SVS PB12-NSD and Hsu MBM-12????

ryan.p · 07-19-2007, 12:38 PM

Hello people I have been wondering if there are any members here that own or have owned an SVS PB12-NSD and used it with a Hsu MBM-12 midbass module??? If so, please share your impressions/oberservations with us. My room is just a tad bit under 2000 ft^3 and when watching movies my PB12-NSD really kicks as* if you know what I mean. However, the same is NOT true when listening to music. That is, the PB12 does not give me enough output above 35-40 Hz range where it is needed for tight articulation. In other words, I need more output in the 30-80 Hz range so as such been thinking about buying me a Hsu MBM-12 midbass module. If I do this, will this give me what I am looking for? Are there any other alternatives with respect to cost(s). What I am implying here is that I have a very tight budget. Been thinking about plugging the 4" port on the PB12-NSD BUT havn't done so because of fear I may damage the 12" NSD driver. I would had been better off buying a sub that offered me a better balance of the two extremes-one being ht performance and the other being musicality. I really do not need a sub to dig to the lowest depths BUT rather one that is capable of digging low while at the same time remaining quite punchy and articulate when listening to music. Perhaps, getting a second PB12-NSD may solve my problem but not sure. I have experimented with various placements as well as X-over frequencies. As a result, the PB12-NSD is currently placed between my mains with a X-over set at 100 Hz. When it was placed in the upper right hand corner I used the 80 Hz X-over setting. But to be honest, I have NOT found any significant improvment in performance with any placement. Just seems to sound and perform about the same. I also level matched the sub with my RS meter for better integration. My guess is that since the PB12 has such a large cabinet that by plugging the 4" port may allow the sub to offer me more midbass impact and articulation. Am I correct? Please help if you can as I am open to any and all suggestions. Thank you for your time.

JohnRice · 07-19-2007, 02:57 PM

I suspect you are getting phase cancellation, resulting in a big hole at the crossover frequency. In between the main speakers is usually not a good spot for a sub. I would explore sub placement and crossover further before buying more equipment.

Also, the "Return" key is your friend...

ryan.p · 07-19-2007, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnRice

I suspect you are getting phase cancellation, resulting in a big hole at the crossover frequency. In between the main speakers is usually not a good spot for a sub. I would explore sub placement and crossover further before buying more equipment.

Also, the "Return" key is your friend...

Hi John thanks for posting. I have used several locations and fully calibrated them. None of which really made any significant difference. The reason the PB12 is between my mains is because of using a higher X-over point of 100 Hz. As I am sure you know, the higher the X-over point results in the sub becoming more localized. Ed Mullen explained to me in most cases when using a higher X-over point it is best to position the sub as close to the mains as possible. Further, when a sub such as the PB12-NSD is tuned low it sacrifices output in the 40-80 Hz range due to the driver being stiffer. Hence, midbass is best reproduced with a driver that is not so stiff BUt rather quicker resulting in more punchiness and articualtion. In other words, it is difficult to have a sub that digs to the lowest octaves while at the same time belt out high spls in the midbass regions that are so crucial to music applications. At least, this is how it has been explained to me as I am no expert. Not sure what you are implying by the "return" key. Care to explain?

John Garcia · 07-19-2007, 04:42 PM

I think he meant break the post up a bit so it is easier to read

Didn't I already answer this today LOL, which means I won't bog you down with more of the same here

drobbins · 07-19-2007, 06:32 PM

Download and burn some test tones. Then measure the SPL at each frequency. You may find the need for a BFD equalizer. I am also have a PB12 NSD and a BFD eq., but I don't listen to music with it.

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ryan.p · 07-19-2007, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Garcia

I think he meant break the post up a bit so it is easier to read

Didn't I already answer this today LOL, which means I won't bog you down with more of the same here

Hi John this is speakerman39 .............LOL!!!!!! I talked to Erik K today at SVS and he referred me to Ed Mullen. I have sent Ed a lot of pics of my set-up with lots of details and am awaiting his reply as we speak. I know thar Ed knows his stuff and he is a very nice guy. I also would like to thank you for all of your help as I enjoy reading your posts.

Yeah guess I could of broke this post up a bit BUT I have a tendancy to rattle-at least I am thorough.......LOL!!!! Had the same problem in college BUT came in handy when I had to do a long term paper.

ryan.p · 07-19-2007, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drobbins

Download and burn some test tones. Then measure the SPL at each frequency. You may find the need for a BFD equalizer. I am also have a PB12 NSD and a BFD eq., but I don't listen to music with it.

Hi Dave, it is good to see and hear from another fellow Kentuckian. I have no need to download any tones as I have the Rives Test CD2 as well as the Avia. The test tones from the receiver along w/my Rat Shack meter is also very useful. Right now I am not too concerned with plotting my frequency response until I get everything optimally placed and calibrated. Oh heck, I think a lot of it is I am also lazy...........LOL!!!!!

I may also look into getting BFD but it sure looks complicated. You know I am one of those guys that burns water when I am cooking..........LOL!!!!!

drobbins · 07-20-2007, 05:43 AM

Quote:

I may also look into getting BFD but it sure looks complicated.

Not too complicated as much as time consuming. It took me the better part of a day. I had a 9 - 12 db drop in the 30-40Hz range that the BFD cleared up nicely.

Quote:

You know I am one of those guys that burns water when I am cooking..........LOL!!!!!

Well you might just burn out a few light bulbs by vibrating them to death with the test tones. I knocked out 3 my first go around.