Setting up a subwoofer correctly

nightrider1470

nightrider1470

nightrider1470

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Is it just a case of letting my Yamaha A3050 do its auto calibration for setting my sub up?

Not sure if I should be messing with the dials at the back of my sub?




Be great if someone could advise how to best set it up :)
 
My opinion:

If Yamaha's auto calibration is anything like Denon's (which is very good) I'd let the Yamaha do its work. Provided of course you:

Connect the sub via a lead (LFE in) & switch the input to line. X-over Q - no idea what that is.

X-over, set that to its lowest setting & let the Yamaha decide where to set the X-over frequency. In the past I'd've set it according to the lower end frequency of the satellite speakers, but modern AV receiver calibrators are smart enough these days to decide & set the sub-sat x-over itself.

In my experience, auto standby is not a good thing. I did that with my sub & it ended up having a new amp board as a result.

I'd be interested to know what make the sub is as well.
 
On the sub set xover to 160, xoverq to 0.3, volume to 5, input to lfe, phase to 0. Run auto set up on your yamaha once done change all speakers to small (even if you have big floorstanders) set sub xover in the yamaha between 80 and 120 (mines set to 100). If the subs not loud enough or too loud change the level in the yamaha not on the back of the sub.
 
Hi the sub is part of my sound bar but am moving it upstairs with my projector.

It's a Arcam solo sub. It's 300w and 10" driver. 20hz-250hz... Is it good enough for the job for movies? It retails at £500
 
danoliver1 said:
On the sub set xover to 160, xoverq to 0.3, volume to 5, input to lfe, phase to 0. Run auto set up on your yamaha once done change all speakers to small (even if you have big floorstanders) set sub xover in the yamaha between 80 and 120 (mines set to 100). If the subs not loud enough or too loud change the level in the yamaha not on the back of the sub.
Click to expand...

Jackpot! Thanks.

How come to set all speakers to small?
 
nightrider1470 said:
I have a mixture all though the 3 fronts all match which I know is important...They are small though, so should work well. My sub is a Arcam solo subwoofer :)
Click to expand...

Cool. Have a play with the yamaha crossover. Thx recommends 80hz but i found 100hz sounded better you might find 120hz works better for small speakers.
 
I have decided to add a second sub I had spare from my Q7000 speakers. (Q7000s)

I noticed that when I set level which I assume is volume to 10 it creates a loud humming noise. Should this be set at 0 and the amp will control volume?.... I did set at 0, but noticed there was hardly any bass in the room so a little unsure what to do.

I have crossover set at max. AV

Should I have sensitivity set at low or high?

(Picture is from Google and not my actual settings)

 
Last edited:
nightrider1470 said:
I have decided to add a second sub I had spare from my Q7000 speakers. (Q7000s)

I noticed that when I set level which I assume is volume to 10 it creates a loud humming noise. Should this be set at 0 and the amp will control volume?.... I did set at 0, but noticed there was hardly any bass in the room so a little unsure what to do.

I have crossover set at max. AV

Should I have sensitivity set at low or high?

(Picture is from Google and not my actual settings)

Click to expand...

Personally i wouldnt use 2 subs in one room without having the correct sound measuring device and software to accurately measure what each sub is doing. If you use both subs at once then its possible that they will cancel each other out (which is why theres a phase switch). If you want better base buy a better sub,chucking an extra rubbish sub into the mix is only going to end in tears.
 
Ahhhhh OK..... Thought it would have been more of a plus, but from the knowledge you have given me, I will take your word and remove it.

Well I will test with both for the fun of it and see if the Yamaha can work any magic to marry them.
 
every argument i have heard in regards to dual subs is should have bought 1 better one.

you should also never mix subs, it would be like having a car where you have a 3 litre engine driving the front left wheel and a 2 litre engine driving the front right wheel. it's going to end in disaster, rather than doing that, either have the same engine or one bigger engine driving both.

mixing subs is a complete no-no.
 
This is the procedure for detecting best location for a subwoofer.

1) You should place the subwoofer directly in the place where you normally sit.

2) You should then walk around the room and listen to where the subwoofer sounds best.

3) When you have found where the subwoofer sounds best, you should then position it for permanent use in that part of room.

The above will detect the best room harmonics for the subwoofer, and should avoid putting the subwoofer in a dead spot.
 
JasonM said:
This is the procedure for detecting best location for a subwoofer.

1) You should place the subwoofer directly in the place where you normally sit.

2) You should then walk around the room and listen to where the subwoofer sounds best.

3) When you have found where the subwoofer sounds best, you should then position it for permanent use in that part of room.

The above will detect the best room harmonics for the subwoofer, and should avoid putting the subwoofer in a dead spot.
Click to expand...

Unless you have a dedicated room then this can be problematic. Not sure the wife would want a sub plonked in the living room where it sounded best.:p
 
It might be problematic but its the way to do it. Too often people will put a sub in a convenient space and then wonder why it sounds rubbish. Placement of the sub is absolutely crucial!
 
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