compatable with mackie 824 monitors

[oopu]

hi:
I have a pair of mackie 824 powered studio monitors. iam not really interested in getting the matching sub - its $1,100. i think i would get better value going with the vtf-3.2. With the mackie sub, the sub is the master and the monitors lines are fed into it. There is a switch to cut the lows at either 80hz, 47hz or 37hz.
I would think i could feed the Hsu sub from the mackies and use the 80hz cut off and match that with the Hsu. Would that work????
thanks!

[J.Royce Baron]

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/83/p1010009tk2.jpg

I run 3 HR 824 L/R/C along with 2 VTF-3 MK2 for HT – the configuration is stereo subs where each Mackie is anchored to its own sub – using half space (47Hz) on the Mackie and crossed at 60Hz this combination in the space (6500 cu.ft ^3) blends seamlessly - must also mention that all BM is done by an Outlaw ICBM – regardless of the setup you may employ the Hsu will be an excellent match with the 824 - photo depicts left side of HT with acoustic panels.

Edit…note subs are not run in their traditional down firing positions but rather firing into the room with a 4” space between the floor/subs allowing ports the needed breathing space which should be equivalent to the port size – I run them in “Max Extension Mode” – tight articulate bass is the achieved goal here whether it’s HT or 2 channel – after much experimentation and preferences, this configuration/setup is what yields reference bass on any playback in the space.

[Stan]

hi: I have a pair of mackie 824 powered studio monitors. iam not really interested in getting the matching sub - its $1,100. i think i would get better value going with the vtf-3.2. With the mackie sub, the sub is the master and the monitors lines are fed into it. There is a switch to cut the lows at either 80hz, 47hz or 37hz. I would think i could feed the Hsu sub from the mackies and use the 80hz cut off and match that with the Hsu. Would that work???? thanks!

I'd run the bass conventionally...using your AVR or prepro to handle bass management. So the sub and the speakers would separately be fed their own signal. Set the cutoff switch to 37 Hz as the bass management will cut the low stuff by itself. No real harm in changing the settin to 47 or 80 as long as things are coordinated with the crossover frequency. You could play a bit and use the switch to help EQ a bit but you'd have to measure the results ideally. There are some other points and strategies, but more details about your equipment would be needed.

[Stan]

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/83/p1010009tk2.jpg

I run 3 HR 824 L/R/C along with 2 VTF-3 MK2 for HT – the configuration is stereo subs where each Mackie is anchored to its own sub – using half space (47Hz) on the Mackie and crossed at 60Hz this combination in the space (6500 cu.ft ^3) blends seamlessly - must also mention that all BM is done by an Outlaw ICBM – regardless of the setup you may employ the Hsu will be an excellent match with the 824 - photo depicts left side of HT with acoustic panels. Edit…note subs are not run in their traditional down firing positions but rather firing into the room with a 4” space between the floor/subs allowing ports the needed breathing space which should be equivalent to the port size – I run them in “Max Extension Mode” – tight articulate bass is the achieved goal here whether it’s HT or 2 channel – after much experimentation and preferences, this configuration/setup is what yields reference bass on any playback in the space.

Those speakers have separate controls for acoustic space and extension. So for example you could use a half-space setting and any of the LF cutoff settings.

[J.Royce Baron]

Those speakers have separate controls for acoustic space and extension. So for example you could use a half-space setting and any of the LF cutoff settings.

Thank you for reiterating the obvious - Any insight you may have on improving the mentioned setup is always welcomed – Although, I realize innovative cogitation may be allusive to and old subject where at best is trite.

[Stan]

Thank you for reiterating the obvious - Any insight you may have on improving the mentioned setup is always welcomed – Although, I realize innovative cogitation may be allusive to and old subject where at best is trite.

I thought I'd clarify the matter for those less familiar with speakers of that type. I'm a big fan of active speakers. My present system is quintuple-amped. As in 5 bands - "quintamped". I have three bass bands then mids then highs all separately amplified, crossed over, etc.

If you have the interest and access to measurement devices...it is useful to use the various level settings, crossover points and bass extensions to good effect. For example you can straddle an area of the bass exhibiting a peak...you don't always have to crossover the main speakers at say 80 Hz and have the sub pick up at 80 Hz. So with a speaker such as this one, there are a few extra things to tune Which can lead the interested party to better results if the related effort can be dedicated to the effort.

[J.Royce Baron]

Thanks for sharing Stan – as stated, my configuration / setup / traps / multiple broadband absorbers in the space has evolved over time to my present reference state – I do agree and employ measurement devices / EQ / active crossovers / these are all mandatory tools when working with the inherited acoustic flaws in the space.

Returning to the OP – minimal system requirements to accommodate the powered monitors / sub is a simple pre/pro with L/R and Sub preouts - multiple crossover options on the pre/pro would be welcomed.

[oopu]

thanks for the tips! what is a pre/pro??? my setup is 2 technics 1200 turntables and a vestax mixer, it is all about my vinyl!

[J.Royce Baron]

Ah…a DJ perhaps – oopu, this is out of my realm – perhaps Stan may be of assistance – pro gear uses XLR amongst other options when cabling components – the Mackie sub is a different animal with multiple options / stereo inputs / outputs - I don’t believe the Hsu has the required versatility – I’d call Dr. Hsu for an informative answer to your specific application.

What is a pre/pro you ask? – Nothing more than a switching device for audio/video/that does BM with built in crossovers and speaker settings - e.g. 5.1/ 2 channel stereo, comes complete with built in FM/AM tuner – also better known in its minimal form as a receiver OR the Swiss Army knife of A/V.

[Stan]

thanks for the tips! what is a pre/pro??? my setup is 2 technics 1200 turntables and a vestax mixer, it is all about my vinyl!

A prepro or pre/pro is short for preamp / processor. Such a device has no amplifiers. As opposed to an Audio Video Receiver or AVR which does have amplifiers. Generally, the amplifiers in an AVR are for the nonsubwoofer speakers. An exception might be certain home theater in a box products (or HTIB). And many AVRs also have preamplifer outs so you can get the line level signal from those connections to send to separate amplification, just like a prepro.

[J.Royce Baron]

Technically correct Stan.

[oopu]

Ah…a DJ perhaps – oopu, this is out of my realm – perhaps Stan may be of assistance – pro gear uses XLR amongst other options when cabling components – the Mackie sub is a different animal with multiple options / stereo inputs / outputs - I don’t believe the Hsu has the required versatility – I’d call Dr. Hsu for an informative answer to your specific application.





It pretty simple i just want a real accurate sub to go with my monitors, your reply is a bit too vague to do anything but make me unsure about getting a HSU, why wouldnt a Hsu be versitile enough?? how do i contact Dr Hsu???

[Stan]

It pretty simple i just want a real accurate sub to go with my monitors, your reply is a bit too vague to do anything but make me unsure about getting a HSU, why wouldnt a Hsu be versitile enough?? how do i contact Dr Hsu???

A Hsu sub would work just fine with your active speakers. Will you be driving the speakers with your mixer? If so then you send a mono signal to the sub, or both channels separately and use the sub's crossover to mate it with the Mackies. There are a few ways to configure such an arrangement, but rest assured it can be done. You just won't wind up with the THX approval the Mackie sub enjoys, nor the ability to instant switch the speakers from full range / no sub to part range plus sub. Not a big deal.