Hi,
I plan to build a bunch of compact subs for indoor and outdoor events. One idea was to use a pair of force cancelling 12" or 15" per cabinet. But I see Cardioid more and more often....
Looking for help on gaining some knowledge and applications cardioid and super cardioid subs. If the is a better forum for this unique subject, please let me know. Any links would be appreciated.
Cardioid subs:
When are they needed?
When are they NOT needed?
What are the tradeoffs to consider?
What are indications that cardioid type subs needs to be used?
Thanks!
I plan to build a bunch of compact subs for indoor and outdoor events. One idea was to use a pair of force cancelling 12" or 15" per cabinet. But I see Cardioid more and more often....
Looking for help on gaining some knowledge and applications cardioid and super cardioid subs. If the is a better forum for this unique subject, please let me know. Any links would be appreciated.
Cardioid subs:
When are they needed?
When are they NOT needed?
What are the tradeoffs to consider?
What are indications that cardioid type subs needs to be used?
Thanks!
You can array any type of subwoofer in a cardioid arrangement, though at least two channels of DSP and amplification are necessary for any active configuration.
A cardioid array is needed when directive control of subwoofers is deemed necessary, either to reduce sound outside the coverage area, or on stage, or to increase the direct to reflected ratio in a reverberant room.
Indications that cardioid subs would be beneficial include performer or neighborhood complaints and low end feedback on acoustic instruments.
They not necessary if the above considerations are not as important as maximum frontal output and uncompromised frequency response.
An introduction to cardioid subwoofer arrays:
https://fohonline.com/articles/tech-feature/cardioid-directional-subwoofer-arrays-part-1/
And far more detail:
https://www.merlijnvanveen.nl/en/calculators/28-sad-subwoofer-array-designer-en
A cardioid array is needed when directive control of subwoofers is deemed necessary, either to reduce sound outside the coverage area, or on stage, or to increase the direct to reflected ratio in a reverberant room.
Indications that cardioid subs would be beneficial include performer or neighborhood complaints and low end feedback on acoustic instruments.
They not necessary if the above considerations are not as important as maximum frontal output and uncompromised frequency response.
An introduction to cardioid subwoofer arrays:
https://fohonline.com/articles/tech-feature/cardioid-directional-subwoofer-arrays-part-1/
And far more detail:
https://www.merlijnvanveen.nl/en/calculators/28-sad-subwoofer-array-designer-en
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Thanks, Weltersys.
My application:
Music venue with an indoor bar and dance floor area for around 100 patrons. No live bands, only DJs.
in this application can cardioid subwoofers used to increase the sound quality of the bass? As in clarity, definition, depth while not requiring the use of bass traps?
What I’m trying to figure out is whether I build traditional ported subs or seriously consider cardioid designs?
My application:
Music venue with an indoor bar and dance floor area for around 100 patrons. No live bands, only DJs.
in this application can cardioid subwoofers used to increase the sound quality of the bass? As in clarity, definition, depth while not requiring the use of bass traps?
What I’m trying to figure out is whether I build traditional ported subs or seriously consider cardioid designs?
Traditional ported subs are used to create cardioid arrays. Individual cabinets are more flexible than all in one cardioid designs.
Cardioid arrays may be useful to reduce LF in areas of the venue where it is unwanted, but won't improve clarity, definition, or depth where it is wanted in your situation.
Given the same budget of speakers and amps, proper distribution of the subs in an acoustically small venue may be more effective for sound quality than a single cardioid array.
If you build individual cabinets for each driver, you then have the option of placement and configuration to optimize results.
Cardioid arrays may be useful to reduce LF in areas of the venue where it is unwanted, but won't improve clarity, definition, or depth where it is wanted in your situation.
Given the same budget of speakers and amps, proper distribution of the subs in an acoustically small venue may be more effective for sound quality than a single cardioid array.
If you build individual cabinets for each driver, you then have the option of placement and configuration to optimize results.
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