Dynaudio BM 10S, BM12S manual Finding Optimal Settings, Finding optimal Phase Settings

FINDING OPTIMAL SETTINGS

•Listen carefully to the bass-line played by the instrument. As it goes up and down in the bass range, the overall bass volume should remain the same, be it with very deep or higher bass notes. Particularly with very small main speakers, it may be that you can hear a "hole" in the bass response: You can hear the deepest bass notes and everything from lower midrange easily, but overall the bass leaves a thin impression. On the other hand, it may be that using the 60Hz setting the system already sounds good. In both cases, select the next setting, "80" Hz.

•Playing the same track at the same volume level, again listen to the overall bass volume level. If the apparent hole in bass response is still present or if the system sounds good now, move on to the next setting, 100Hz. Should the bass volume suddenly become louder or bloated at certain tones compared to the 60Hz setting earlier, revert to this setting; in this case setting the cross-over frequency is done.

•Again play the track to listen to the overall bass volume level. If the bass sounds correct now, leave the setting at 100Hz. Should the bass volume suddenly become louder or bloated at certain tones compared to the 80Hz setting earlier, revert to this setting.

Phase

With the phase settings you can adjust the timing relationship between the subwoofers and main speakers. If either subwoofer or main speaker are slightly delayed in response in relation to the other, it can result in decreased bass Output in the frequency response area where they overlap each other..

The Phase relationship between subwoofer and satellite speakers is very dependent on relative distance, construction and working principles of the main speakers. Fig 16 shows a case whereby phase of the subwoofer and main speakers are incorrect in the critical overlap area, thus significantly reducing acoustic Output in the listening room in that area.

Fig. 16

Incorrect phase relation of subwoofer to main speakers in critical overlap area: Reduced acoustical Output in overlap area, even if levels are set correct.

Finding optimal Phase Settings

•Playing the same bass-rich track which also covers the overlap area, repeatedly press the 0°, and its opposite phase, the 180° button in succession. Without changing volume level, do the same with the 90° and its opposite phase, the 270° button (No. 5 in fig. 6). Note which set of phase settings (0°-180° or 90°-270°) provides the biggest difference in bass response.

•Using the set of phase settings found in the step above (either 0°-180° or 90°-270°) press each of the two buttons in alteration. The position in which you experience the most bass is the correct setting, even if it appears that the bass is too much (this can be adjusted for later).

17