I've started experimenting with the room correction controls (shelving filters) on my studio monitors, which allow you to subtract 2 or 4dB of bass information from the signal.

However, I have to wonder---is this just a quick-and-dirty method of taming room problems, or does it really have the same effect as, say, laying bass traps in corners?

Also, my surround speakers are completely different from my L/R monitors---these don't have shelving filters, so I've given them a 100 Hz crossover as an attempt to match them to what the monitors are getting (80 Hz crossover with -4dB shelving filter). I do this because my surrounds (rear ported) are also very close to the walls. Does this make any sense at all?

I've started experimenting with the room correction controls (shelving filters) on my studio monitors, which allow you to subtract 2 or 4dB of bass information from the signal.

However, I have to wonder---is this just a quick-and-dirty method of taming room problems, or does it really have the same effect as, say, laying bass traps in corners?

I don't think it can replace the broadband overall effect of passive treatments, but anything you do to help only helps I suppose.

The coolest thing I've seen done with shelving filters recently is so that the subs can be boosted in the midbass (where so many speakers cannot handle, particularly for movie tracks). However, this pretty much requires dual subs, one next to each main to avoid localization. IMO, so far, the only place where a "good" HT lacks compared to my local cinema is the midbass. As far as PQ, SQ, surround wrap, LFE, etc, comfort, the HT is better. JMO, but not in the midbass, at least with my own setup.

Also, my surround speakers are completely different from my L/R monitors---these don't have shelving filters, so I've given them a 100 Hz crossover as an attempt to match them to what the monitors are getting (80 Hz crossover with -4dB shelving filter). I do this because my surrounds (rear ported) are also very close to the walls. Does this make any sense at all?

No comment.

I've started experimenting with the room correction controls (shelving filters) on my studio monitors, which allow you to subtract 2 or 4dB of bass information from the signal.

The shelving filters built into active loudspeakers are meant to compensate for the overall boost at low frequencies due to a speaker's close proximity to the wall. This is totally separate from the numerous peaks and nulls that occur in all rooms. So while shelving filters are good for their intended use, the solution for peaks and nulls is bass traps, not EQ.

--Ethan

The shelving filters built into active loudspeakers are meant to compensate for the overall boost at low frequencies due to a speaker's close proximity to the wall. This is totally separate from the numerous peaks and nulls that occur in all rooms. So while shelving filters are good for their intended use, the solution for peaks and nulls is bass traps, not EQ.

--Ethan

Totally agree with Ethan here.

Frank