Adjusting the controls
There are two main methods for adjust- ing the level, crossover frequency and phase of the Sunfire Subwoofer to match
asystem:
•Bob Carver’s preferred method: By listening and making the adjustments to suit your taste.
•Laboratory method: By measuring the output and adjusting for a flat frequency response.
Excellent results can be obtained if you make the adjustments based on simply listening. This is Sunfire’s preferred meth- od as it allows the system to be voiced based on what sounds the best, whereas
The following procedure is for those who prefer a more methodical and scien- tific approach. This excerpt is from “The Audio Critic,” issue 24, page 31, written by contributing editor David Rich, and is reprinted here with their kind permission.
You will need a test CD with
quency warble tones, and a sound pres-
“Step 1. Disconnect the subwoofer and run the main speaker with a tone in its passband
Step 2. Disconnect the main speaker and reconnect the subwoofer. Set the subwoofer to its highest crossover frequency. Set the level control of the subwoofer to give the same sound pres- sure level with the same tone you used in Step 1.
Step 3. With both the subwoofer and the main speaker connected, measure the level of the tones at the available frequencies. Because the crossover is set too high, you will have a peaked response. Adjust the crossover control to get the smoothest response.
Step 4. Use the phase control to make the response even smoother. It has its biggest effect at the crossover frequency. You can iterate between the crossover and the phase controls. Keep your hands off the level control! It was set correctly in step 2.
Step 5. Listen to the subwoofer. Resist all temptations to turn up the level control. Play something with really deep bass to confirm that your subwoofer is working.”
Control settings
Use this drawing to record some of your favorite settings.
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