Using splitter to control audio as Speaker only and Speaker + Sub possible?

Meddling-Monk

Meddling-Monk

Meddling-Monk

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Hi all, just want to throw this out there and see if this is OK to do and no obvious things (safety or potentially blowing up speakers etc) that I'm missing.

So I currently have a pair of Edifier MR4's. They're great, except when very lower bass is called for (50-60hz or below), so this is why I'm looking to add a Sub to them (looking at the Presonus Sub 8BT at the moment).

They (MR4) do not have Sub Outputs, which is why I'm looking at this potential solution so I can connect a Sub when I grab one and can switch between:-

Speaker only (when at night and I can control the sound level without issue with the sub blasting out the booming bass)
Line Out (PC) to RCA LR cable -> (RCA Input) Splitter (RCA Output 1) -> RCA LR to Edifier MR4 RCA inputs

and (when using a manual switch on the splitter)

Sub + Speaker (when I want full range, or as close as I can get to it)
Line Out (PC) to RCA LR cable -> (RCA Input) Splitter (RCA Output 2) -> RCA LR to Presonus Sub 8 RCA inputs -> TRS output from Presonus Sub 8 to TRS Input Edifier MR4

My thinking is with a splitter switch like the PROZOR RCA Audio Switcher, I might be able to select whether I use the Edifier MR4's only (such as at night) and able to control the volume easily on Speaker Volume dial, or on this Switcher. And when I want, just click and switch over from one output to another on the device that will then go via the Sub which then low pass filters the signal and outputs the remaining signal back over to the Edifier MR4's, giving me Sub + Speaker for a fuller range sound.

I did initially start by looking at grabbing a proper Audio Interface like Focusrite, but looking at it, you can't select a particular output only (at least I don't think I see such an option on the lower end ones). So I looked at the splitter route instead.

Is there any issues anyone can see with me using this approach? Or a better way to go about this? (Other than spending a lot of money on decent higher end equipment that is :D)

Thanks all for any help and suggestions. :)
 
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You need some kind of bass management device. A PC can do this easily though, if it has 5.1, just use the bass management settings in audio mixer. Wiim Ultra as well, or a av pre amp, or a outlaw icbm-1 or some other similar item..

Don't think Wiim pro / pro plus can do it, as you would need dedicated sub out.

Or a sub with built in high pass (low level) not many subs have this function, but they did exist (also some with high level, high pass also)
 
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Wiim Ultra could be best method, use that as DAC and streamer, and you can easily toggle between full range to the speakers, or sat + sub using bass management. Has a few digital inputs for your sources (coaxial, optical, HDMI ARC, line in, phono)

You'd control master volume of sub & speaker with the Wiim (that functions as a pre amp)

Plus you've got a good streamer.
 
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Thanks, I've put that down as a possible option to go down.

Still looking over options so if anyone has any alternatives, ideas, suggestions or comments on the original idea I posted, feel free to add them. :)
 
If you do the cable thing, that would mean switching between full range/bass managed everytime. You want it as simple as possible. You really don't want to start going down sub menu after sub menu. If you used Wiim for "hub" you can easily switch bass management on and off.


Just having cables and a audio switch isn't enough, you actually need bass management. That's typically done in the digital domain.

Minidsp HD will also be an option but apparently it has poor quality sound for speakers, it's just recommened for subwoofers only. You'd use remote, and use preset, ie 1 for full range, 2 for bass managed

I have no knowledge of that Focusrite, but it just looks like a DAC/pre amp, and not bass management DSP?
 
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