I was suggested that if the subwoofer crossover was set to below 100Hz, there should be set the operation to mono mode. The stereo mode should be used if crossover frequency is above 100Hz.
What if I use two subwoofers but set crossover at 85 Hz? Should I use Mono or Stereo mode on these subs?
What if I use two subwoofers but set crossover at 85 Hz? Should I use Mono or Stereo mode on these subs?
It shouldn't matter if you're using two and they are receiving stereo signal. The crossover under 100hz is about localization and that most low frequencies don't localize. But if you crossover higher which is common in some stereo builds with subs, you do get localization, so running them in stereo keeps the signals appropriate for each channel.
Very best,
Very best,
As a further thought there is very little material with meaningful stereo separation below 100Hz, on vinyl it's impossible - summed to mono below 150Hz IIRC.
That aside I am actually running stereo subs and crossing around 60Hz. Honestly a lot of the time I can't even tell if they are (both) running. Even more puzzling is a couple of mouse clicks and I can change to mono sum in my DSP. I have not found it mattered one way or the other. (Subs are forward of the mains)
That aside I am actually running stereo subs and crossing around 60Hz. Honestly a lot of the time I can't even tell if they are (both) running. Even more puzzling is a couple of mouse clicks and I can change to mono sum in my DSP. I have not found it mattered one way or the other. (Subs are forward of the mains)
Are they placed in the front of the room or are they placed for best frequency response (used to cancel out room problems). Potentially irrelevant, but home theater or music primarily?
I run stereo, because I'm close enough to mine to notice which one is going. For example if I'm listening to a jazz track where the drummer isn't centered in the mix or to a lesser extent a bass or piano. It's what I like. But you could likely get a smoother response if you ran them dual mono, especially if the subs have any type of built in DSP capability.
Mine are forward of and set slightly to the inside of each of the mains. I have tried blending outputs with the mains over most their respective ranges, but found I liked classic subwoofer crossover with no overlap - this cleaned up the midbass on the mains significantly and just sounded better. (The subs run down to 17Hz, the mains are capable of 30Hz, but are now run to 60Hz.)
I am still experimenting so subject to change. When I was crossing the subs at 105Hz (blended/lots of overlap) it was definitely the case that stereo was necessary, the overall result though wasn't that great sounding. It did help slightly with some LF room modes, but wasn't otherwise desirable, and I ended in more traditional sub mode.
I think if they are scattered around the room to address room modes then mono mode is the only way to go.
I am still experimenting so subject to change. When I was crossing the subs at 105Hz (blended/lots of overlap) it was definitely the case that stereo was necessary, the overall result though wasn't that great sounding. It did help slightly with some LF room modes, but wasn't otherwise desirable, and I ended in more traditional sub mode.
I think if they are scattered around the room to address room modes then mono mode is the only way to go.
In theory, on the limit, mono should provide greater headroom - I think.
e..g. (Spurious figures) bass player on right of stage. R/H mic records 110dB, L/H mic records 108dB.
Crank up the recording on output: R/H sub hits max whilst L/H sub still has headroom.
Does that sound right?
e..g. (Spurious figures) bass player on right of stage. R/H mic records 110dB, L/H mic records 108dB.
Crank up the recording on output: R/H sub hits max whilst L/H sub still has headroom.
Does that sound right?