Dont use the speaker level inputs, they will be noisier than the RCA inputs. Also, you should not have to run left and right to each sub, the signal is only mono anyway, so try splitting it three ways and running a single RCA to each sub. I would check the documentation that comes with the subs, they should have a mono input.
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Dumb subwoofer question
How would I go about running three powered SWs from my receiver. My current SW is plugged into the SW RCA jack and the single RCA is split into Right and Left RCAs that plug into the SW. I suppose the way to split it three ways would be to split the single RCA three ways and then into R & L for each speaker, but I'm concerned that such an arrangement would compromise sound quality.
The SWs all have speaker wire inputs that I don't use--maybe that's the way to do it.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
The SWs all have speaker wire inputs that I don't use--maybe that's the way to do it.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
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I can't understand why anyone would want to have 3 subwoofers in one room. Integrating one or two subs is difficult enough. If you need 3 subs, then you either have them incorrectly located in the room or you just need subs with greater output.
Please see my prior post to another post titled 'Location of Sub'. I don't know what your overall goal is but using 3 subs in one room is not an appropriate solution.
I am guessing here, but I think you would want a sub that has deeper bass (lower frequencies below 40Hz or so) or a sub that plays louder (has a more powerful internal amplifier). Please note that one does not necessarily go hand in hand with the other. You can have a powerful subwoofer that does not have very low frequently response, or you can have a subwoofer that has great low end response but does not have enough power to play loudly.
I hope this helps.
Questions or comments? Feel free to contact me.
Please see my prior post to another post titled 'Location of Sub'. I don't know what your overall goal is but using 3 subs in one room is not an appropriate solution.
I am guessing here, but I think you would want a sub that has deeper bass (lower frequencies below 40Hz or so) or a sub that plays louder (has a more powerful internal amplifier). Please note that one does not necessarily go hand in hand with the other. You can have a powerful subwoofer that does not have very low frequently response, or you can have a subwoofer that has great low end response but does not have enough power to play loudly.
I hope this helps.
Questions or comments? Feel free to contact me.
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Nothing will be compromised by doing it this way.
If all the subs are in different locations, then you run the risk of an uneven frequency response due to them cancelling each other out at certain freq's. If you find one location that gives you a smooth frequency response, it would be best to put all the subs there. On the other hand, if the locating 3 subs in the same place isn't practical and you're experiencing some freq' cancellations w/one sub, the subs in the other locations might not experience the same thing and they could "fill in" the freq's that are cancelling. The only way to tell what's going on for sure is to take some measurements with some test tones and the RS SPL meter.
| I suppose the way to split it three ways would be to split the single RCA three ways and then into R & L for each speaker, but I'm concerned that such an arrangement would compromise sound quality |
If all the subs are in different locations, then you run the risk of an uneven frequency response due to them cancelling each other out at certain freq's. If you find one location that gives you a smooth frequency response, it would be best to put all the subs there. On the other hand, if the locating 3 subs in the same place isn't practical and you're experiencing some freq' cancellations w/one sub, the subs in the other locations might not experience the same thing and they could "fill in" the freq's that are cancelling. The only way to tell what's going on for sure is to take some measurements with some test tones and the RS SPL meter.
Thanks for the replies. The truth of the matter is that I happen to have three SWs left over from previous sound systems and I figured I would ust put them all to use in my home theater. I'll try two at first and see how that sounds.
I would suggest starting with one subwoofer first. If and when you are satisfied with the sound of the first sub, then integrate the second. This way you will have less of a hassle trying to 'adjust' the sound of both subs at once.
Even having both subs in the same room at the same time (even if your are adjusting one first) will affect the sound. The cone of the sub that is 'off' will vibrate and give inaccurate readings if you are going to use a SPL meter.
Just my 2 bits.
Even having both subs in the same room at the same time (even if your are adjusting one first) will affect the sound. The cone of the sub that is 'off' will vibrate and give inaccurate readings if you are going to use a SPL meter.
Just my 2 bits.
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But does this make a measurable or audible difference?
| Even having both subs in the same room at the same time (even if your are adjusting one first) will affect the sound. The cone of the sub that is 'off' will vibrate and give inaccurate readings if you are going to use a SPL meter. |
Yes, it can make a difference. Depending on the size of the room and how loud you are playing the test signals, it can make a big difference.
You may want to experiment and try it for yourself. It might take you some time, but try making the measurements with and without the second sub in the room. I think you might be surprised.
You may want to experiment and try it for yourself. It might take you some time, but try making the measurements with and without the second sub in the room. I think you might be surprised.
My two sonosubs will be finished(or at least functional) this week, so I think I'll try and report back here.
You would only need three subs in theory if your room size was around 6000cf. (LxHxW) Using multiple subs placed near satellites generates wildly ranging response. Using one, or more sub in mono and implementing your Bass Management feature in your prepro creates 5, or 7 identical 20-20KHz speakers. I am all for multiple subs if setup properly. Many pros (Matt Polk, CEDIAs Russ Hershelmann, M&Ks Doug Osborune to name a few) concur on placing subs asymmetrically. Place on in a corner and place the other in the first half of the room away from the wall on opposite side of the first. A third sub would only be needed for headroom (larger rooms than 1000cf). Multiple subs smooth out standing waves, make you feel the bass more and improve the dynamic range. The key is experimentation. Smoothing out peaks and valleys can be done with a parametric, or 1/3 octave EQ and a spectrum analyzer.
If you locate your sub-woffers at pressure nulls in the room you can overcome a lot of low frequency problems by using multiple sub-woofers. The issue is not only one of sound pressure ( cubic volume ) but of room dynamics ( standing waves ). All the so called home theater gurus use multiple subs in their installs, one supposed as many as 12. It can be an expensive solution but it does work. It helps to hook up some sort EQ software with at least 1/12 active resolution so you can see what is happening in the room, but trial and error along side a good set of ears can come just as close-although you will spend a lot more time and effort using the latter approach.
I do not see as anyone answered the original question: use a distribution amplifier with the sub output on the Pre/Pro as the input and 3 mono line level feeds connected to your sub-woofers.
I do not see as anyone answered the original question: use a distribution amplifier with the sub output on the Pre/Pro as the input and 3 mono line level feeds connected to your sub-woofers.
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Tony,
I'd try ONE and see how that sounds.
I think you're hurting your sound quality merely in an attempt to make use of all the subwoofers.
Getting even 2 subwoofers to work in a single room without having them cancel each others efforts is tricky.
Actually, it's impossible - they will always cancel each other to some degree - the question is whether you can get
the degree to which they cancel low enough via judicious placement.
I doubt whether it's worth it. I would rather have a single subwoofer with smooth response - than to try to put 2 or
more subwoofers and get higher bass quantity - but sacrificing bass quality.
| Originally posted by TonyH Thanks for the replies. The truth of the matter is that I happen to have three SWs left over from previous sound systems and I figured I would ust put them all to use in my home theater. I'll try two at first and see how that sounds. |
I'd try ONE and see how that sounds.
I think you're hurting your sound quality merely in an attempt to make use of all the subwoofers.
Getting even 2 subwoofers to work in a single room without having them cancel each others efforts is tricky.
Actually, it's impossible - they will always cancel each other to some degree - the question is whether you can get
the degree to which they cancel low enough via judicious placement.
I doubt whether it's worth it. I would rather have a single subwoofer with smooth response - than to try to put 2 or
more subwoofers and get higher bass quantity - but sacrificing bass quality.
Dr. Greenman, how have you been. I saw one of your older posts in another thread and have wondered where you went.
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I'd try ONE and see how that sounds.
I think you're hurting your sound quality merely in an attempt to make use of all the subwoofers.
Getting even 2 subwoofers to work in a single room without having them cancel each others efforts is tricky.
Actually, it's impossible - they will always cancel each other to some degree - the question is whether you can get
the degree to which they cancel low enough via judicious placement.
I doubt whether it's worth it. I would rather have a single subwoofer with smooth response - than to try to put 2 or
more subwoofers and get higher bass quantity - but sacrificing bass quality.
Dr. Gregory Greenman
Physicist
_____________________________________________
Dr. Greenman, I agree with you 1000%. As I had stated in my prior responses, getting the bass right in a room can be a very, very difficult task indeed.
Getting those long wavelengths 'behaving' in a room is almost impossible. I can't believe that someone mentions using up to 12 subs in a room. This would require some sort of electronic equalization and sound analysis software. And I believe that you still would not achieve satisfactory bass response. Also, that is way beyond the normal scope of the average home theater (or most venues for that matter).
I'm glad to see that as a physicist you approach the topic from a realworld perspective. Physiscs doesn't lie.
I'd try ONE and see how that sounds.
I think you're hurting your sound quality merely in an attempt to make use of all the subwoofers.
Getting even 2 subwoofers to work in a single room without having them cancel each others efforts is tricky.
Actually, it's impossible - they will always cancel each other to some degree - the question is whether you can get
the degree to which they cancel low enough via judicious placement.
I doubt whether it's worth it. I would rather have a single subwoofer with smooth response - than to try to put 2 or
more subwoofers and get higher bass quantity - but sacrificing bass quality.
Dr. Gregory Greenman
Physicist
_____________________________________________
Dr. Greenman, I agree with you 1000%. As I had stated in my prior responses, getting the bass right in a room can be a very, very difficult task indeed.
Getting those long wavelengths 'behaving' in a room is almost impossible. I can't believe that someone mentions using up to 12 subs in a room. This would require some sort of electronic equalization and sound analysis software. And I believe that you still would not achieve satisfactory bass response. Also, that is way beyond the normal scope of the average home theater (or most venues for that matter).
I'm glad to see that as a physicist you approach the topic from a realworld perspective. Physiscs doesn't lie.
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