So who uses an EQ for their sub?

Michael Varacin · 11-02-2004, 11:21 AM

I'm curious...how popular is using an EQ to flatten bass response?

I have a huge 20db peak between 25-35Hz, and I am trying to decide of an EQ is worth it. I can't move the sub to a different location.

So how many people have purchased EQ's?

Rob Kramer · 11-02-2004, 11:32 AM

Ive swapped resistors im my sub's amp in order to cutout a 6dB peak with great results.

20 dB is one hell of a peak though.

11-02-2004, 11:48 AM

IMHO, its the ONLY way to straighten out in-room bass response.

I have used a AudioControl Bijou, and currently use a Behringer Feedback Destroyer.

FWIW, there is an interesting series of article in the current Absolute Sound relating to room correction (for the most part TAS is rubbish, but I read it for entertainment purposes).

Short story: EQ for the bass is essential to getting things right in your room. They are pretty late to the party, but I could not agree more. Shame they focus on multi thousand dollar devices, rather than stuff like the BFD, which I would wager can give any of the high $$$$ devices a run for their money if used properly.

BGL.

Eric Ha · 11-02-2004, 12:21 PM

It is the only way to go IMO. I use a Rane PE-17 eq and love it. I had a 25db null at 40hz, as well as various other peaks and dips. I'm now within 8db from 16hz to 80hz.

Ryan Tsang · 11-02-2004, 12:29 PM

Count me in. I use a Behringer FD. I would not assemble a half decent HT without one. I think I paid $225cdn.

**HTF Ads**

Wayne A. Pflughaupt · 11-02-2004, 12:29 PM

Quote:

So how many people have purchased EQ's?

I’d say everybody and his dog.

Do a search on this forum and our DIY and Advanced Projects Forum for “Behringer Feedback Destroyer” and “BFD.” You’ll probably get hundreds of hits.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

Joe Mihok · 11-02-2004, 04:22 PM

*raises hand*

I'm using a BFD with a 194L Tempest DIY Sub.I've tried various "house curves" and found that a flat response sounded better. Right now I'm +/- 2db from 18-80hz. It sounds simply fantastic and I would never even think of owning a sub without my trusty BFD. I paid $185 CND. Best money on HT I've ever spent.

Greg_R · 11-02-2004, 05:02 PM

I used to employ an EQ until I leveled the response via other means (acoustic treatment and placement).

Ryan Tsang · 11-04-2004, 02:50 AM

True story: just got a Servo-15 v1. running 5ch small, X-over 80hz on prepro. Using the snapbug program and the sine wave test tones I graphed 5 potential setups. The best one gave me a peak to null max difference of 22db between 90-20hz! After some time spent on the BFD, I was able to get it +2/-3db between the same range.

Before I EQ'd the Servo, it sounded worse than my previous setup (which was EQ'd). There was so much material coming from the sub even after level matching that it was ridiculously localizable. I thought it was the upper bass and for a while I regreted not buying the X-30 external X-over. After the diagnosis and re-config the bass mgnt in my prepro, I found the problem: a huge plateau from 45-25hz, not 80-110hz where I had thought. Anyways...if it wasn't for my BFD, I'd be lost.

Martin Rendall · 11-04-2004, 09:19 AM

I too had a huge 20+db peak centered around 25Hz. Basically it meant that if I calibrated the sub to the mains using Avia, some frequencies were effectively lost, while others were too noticeable. It sounded like a 1 note sub. I also had a wide dip around 54Hz. And there was no way I was able to integrate with my mains between 100Hz and 160Hz. Response was a sine wave with a 20dB amplitude.

A BFD sorted all that out. Things sound more balanced now. I'm honestly not sure whether EQing the upper bass region is the right thing to do, but certainly getting rid of the huge hump at 25Hz and boosting a bit at 54Hz made a world of difference.

Martin.