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Subwoofers
Subwoofers are a vital part of any audio guru's
setup. These particular pieces of equipment are responsible for
producing the low-frequency thumps found in the 20-200 Hz range which
tend to set tempo, beat, and tone. There are two main types of
subwoofers, both of which can be rented at AA-Rental.com.
Two Types
Ported: This particular design draws its name from
its vent, which allows air to move freely inside and around the unit.
This greatly reduces the amount of power needed to operate it, while
increasing the raw sound output. However, this open nature results in a
lesser degree of precision in creating the desired bass, and can
sometimes let out a pronounced “boom.”
Sealed: These particular boxes draw their name from
their airtight nature, which greatly reduces the aforementioned “boom”
effect of the ported subwoofers. This results in a much more accurate
sound system, though a more powerful amplifier is needed to make these
sealed variants live up to expectations. They are smaller than their
ported counterparts, allowing for increase portability and ease of
transport.
Location, Location
As with the old real estate adage, finding the proper location for
your subwoofer is critical. No matter which type you choose, proper
positioning is absolutely essential to sonic success. Here are a few
tips to help you out.
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Try to avoid rooms with equal dimensions, such as squares.
Symmetrical patterns can wreak havoc with the acoustics.
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Never put your subwoofer in the center of a room. This is
the worst possible spot, and will result in weak audio production.
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The closer to a wall your subwoofer is sitting, the more
powerful a pulse it will produce. This effect can be maximized by
placing it near two walls, in a corner.
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If you're having trouble with the bass getting too boomy
as it sits in the corner or near the wall, adjust the position of other
objects in relation to the wall and woofer. A properly set up room will
help smooth out the wrinkles in your audio experience.
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If you're still having trouble hearing the bass, try
adding a second subwoofer near the wall or corner opposite of the first
unit. This will even out the experience for your listeners.
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Avoid concrete rooms as much as possible. This particular
building material is terrible for acoustics. If you have no choice, try
adding a layer of wall studs and board to help reduce the sound
deflection.
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Subwoofers don't have to be placed near the regular
speakers. Because of the way the frequencies play off the human ear,
they can be put in a variety of other locations.
Setting the crossover frequency, level, and
phase
As with nearly all modern audio equipment, most subwoofers are
adjustable in three facets – frequency, level, and phase.
Phase: This should only be altered if the frequencies from the subwoofer
are canceling out those produced by the main speakers. In order to solve
this problem, try switching the phase by 180 degrees.
Level: Simply put, this is the volume of the subwoofer, to be
adjusted for a variety of purposes. Figure out whether you want your
audience to hear the deep thumps of a battle scene in a war movie, or
whether you want it to subtly creep into their ears during a piece of
music. Whichever you choose, this is the setting you'll need to address.
Frequency: This one is a litter trickier, and requires some
experimentation. Most people start out at 80Hz, but that can sometimes
be a little off. If you're not getting the sound results you want, try
setting the crossover a tad bit higher than the frequencies being
produced by the main speakers. You'll want the gap in frequencies
between the two to be minimal, allowing for a seamless audio experience.
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