Subwoofer Control

AudioFilet

I am using an Outlaw Audio ICBM to send the bass signal to the sub in my 2-channel system. I find that quite often I need to adjust the signal level to the sub, most often from one CD to the next, but sometimes from one song to the next. It is quite this way easy to get the sub to "blend" in with whatever I am playing, getting just the right aqmount of bass. Once in a while, I will need to change the crossover point, but not too often. All of this is quite easy to do right from the front panel of the ICBM. I'm just wondering how others do this, since I don't see much here about equipment like the ICBM. I think it would drive me nuts if I wasn't able to do this when I think the music needs it. Anybody else do this sort if thing??

organ

Once blended in, you shouldn't have to adjust anything at anytime. Maybe your location is not optimal and you may have peaks and dips in the subs freq range which could be accentuated with some music. Did you play around with the placement and phase? The best location for a sub is usually the one you least expect.

AudioFilet

I find it very difficult to believe that one setup for a subwoofer is going to work well for ALL music. That just defies logic. I'm not talking about a major or even minor problem with the setup, just that on occasion certain adjustments can make for a better listening experience. I just wonder if I am the only one around here doing this sort of thing, and if so, why is that??

organ

The idea is to get it to blend in properly with your main speakers. The specs on the subwoofer and speakers will not change, so the optimal set up stays the same. IF you're not happy with the bass on certain recordings, you're free to fine tune and adjust all you want.

edit:
Oops, forgot your original question. Don't know about the other members, but I've got mine tuned in pretty good and don't do any adjustments from one cd to the next but I prefer no subwoofer most of the time.

tcrossma

I agree, especially if you are changing the volume from one song to the next. If you happen to not like the way a particular CD is mixed because the author was a little bass happy (or not bass happy enough) then feel free to make adjustments, but if it's song-to-song then maybe it's either that you just like a certain amount of bass regardless of whether the song calls for it (your preference) or there might be some other calibration/room acoustics issue going on.

organ

I just took a look at AF's oroginal post again and he did mention that he changes the x-over once in a while.
Could be placement issue, because only the right setting can will blend it in with the mains.

Audio Filet,
Which sub and mains are you using?
Going by the speakers specs, set the sub about 10Hz higher than you main speakers low freq ext.
Try both 'phase' positions on the sub. The one that has the highest impact and no loss of volume near the x-over point is most likely correct.

I find that setting up a sub properly is very difficult. Usually, one location gives excellent extension while loosing upper bass and another location could be the direct opposite. Freq cancellations is always part of that package resulting in dips and bumps in the bass and somtimes complete sound cancellation wgere the bass that was suppose to be present is no longer audible.
The hardest part is finding that exact location where the output from the sub is the most linear and in correct phase with the main speakers.