If you run 2 subs and...

27dnast

they are different models with different frequency response ranges...

Then I want to hear from you!

I've read quite a bit about 2 subs... generally, most users say that if you are running 2 subs, they must be the same model.

But, a few users say that's hog wash for the typical sub-owner (say, subs worth less than $1K).... that it is possible to blend two different subs with some good effect.

So, if you are running 2 different subs (one stronger/deeper than the other, specs-wise), then detail your set-up, placement, and how you calibrated your subs!!!!!

27

mantis

The Idea behind running multiple subs is better coverage. In my strong opinion ,I believe 2 identical subs works best.
You can however use 2 different subs and get good results with proper placement and calibration. I have done this both ways and found I prefer the same subs due to performance and dynamic range of the woofers. Some woofers perform better then others and respond differently. This can be a distraction.
If you own 2 different subs and are trying to get a good LFE and bass coverage in your room, listen to both woofers and see which one you like better , sell the other and get another of your favorite.

Calibration is done by tuning both subs by them selves first in their proper placements , then grouping them together to get an overall performance. They work together off the same LFE output unless your processor has dual sub outs or .2. This makes it much easier to tune the subs as the preamp treats them as their own channels.

So quick guide to tuning your subs.
1) Connect LFE to one sub. Leave processor level at 0. Calibrate sub to 75db by using volume control on sub( make sure Phase and crossover points are all adjusted properly before setting level).
2) Disconect 1st sub and connect 2nd sub and repeat step 1.
3) Now connect both subs and recalibrate using the preamps line level volume to get 75db out of both playing at the same time. You don't want to overpower the rest of the system with subs playing louder then the rest. This will cause a unbalanced sounding system and "MUD" up the overall experience.

27dnast

I have a second sub laying around (a psw10) and was considering adding it into the mix. My primary sub is an Energy s-10.3. Home theater only. I like the energy. I have it placed in the front left corner of my HT. I did the bass crawl and that's the spot that sounded best.

On some occasions the bass feels more prevalent on the left side of the room.... I thought I might be able to slip in a second sub - even the much weaker and less dynamic psw10 - on the right side of the room to help fill some of it in.

I would gladly pick-up a second S-10.3. But they are no longer made and are currently selling for very $high$ prices...

As a caveat... I am waiting for an order of 6 bass shakers to arrive. They may actually prove to add enough enhancement that a second sub isn't necessary.

At any rate... I've read enough to suggest that adding the PSW10 into my current mix will create some problems... I'm just not sure if I'm the kind of listener that will hear the problems!

Almadacr

I don`t see your Polk creating problems , maybe he is not at the same level as your other sub wont keep up the pace but raise the volume on the PSW10 , mantis said what you have to do regarding calibration ( Don`t try to calibrate with both subs on , your MCACC will say the your subs are 2 loud ) .

27dnast

Just out of curiosity... why don't you see it creating problems? Is it because the polk is so much weaker? So many things you read say that downside to 2 different subs is so much greater than the upside (but, like I said, occasionally someone will say 2 subs can work).

My energy can dip down to 20hz... the psw10 only dips to 35hz...

I'm just looking for a little bit of extra-umph where I can get it.

Just wanted to figure this out in my head before I order all of the appropriate lfe lines and the y splitter.

20hz

27dnast wrote: »

Just out of curiosity... why don't you see it creating problems? Just wanted to figure this out in my head before I order all of the appropriate lfe lines and the y splitter.

I saw plans "building the ultimate sub" it crossed over the subs differant one for deep lows and the other driver for punch , they recomended a good 10" and the other driver a 15" , I think .
the idea is both drivers lack certain frequencys and this setup was supposed to solve that .

27dnast

By crossover, do you mean that each woofer was fed a different range of frequencies???? Or do you mean each woofer was allowed to overlap frequencies?



Hmmm.... Sounds like I need to spend some time experimenting

pearsall001

Two identical subs are the best way to go. But two different subs will also work, it's just more difficult to get them to jell.

SDA1C

I have to agree as far as being in a home theatre setting or simple receiver driven stereo its best to have two identical subwoofers in diameter and enclosure/amplification and all that. However, If you have the resource it will be far better to incorporate a separate speaker compliment. With that I mean you will get much better performance if you have say 2-15s ,2-12s, 2-10s and so on. in that case I'd have to contend and say it would be better to have different sizes. Clearly you will be sending different signals to the different sizes but I would say the subs would still be classified as such until you get above the 150 to 200 hrtz range. Its quite simple to tune a specific speaker to a specific frequency =/- 10 hrtz. It becomes more difficult on a curve as far as how broad of frequencies you are trying to make your subwoofer perform well. The tighter you can keep the tuning the better your subs will sound. JMHO and personal experience.

20hz

27dnast wrote: »

By crossover, do you mean that each woofer was fed a different range of frequencies???? Or do you mean each woofer was allowed to overlap frequencies?



Hmmm.... Sounds like I need to spend some time experimenting

Yes no overlap something like 80 hz down to the 15' and 85 and up to the
10" , I agree it would be a lot of experaments , I wouldnt come near it , I would never be happy .

cfrizz

I run two different subs and they sound just fine. a thump is a thump. I don't focus on it, I simply enjoy whatever is playing on my system. Having two subs allows me to have better coverage across the room.

rubin

Mantis has some good advice. I use (4) subwoofers of two different brands and types and it works well for me.

GTB

I went from one PSW10 to one MicroPro 2000, to two MicroPro 2000's. I can't comment on running two different subs, but I can say that the PSW10 is not likely going to change things much.

For music the Micro's were awesome! I'm convinced having two subs is the way to go. I've just replaced them with some DIY subs as I do a lot of HT.

I'm selling the Micros.....but will truly miss them!

Greg

20hz

I heard a interesting sub ..
it was a ported pro-sound 18" in a 3 cubic cabinet , it really filled the large room w/bass but I dont think that sub went that low so it would need a sub that went low (20-25hz) to play aloung side .

Hjavier

i agree with MANTIS! in the past i had 2 subs connected to one system and it rocked, the only reason it rocked was same make same model. but it does intrigue me to see the process of calibrating to different subs on one system. i have tried many different subs and all sound different to a certain degree, and then you have to take into account speaker placement how the room handles LFE acoustically. but i'd be interested on your findings.

27dnast

I'll have some results in about a week or so and will report back.

I just made some purchases (primarily a Behringer Frequency Destroyer), more cords, and an external sound card... and some downloads (REW software) to, at a minimum, calibrate my primary sub.

My plan is to dial my primary sub in as good as possible... then turn to my smaller PSW10 sub and calibrate it. Both can be equalized by the BFD...

My guess is, that the two calibrated subs (in conjunction with my bass shakers) are going to work in harmony for the most part (and the REW software is going to tell the tale better than my ears) to the point that an average listener like myself and most everyone else will not be able to hear big problems.

I **think** the biggest problem (two subs or not) is getting one sub properly EQ-ed... will probably make it sound 10X its worth. Because I, for one, am sick of dealing with peaks that are for the most part uncontrollable.

I had been hoping I could avoid this process by simply moving the subs around to different positions. But, the truth is, I need to roll up my sleeves and do some measurements and let this EQ unit tame the sub.

I'm excited to get this process underway. Should be fun!