpg

http://www.gikacoustics.com/gik_elite_pillar.html

A BFD will help but to eq really really large peaks probobly wonl't work to well unless you have a beast of a sub with lots of headroom. Maybe consider an eq, and/or hidden treatments approach. Just a suggestion.

How about one of these?One is not likely to solve subwoofer response variations although it might do something.

A BFD will help but to eq really really large peaks probobly wonl't work to well unless you have a beast of a sub with lots of headroom. Maybe consider an eq, and/or hidden treatments approach. Just a suggestion.I think you have it backwards. The EQ will not help nulls but no heavy lifting is required to reduce peaks.

I have something backwards? :confused: Is his subwoofer location permanant?

what about this?


http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_123&products_id=657

Yes the ED can help, but you need the ED, a mic preamp, and a mic to use it.

OH and REW (free) to use the ED or any EQ that is not automatic. Like Audyssey multeq or the velodyne SMS, anti mode 8033. I think you might be better off getting a Onkyo like the 805 then almost any other option you have and sell your 605.

does the 705/706 not have what I need?

does the 705/706 not have what I need?

the 705 has the same audyessy program as the 805.
it corrects in room response measured in 8 posistions
i think its called multeq xt

When externally eq'n subs...
Generally you take your worst issue frequency and try to fix it.

Depending on the issue(s) dual subs can go a long way in helping the curve all on it's own in many cases.

what about this?


http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_123&products_id=657It might but as SRR points out you will need measurement tools to use it effectively.

Again, if you replace your AVR with one that has MultEQ XT, you will be good to go.

This may be useful info:

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/brucekreviewofbfd.htm

If not, then at least look around hometheatershack.com and you will find a lot of good info.

Don't be intimidated by REW. It only takes a short time to get comfortable with its basic function. It can be used for subs, highs, and more.

If you don't have the time, or want to learn something new (that could take a number of hours or days to learn), then the Anti Mode 8033B is the simplist sub EQ there is. The whole setup takes about 7 minutes then your good to go. I've had one since last spring and am happy with it and I run 5 subs from the one unit. Go to: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1028464, http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1048461, and
http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/bfd-forum/11699-testing-dspeaker-anti-mode-8033-a.html for more info.

Bill

I recently bought a Rane PE 17 for its high pass filter. It also has a 5 band EQ. I have found that if I filter a frequency for one listening position, I worsen it in another listening position. i dont even use the EQ function on it after days of playing and measuring.

I am going to try some DIY bass traps next. I've seen some that would actually look pretty good in a family room or whatever.

If you don't have the time, or want to learn something new (that could take a number of hours or days to learn), then the Anti Mode 8033B is the simplist sub EQ there is. The whole setup takes about 7 minutes then your good to go.


Yes, this is the best choice out there if you want something to completely EQ your Sub in your room for you just by pressing a button.


The Audyssey EQ stuff is hit or miss in previous years so if you want to go the audyssey route make sure you buy a 2008 AVR with MultEQ XT in it!!

The Audyssey EQ stuff is hit or miss in previous years so if you want to go the audyssey route make sure you buy a 2008 AVR with MultEQ XT in it!!It's not that Audyssey itself is flaky but that the procedures are inadequately framed in all of the provided manuals. It is not 'plug-and-play.'

It's not that Audyssey itself is flaky but that the procedures are inadequately framed in all of the provided manuals. It is not 'plug-and-play.'

I have no idea if its flaky but I never ever could get pre-2008 audyssey to EQ my subs properly and that seems to be a common theme amongst others in the DIY sub community. Im still working on the 2008 version.

More info on the BFD:

http://home.comcast.net/~thomasw-2/SubwooferSetupandEQpage6.html

It is very simple to use.

So what I've gathered is the BFD will work well but it may take a lot of patience and tweeking.

THe audyssey multi EQ should theoretically work but experiences have been hit or miss

The 8033 is the easiest and takes just a few minutes.

If I am willing to work with it should the BFD get me just as good of results as anything else here? Looking to save money if I can. Do I need to buy anything else with the BFD?

Working with REW (http://www.hometheatershack.com/roomeq/) and the BFD (http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/bfdguide/) may look a little daunting at first, once yo get past the OMG part it is relatively easy to figure out. REW will give you all the settings you need to calibrate your BFD manually, although it can be done automatically if you purchase a MIDI interface and make sure you have the 1.4 Firmware in the BFD.

I am just beginning to understand a little about both REW and BFD, I would be glad to give you some help. I found my BFD on craigslist for $60 and it was brand new, looks like the cheapest I found online was about $99.

If you like messing around with stuff and don;t get discouraged easily then working with REW and a BFD is not really that bad once you play around with it, and the REW forums over at Home Theater Shack are very helpful.

Do I need to buy anything else with the BFD?

Just a few cables and adapters, which you may have laying around your house, It is not necessary to buy the "Y" adapters shown here: (http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=090-294), once you calibrate your sound card in your computer (internal card if you are using a laptop, some buy external sounds cards to use) you don;t need the loop back, but you will need a male to male stereo cable to go from your output to your input on the sound card. Then you need a couple of cables to connect your BFD to your AV processor/amp and a decent microphone or SBL meter. Those you can get at Radio shack, the SBL meter will set you back about $50-60 either way you need one of those ;-)

So what I've gathered is the BFD will work well but it may take a lot of patience and tweeking.Not patience and tweaking but a little application and learning to use REW.

THe audyssey multi EQ XT should theoretically work but experiences have been hit or missNot hit-or-miss but patience and tweaking. :) Also, it is the only one on the list that will also do the rest of the speakers full range.

The 8033 is the easiest and takes just a few minutes.Yes. Probably a one-shot.

If I am willing to work with it should the BFD get me just as good of results as anything else here? Looking to save money if I can. Do I need to buy anything else with the BFD?For bass, yes. In addition, your experience with REW will give you greater understanding of the underlying science.

If I am willing to work with it should the BFD get me just as good of results as anything else here? Looking to save money if I can. Do I need to buy anything else with the BFD?

This post shows how close you can get the two:

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/bfd-forum/11699-testing-dspeaker-anti-mode-8033-a.html

Like akakillroy said, "Working with REW and the BFD may look a little daunting at first, once yo get past the OMG part it is relatively easy to figure out.", it is not bad once you give it a try. It only took me a few times of messing with it to get the hang of it. Besides, there is great and constant support on hometheatershack.com. You can from my post here how short my learning curve was:

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/rew-forum/12622-rew-noob.html

The post also shows you how quick you can get support for any type of issues. Even the man who created it jumps in to help you out.

In addition, your experience with REW will give you greater understanding of the underlying science.

I think this was also a great help for me. I totally agree with Kal.