Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners recommended calibration of multiple subs?

What is everyone's preference on calibrating multiple subs? One at a time? Both together? Pro's and con's each way? I know this will vary based on placement, so let's assume both subs are equidistant from main listening position. I believe procedures change greatly at different distances.

I've found it really depends on your setup and room acoustics. Both can give good results. There is also a third option which is to use one sub as the "contol" sub and use the other sub(s) to make phase and equalization adjustents. Why do you say procdures change at different distances?

My understanding was if your subs are at different distances from your listening position, and/or not staged near each other the proper way to calibrate was one at a time then turn both on??? My dual subs are both up front between the mains, one on each side of the center channel and each one is the same distance to my LP. I am new at this, and have not p/u a meter or dove into REW yet. Just looking for a good start. Sounds good in my room, but my AVR set the subs(calibrated together & set at 11:oo) at -15. -3 to 0 sounds and feels good to me, so I'm curious as to how this plays into what the rest of the speakers are set to?

"Jakeman" is right when he states that it all depends on your setup and room acoustics. My method is pretty similar in that I have four subs always start off with one sub, set the volume and then individually do the others to match the first in output level. A good SPL meter AND "test disc" is worth the expense here since low bass is harder to balance strictly by ear AND, in my opinion, in comparison to your AVR/Pre-Pros internal test tones, the sound coming from a source piece of equipment like a DVD/BR player gives you a better (and more accurate) idea of what you are going to hear when playing back source material. You then turn them all on and match the volume to "taste" or, if you wish, use the meter to match them with your other speakers.

If your subs are equidistant from your listening position, the distance probably won't be a factor UNLESS, the subs are from different manufacturers and/or different types(down-firing/front-firing). At this point phase "may" have to be adjusted and this could affect overall volume as well. It may take some time but once it's done, it's done. This is, of course, unless you decide to move or replace them with others.

In the end, to me anyway, the TWO most important elements of maximizing sub performance and from the standpoint of your listening position, is balanced volume levels and proper phase relationship. How loud you want to play them in relation to your other speakers and source material, is just a matter of personal taste.

Thanks for the info guys! I have some work to do.

Casey, is a Radio Shack meter sufficient? Or would you recommend something else?

The Radio Shack metre is pretty much the standard.

I would concur.

I would start by placing your sub dB level on the receiver to the neutral position of 0dB. Then calibrate each sub One by One individually to match the same levels as the other speakers, usually 75dB. Adjust the volume (gain) on the sub not the receiver. Then turn off sub 1, and calibrate sub 2, etc...then turn them all on at once at the end. If you have them positioned "around" the room, the peaks and nulls will help cancel each other out for a more flatter response, which is the goal.

How would you go about doing a phase calibration? I have 2 totally different subs, an EP-350 and a 15" 500W DIY downfiring. They are in opposite corners of the room and I notice a big difference in SPL as I move around the room.

Change the setting on your phaser from "stun" to "calibration".

Sorry, I'm especially no help when tired....