Room Acoustics

Your Room

This is an area that requires both a little background to understand and some time and experimentation to attain the best performance from your system.

Your room is actually a component and an important part of your system. This component is a large variable and can dramatically add to or subtract from a great sonic experience.

All sound is composed of waves. Each frequency has its own wave size, with the lower, or bass frequencies literally encompassing from 10 feet to as much as 40 feet. Your room participates in this wave experience like a swim- ming pool with waves reflecting and becoming enhanced depending on the size and shape of the room and the types of surfaces in the room.

Remember that your audio system can actually generate all of the information required to recreate a sonic event in time, space, and tonal balance. Acoustically, the role of an ideal room would be to neither delete nor contribute to that information. However, nearly every room does to some degree.

Terminology

Standing .Waves

Sound coming from a speaker bounces around in a room until a pattern emerges—this is called a standing wave. Typically, this is only a problem with frequencies below 100Hz. When this happens different parts of your room experience either an excess or a lack of bass.

Some people believe that having a room without parallel walls will eliminate this effect. The truth is that non-parallel walls only generate different standing wave patterns than those that occur in rectangular rooms.

Usually, you can excite most of the standing waves in a room by putting the CW10 in a corner. Listening position determines which standing waves you will experience. For instance, if you sit in a corner you will hear most of the standing waves. This can be an overpowering experi- ence. Sitting next to a wall can also intensify the levels of the standing waves that are experienced.

Resonant .Surfaces .and .Objects

All of the surfaces and objects in your room are subject to the frequencies generated by your system. Much like an instrument, they will vibrate and "carry on" in syncopation with the music, and may contribute in a negative way to the sound. Ringing, boominess, and even brightness can occur simply because surfaces and objects are "singing along" with your speakers.

Resonant .Cavities

Small alcoves or closet type areas in your room can be chambers that create their own "standing waves" and can drum their own "one note" sounds.

10 Room Acoustics

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MartinLogan CW10 user manual Room Acoustics, Your Room, Terminology

CW10 specifications

The MartinLogan CW10 is a sophisticated in-wall subwoofer that redefines the boundaries of audio performance while seamlessly integrating into any living space. Designed for those who value both sound quality and aesthetic appeal, the CW10 delivers deep, impactful bass without sacrificing room aesthetics.

One of the main features of the CW10 is its advanced subwoofer technology, which includes a high-performance 10-inch cone driver. This driver is engineered to reproduce low-frequency sounds with immense accuracy and power, allowing users to experience thumping bass that is both rich and controlled. The driver operates within a carefully crafted enclosure, optimizing its performance and ensuring minimal distortion, which is critical for both music and home theater applications.

The CW10 also employs MartinLogan's patented Vojtko crossover technology. This feature is integral in managing the transition between high and low frequencies, ensuring that every note and nuance is captured and delivered seamlessly. The crossover helps maintain the dynamic range and tonal balance that listeners demand, making it an excellent choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

One of the primary characteristics that sets the CW10 apart is its compact and discreet design. The subwoofer is intended for in-wall installation, allowing it to blend effortlessly into wall spaces while freeing up valuable floor space. The flush mount installation maintains the room's visual integrity, making it an ideal solution for modern living environments where design is just as important as performance.

Moreover, the CW10 is equipped with an adjustable low-pass filter, allowing users to tailor the subwoofer's response to suit their specific room acoustics and personal preferences. This level of customization enhances the listening experience, ensuring that the subwoofer works harmoniously with existing speakers and other audio equipment.

The CW10 also features a durable and aesthetically pleasing grille that can be painted to match your wall color, further enhancing its ability to integrate into any home decor.

In conclusion, the MartinLogan CW10 is a feature-rich in-wall subwoofer that combines advanced audio technologies with a sleek, unobtrusive design. With its powerful driver, innovative crossover technology, and customizable settings, the CW10 is an exceptional choice for anyone looking to elevate their audio experience while maintaining the elegance of their living space.