Subwoofer gain and bass control on amp

[willhub]

So I've done a shuffle around in my room and the position I could have sworn my subwoofer was weak in is now optimal for where I can position it resulting in reducing bass by -2 to -4db on the amp.

However, depending on the source, sometimes leaving it on default 0db is best whilst some sources need at least -10db to avoid shaking the room down.

What i want to know is that by leaving the subwoofer gain as is and changing the bass volume on the amp, will I be losing out on quality or certain frequencies?

Thanks

 

[willhub]

Setting -10 means your sub volume dial is too high. Perhaps for room nodes so one scene is boomy another bass shy?

Some are really loud some shy on bass, so if I adjust gain lower then I guess itd be the same outcome?

 

[willhub]

But I'm talking about your sub level out being too high possiy clipping the amp signal

Are you referring to the level on the amp?

There is only 2 levels no? Subwoofer gain (On the sub) and bass level on the amp. I usually have the bass level -4, evidently I could lower the gain so I can put the bass back to 0 but some tracks would then require me to raise the bass level on the amp.

 

[willhub]

Perhaps I need a better amp? Have a CEOL Piccolo DRA N4 at the moment

 

[willhub]

I was thinking you have an AV receiver, but your system is 2 channel music. Forget what I said about LFE and source-matching.

How are you making the assessment that the sub position is now optimal? What has changed in the room to make it that the same position previously was a bad choice, but now it is good?

Well it's probably not optimal for that room but as far as where I can position it it's optimal. I slapped the sub on the chair where I sit when watching tv and walked around the room, I find the level is much better when I stood to the left of the TV and when I moved the sub there it indeed was. You don't want to turn it up as loud to hear bass.

Before where it was you'd turn the bass up so you could hear it properly then go to the kitchen and it was thunderous, that's gone now.

 

[willhub]

The loudness in the kitchen; that's a good demonstration of room modes in action. The dimensions of any domestic-sized enclosed space will produce places where bass frequencies peak and other places where some frequencies seem to disappear.

When doing the walk-around-the-room thing were you always standing, or did you have a listen when crouched down too? I mention it because room height creates its own set of peaks and troughs too. There can be a difference in sound when standing compared to sitting.

I didn't sit down admittedly. The current position most certainly isn't optimal for the room, the most optimal place would likely be on the wall that is neighbour facing so no go.

The current location produces the most bass out of any location I can put it. Just the getting all sound sources equal with bass is a nightmare.

I also have the sub on sorbothane hemispheres which did make bass a bit more punchy.

In current location the best bass is where seated for tv, at computer desk and outside on the balcony, the prime spots of the flat.

Definitely need a house rather than a crummy flat here in media city with creaky floorboards.