Fine-tuning ULS-15 dual-drive

[JerryMeeker]

I have spent some time learning to use the Room Equalization Wizard (http://www.hometheatershack.com/roomeq/) in order to measure how well the ULS-15 dual drive is performing in my listening room. I have attached the REW measurement result, which shows a serious issue at approximately 45 Hz, which was to be expected, given the dimensions of my room.

I have played around with a number of placements in the room for the two subs, and have settled for a corner placement with both subs next to each other. The crossover is set in the AVR at 80 Hz, and all other speakers are set to "small". Of course, the two subs have been gain-matched according to Pete's excellent instructions. The internal crossover is switched off, the phase is set to zero, and the ULF trim is at it's lowest setting (16 Hz).

My next step to try and tame the 45 Hz issue is to install the SVS AS-EQ1 Audyssey sub equalizer (on order, arriving next Tuesday!).

The reason for using REW is to be able to have a good "before" measurement so that I can make sure the AS-EQ1 is indeed providing the improvement I am looking for (it has a 45-day return policy). As soon as the equalizer has been installed and configured, I'll share the results on this forum.

Achieving an acceptable reference bass level in my environment has been elusive, but it sure has been fun trying!

[hjones4841]

I have spent some time learning to use the Room Equalization Wizard (http://www.hometheatershack.com/roomeq/) in order to measure how well the ULS-15 dual drive is performing in my listening room. I have attached the REW measurement result, which shows a serious issue at approximately 45 Hz, which was to be expected, given the dimensions of my room.

I have played around with a number of placements in the room for the two subs, and have settled for a corner placement with both subs next to each other. The crossover is set in the AVR at 80 Hz, and all other speakers are set to "small". Of course, the two subs have been gain-matched according to Pete's excellent instructions. The internal crossover is switched off, the phase is set to zero, and the ULF trim is at it's lowest setting (16 Hz).

My next step to try and tame the 45 Hz issue is to install the SVS AS-EQ1 Audyssey sub equalizer (on order, arriving next Tuesday!).

The reason for using REW is to be able to have a good "before" measurement so that I can make sure the AS-EQ1 is indeed providing the improvement I am looking for (it has a 45-day return policy). As soon as the equalizer has been installed and configured, I'll share the results on this forum.

Achieving an acceptable reference bass level in my environment has been elusive, but it sure has been fun trying!

Your results without EQ really don't look bad. As you know, be careful when applying boost with the EQ to correct the 45hz null. You will affect overall head room with any boost.

Have you tried bass traps? They made a lot of difference in my room. Also, the Behringer BFD ($100) works very well for less cost than the AS-EQ1.

I also recommend using a calibrated mic if you don't already have one. I bought a uncalibrated ECM-8000 to begin with and used the generic curve from hometheatershack, but got the calibrated one when I got the Quad Drive. There were several db difference between the two, especially below 20Hz.

[Bill Mitchell]

As I understand it, attacking sharp nulls like yours with equalization is problematic. It may not work at all, or may cause other issues with ringing. The 45Hz null is likely a room issue with where you are sitting. Have you tried taking measurements over a wider area and comparing them to see if the 45Hz null goes away as you move forward/backward or side-to-side? If it's local to your spot, Audyssey may not choose to do much about it, as it balances the impact across the entire bubble.

REW graphs are usually displayed with a log freq scale, as that reflects better how we hear and how octaves work. This is toggled with the Freq Axis button in the top right.

I look forward to your results post AS-EQ1.

[JerryMeeker]

As I understand it, attacking sharp nulls like yours with equalization is problematic. It may not work at all, or may cause other issues with ringing. The 45Hz null is likely a room issue with where you are sitting. Have you tried taking measurements over a wider area and comparing them to see if the 45Hz null goes away as you move forward/backward or side-to-side? If it's local to your spot, Audyssey may not choose to do much about it, as it balances the impact across the entire bubble.

Since my OP, I have spent some time familiarizing myself with the capabilities of REW. Yesterday, I experimented with a number of different placements for the ULs-15's, taking measurements as I changed things around. I now have the subs in an entirely different location and, as a result, the 45 Hz null has been completely addressed. I have attached two REW JPEG's below, one the "before" measurement, and one the "after" measurement. The AS-EQ1 is scheduled to arrive tomorrow, and I am confident that I have done everything with regards to placement prior to the installation. I'm looking forward to the results.

BTW, now that the 45 Hz null is gone, the sound of the subs has improved considerably, even before installing the AS-EQ1. My original placement had the two ULS-15's co-located in a room corner. Co-location and corner placement were recommended to me to achieve the best headroom. However, my experimentation with different placements showed that putting the subs in a corner produced the most uneven response, as shown in the REW measurements. This is the value of a tool like REW--we can see results real-time!


REW graphs are usually displayed with a log freq scale, as that reflects better how we hear and how octaves work. This is toggled with the Freq Axis button in the top right.

Yes, JohnM has provided me with some beginner's guidance, and this was one of them. Thanks.

[Pete_Hsu]

Thanks for sharing these measurements Jerry. So these graphs are with no EQ, with subwoofer distance settings on the receiver set appropriately for each scenario? Did you try inverting the phase on both ULS's to see how that would affect the result?

You do seem to have the highest ultra deep bass headroom with both subs in a corner, but the dip in the response in the 35-60Hz region is truly severe! The response looks far better overall in the second scenario. That's the nice thing about having two subs I suppose!

Sincerely,

[JerryMeeker]

OK, I believe my on-going quest for the optimized configuration for my ULS-15 dual-drive has finally concluded. I have installed and configured the SVS Audyssey AS-EQ1 bass equalizer, and the purpose of this note is to share my experiences.

Recall that my original post showed that the placement of my ULS-15’s was not optimal. I discovered this by using the Room Equalization Wizard (REW, http://www.hometheatershack.com/roomeq/ (http://www.hometheatershack.com/roomeq/)). I highly recommend that anyone who is trying to optimize their subs learn how to use this useful tool. The software is free, and only requires a sound pressure meter (which most of us already have), and an external USB sound card for a laptop (a Creative Soundblaster X-Fi USB sound card can be purchased for as little as $60). Remember, you can’t improve what you can’t measure.

So, if you look at the attachment “original placement.jpg”, you will see a huge bass dip in the 40 Hz – 50 Hz range. This is a critical range for music. My music sounded thin, with little or no bass. By moving the subs to different locations and measuring the results with REW, I was able to find a much better sub placement, given the restrictions of my listening room. The attachment “pre-aseq1.jpg” shows the significant improvement in the 20 Hz – 80 Hz band. There was a noticeable improvement in overall bass response for all types of content. Placement is the most important consideration towards optimizing your subs!

I am a huge advocate of Audyssey technology. MultEQ XT has done wonders for my overall system response. After following two threads on the AVS Forums (the main Audyssey thread at http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=795421 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=795421), and the AS-EQ1 thread at http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=793007 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=793007)), I became very interested in sub equalization. Why? Because a dedicated sub equalizer has much higher resolution filters, and allows the MultEQ XT filters to focus on the higher frequencies.

So, on Tuesday, I received, installed, and calibrated the SVS AS-EQ1 bass equalizer. The calibration process is quite simple:

- Connect the AS-EQ1 to the sub out on the AVR.
- Connect the two ULS-15’s to the sub out jacks on the AS-EQ1.
- Run a level-matching wizard that ensures that the sub levels are matched to each other, and to the mains, at 75 Hz.
- Run a series of measurements using the AS-EQ1 microphone. (Note: the AS-EQ1 pings each sub independently to determine distance, and configures a different delay for each sub. This allows for a sub placement in which the subs are not equidistant from the primary listening point, and important consideration in many listening rooms.)
- Save the calibration results to the AS-EQ1.
- Re-run the standard MultEQ XT calibration in the AVR on top of the AS-EQ1 calibration.

BTW, the ULS-15 configuration is as follows:

- Sub crossover is off
- Phase is set to zero (required by Audyssey)
- ULF trim is set to 16 Hz (not important)
- Post-calibration, all speakers are set to “small”, and crossovers are set to 80 Hz.

The result for the subwoofer signal is shown in the attachment “SubEQ Certificate.jpg”. Note the almost flat response 10 Hz to 100 Hz, down less than 3 DB at the two ends. (Wow—this proves how low the ULS-15’s can go!). The final attachment, “Final calibration with AS-EQ1.jpg” shows the REW response curve, pretty flat from 10 Hz to 100 Hz (don’t know what that dip is at 110 Hz is, but I suspect a ceiling reflection).

The graphs look great, but how does it sound now? Absolutely amazing! The first thing I noticed was that on-screen dialog is much clearer now. The overall sound is richer, with much smoother bass content. I immediately felt like the sound was significantly better. I couldn’t be more pleased.

Take-away’s:

- Invest in tools that allow you to measure results.
- Audyssey bass equalization lives up to its promise of providing significant improvements.
- The AS-EQ1 is an awesome product, and worth the price. SVS support is excellent.
- The ULS-15 sub is also a great product, if you take the time to get it correctly configured.

Next step: stop tweaking and enjoy the darn system! :p

[hjones4841]

OK, I believe my on-going quest for the optimized configuration for my ULS-15 dual-drive has finally concluded. I have installed and configured the SVS Audyssey AS-EQ1 bass equalizer, and the purpose of this note is to share my experiences.



Congrats on the great results! I am not at all surprised by your results - mine are similar. I used a BFD instead of the EQ1 - similar results but a bit more work than with the EQ1, plus with the BFD you have to deal with the balanced to unbalanced connections.

If you expand the lower limit of the REW measurements, you will find that the ULS-15 does not stop at 10Hz. In fact, in my smallish room, there is a rising response below 20Hz.

Remember that the ULS-15's really enjoy having "sisters." I started out with a Quad Drive - the output and sheer effortless of the system is amazing:)

[hometheatergeek]

Very nice Jerry. I have REW downloaded to my desktop PC but have not been able to find the time to run it on my system. You have inspired me to try it soon, but I will have to wait longer. I have to fly to St. Louis Mothers Day afternoon and be there for almost two weeks so it will have to wait.

@ Harry
The show that I usually do in your home city is also being held Monday but since I am needed elsewhere I will miss out on seeing you again next week.
Maybe this fall.

Later

[Pete_Hsu]

Looks like a huge improvement Jerry, well done! The response looks smooth.

May I ask where the subwoofers are being placed right now?

Thanks

Sincerely,

[JerryMeeker]

Front of the room, inside the left and right mains. I tried all potential placements that didn't involve completely re-arranging the AV rack and flat panel location, and this placement yielded the flatest pre-ASEQ1 bass response. Picture attached.

[bzmanbass]

Good evening Jerry,
You sure have been busy!
Do you feel like you would have still gotten similar results with EQ-1 if you had maintained the co-located rear position or is that asking too much of the EQ?
I'm assuming that you aquired that positioning with the REW and then ran the EQ?
Thanks, BZB

[Pete_Hsu]

That's very interesting Jerry, thank you for the pic! Do you have an opening in the front left side of the room (sorry, I don't recall the room details at the moment)?

Sometimes customers will have the main speakers on the inside, and the two subwoofers on the outside of each main. In your case, this may not work as well because the right main speaker (as viewed from the main listening position) would be too close to the equipment rack.

Sincerely,

[JerryMeeker]

With the subs placed anywhere near the side walls (or along the back wall), I was receiving a severe dip in the 40 Hz - 50 Hz range, likely due to the 20 ft width of my listening room. The subs as displayed showed the smoothest response in my listening room. Every room is different. The most important point I can make is you need to be able to measure before you can improve--which is the point of learning how to use a tool like REW.

Would the AS-EQ1 be able to address the huge 45 Hz dip I was observing? I don't know, because I didn't try. I was committed to finding the best placement before using the AS-EQ1, which I think is the best approach. Audyssey can only do so much.

Jerry

[Pete_Hsu]

The massive dip you were seeing in the 35-55Hz region is highly unusual. I haven't seen any customer yet with that type of response with a single corner-loaded sub. It is far more common to see a suckout in the 50-80Hz region. Alas, it is true that each room is unique. Also, the listening position in the room has a huge influence on the measured response at the seats. Having the ability to chart and flatten frequency response with the use of equalization tools and multiple subs is certainly a blessing :)

[Pete_Hsu]

Jerry, we did some measurements in our demo room this past weekend using LMS. When using a single subwoofer, we were unable to get a very flat un-eq'd response in both the deep bass and mid-bass frequencies. We needed to use a second subwoofer (or mid-bass module) to get a flat response in these regions. Also, moving the microphone from one seat to another resulted in huge variations in the frequency response, even when moving the mic only one or two feet. So, in light of this, your observations and measurements really do make sense.

Sincerely,

[JerryMeeker]

Jerry, we did some measurements in our demo room this past weekend using LMS. When using a single subwoofer, we were unable to get a very flat un-eq'd response in both the deep bass and mid-bass frequencies. We needed to use a second subwoofer (or mid-bass module) to get a flat response in these regions.

This doesn't surprise me. It is difficult to compensate for the room resonances using only one sub, regardless of the placement. Two subs gets you closer to overcoming room issues, and four subs are even better!

Over the last several weeks, I have used the three approaches to finding the best bass response:

1. Theory, e.g. "corner placement is best", "placing two subs next to each other yields better headroom", etc.

2. Subjectivity, e.g. move the subs around until you "think" they sound better.

3. Measurement, i.e. using a tool like Room Equalization Wizard (REW) to actually measure the response.

Approaches 1 & 2 just don't produce effective results. The third approach allowed me to get close to a good bass response, but not as good as I had hoped. As reported earlier, active equalization was the answer. The bass response in my listening area is very flat and pleasing now. It is really amazing.


Also, moving the microphone from one seat to another resulted in huge variations in the frequency response, even when moving the mic only one or two feet.

Exactly. Even when using REW measurements, you are optomizing for a single primary listening point. Take measurements in different spots, and the results are quite different. The Audysssey approach involves applying equalization curves that smooth bass response for an area in the listening room (based on a number of microphone placements), not just a single spot, which is why this technology is so compelling.

However, since I am single, 90% of my listening is by myself, so having one sweet spot optomized is a real treat! :D

[Pete_Hsu]

Well said Jerry :)

With no measurement tools and just a room diagram, I generally have a good idea where are reasonably good locations to place the subwoofer. But getting a flat response at all the bass frequencies, let alone across multiple seats, is a near daunting task for most. It's flat out not easy (no pun intended).

[JerryMeeker]

I made some very minor tweaks, most notably raising the crossover settings for mains, center, and surrounds to 100 Hz (from 80 Hz). This is the final response curve using REW. IMHO, the response is reasonably flat, probably as good as I will get without altering the room itself.

[Pete_Hsu]

The response below 70Hz is quite stellar Jerry, thanks for sharing!

In most setups, it will be difficult to get a super flat mid-bass response at the listening position without at least one sub and/or mid-bass module in the nearfield, but in many cases this may not be practical either, so nothing to sweat over I guess.

Sincerely,

[bzmanbass]

Good evening Pete & Jerry,
These are my 1st two graphs.:)
This is with co-located subs behind the listening position and only measuring 3 positions on the EQ-1. (I was able to pick up a B stock unit.):D
With much research I determined that this was the only way to go for me due to very limited placement options (it is my bedroom too:rolleyes:)
So far the muddiness has been removed and the dialog/soundtrack material is much cleaner. I feel that there were a lot of issues with ringing and standing waves, etc. that could be addressed by the EQ-1.
I'm thinking of updating my receiver to a Onk 1007, sub risers and maybe a few other placement trials.
I will revisit REW in the up coming weeks when I resolve some hardware issues:(.
I'll keep you posted, BZB
By the way, this is with the door closed Pete!

[Pete_Hsu]

Looks very good BZB! How much does the un-eq'd response change when the door is open?

[JerryMeeker]

Nice progress! You are likely in a similar situation as many of us--there are only so many places you can put the subs. My first AS-EQ1 certificate had some minor response variations that I was able to improve upon by experimenting with several different sub placements. Using REQ to measure, I found that very small movements (e.g. 6-12 inches) produced measurable differences in the sub's response.

In the end, you pick the best placement, let the AS-EQ1 do it's job, and then sit back an enjoy the sound.

In the example below, I moved the left sub approximately 1 ft to the left, and I was able to address the small dip in the 70-80 Hz range. I don't think I can get any better than the current placement.

[Pete_Hsu]

Jerry, up to what frequency does the AS-EQ1 equalize up to? Presumably it is meant to be used in conjunction with the Audyssey eq that is built-in to a receiver to equalize the main speakers, correct?

Thanks

[bzmanbass]

Thanks guys!
I got my unit on Friday and we had a thunder storm so I couldn't work on it until Saturday between yard work. Yard work again on Sunday.
I'm going to play a little more tonite when I get home from a meeting @ 8:00 PM.
No rest for the wicked I guess!!??

[JerryMeeker]

Jerry, up to what frequency does the AS-EQ1 equalize up to? Presumably it is meant to be used in conjunction with the Audyssey eq that is built-in to a receiver to equalize the main speakers, correct?

Thanks

Hi Pete,

The X-axis of the calibration certificate certificate extends to 500 Hz, so I assume this is the equalization range for the AS-EQ1. Doug McBride (dougm@svsound.com) would be able to provide a better answer.

[hometheatergeek]

Jerry, up to what frequency does the AS-EQ1 equalize up to? Presumably it is meant to be used in conjunction with the Audyssey eq that is built-in to a receiver to equalize the main speakers, correct?

Thanks

Actually Pete the AS can be used as a stand alone EQ and thus can be used with any Pre/Pro or AVR. If it was less than $500 I would have one by now. :(

[WhskyTangoFxtrt]

...If it was less than $500 I would have one by now...

They pop up in clusters on AudiogoN from time to time. They do not last long.

Jerry, nice response!

[JerryMeeker]

Presumably it is meant to be used in conjunction with the Audyssey eq that is built-in to a receiver to equalize the main speakers, correct?

Thanks

Sorry, Pete, I didn't answer your second question. Adding to HTG's reply, the AS-EQ1 handles the bass signal only. The AVR sub-out plugs into the AS-EQ1, and the subs plug into the AS-EQ1.

For AVR's that have Audyssey MultEQ XT, the AVR Audyssey calibration is done after the AS-EQ1 has equalized the sub response, so yes, the two Audyssey calibrations compliment each other.

The AS-EQ1 can also be used with AVR's that have a competing room equalization product, or AVR's that have no room equalization. The instructions cover both of these cases as well.

I have not seen any other product in the marketplace that equalizes bass response better than the Audyssey sub equalization, either in the AS-EQ1, or the Audyssey-branded Sub-Eq.

[Pete_Hsu]

Thanks for the info guys! From the graphs above, certainly looks like the AS-EQ1 sub eq equalizes out to 500Hz. Glad to hear that it is making for a nice improvement in the system!

[bzmanbass]

Good evening Pete & Jerry,
I've had a chance to experiment some more and wanted to show you my latest graph:)
This is with the subs on the back wall 3 feet in from the corners (approx. 25% of distance) 5 inches away from wall, measuring for 9 positions.
I tried about 6 different positions and also a 4" riser (which didn't have much effect)
This is with the door closed.
Thank you, BZB
P.S. Jerry don't mean to hijack your thread, I hope you don't mind me adding in here:confused::)

[bzmanbass]

Sorry I thought I had the before graph-here it is...............:o
BZB:)

[Pete_Hsu]

Thank you for sharing BZB, looks truly fantastic! So the "before" graph is without any EQ huh? Do these graphs represent an "average" response based on 9 different measurement positions?

Thanks

Sincerely,

[bzmanbass]

Good afternoon Pete,:)
Yes, the before graph is no EQ.
I measured the LP and 2 ft each side.
Then separately I measured the same 3 positions both in front (3ft in front of LP) and behind (1ft) the LP. Each time without saving the corresponding filters and EQ.
Then I went back and remeasured all 9 positions and saved that set of fliters and EQ.
I also had done this with distances from the side walls varying from 1ft to 3.5ft from wall to speaker cabinet and also with the 4" riser(only with the 3 "main" positions;)).
This is with the subs spread out along the back wall and not co-located.
I will keep you posted with further adjustments, I may do another sweep with up to 16 mic positions at some point in the future.
Thank you BZB:D
P.S. yes that is the average for 9 positions although there wasn't too much variation in the 3 "layers"

[hometheatergeek]

Good afternoon Pete,:)
Yes, the before graph is no EQ.
I measured the LP and 2 ft each side.
Then separately I measured the same 3 positions both in front (3ft in front of LP) and behind (1ft) the LP. Each time without saving the corresponding filters and EQ.
Then I went back and remeasured all 9 positions and saved that set of fliters and EQ.
I also had done this with distances from the side walls varying from 1ft to 3.5ft from wall to speaker cabinet and also with the 4" riser(only with the 3 "main" positions;)).
This is with the subs spread out along the back wall and not co-located.
I will keep you posted with further adjustments, I may do another sweep with up to 16 mic positions at some point in the future.
Thank you BZB:D
P.S. yes that is the average for 9 positions although there wasn't too much variation in the 3 "layers"

I do not know why you would do any more tweaking,. That looks extremely flat to me. :)

[bzmanbass]

I do not know why you would do any more tweaking,. That looks extremely flat to me. :)
I know what you mean, if it ain't broke:o.
I may be doing some upgrades in the near future but I carefully measured all the positions so I can achieve the same results even if I have to move something.
Now we have to work on getting you one!:D
BZB

[Pete_Hsu]

Definitely very impressive results BZB :)

If you want to upgrade in the future, simply add two MBM-12 MK2's used on their side (running in 'Sealed' mode) underneath each ULS-15 :D

[JerryMeeker]

The "before" graph indicates to me that your sub placements were very good prior to applying the AS-EQ1 equalization. So, it is no surprise that the "after" results look so good.

Next step would be to use a measurement tool like REW to see how well the subs integrate with your other speakers. Of course, if you are pleased with how everything sounds, this step may not be necessary. Depends on how much enjoyment you get out of tweaking!

As you know, there are two ways to run the AS-EQ1 equalization, the normal way for AVR's with Audyssey MultEq XT, and the "Auto Eq Assist" method, which involves a microphone pass-thru cable. You may have seen my postings over on the AS-EQ1 forum (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18699735#post18699735) in which I describe how the "normal" equalization method produces over-emphasized bass for my system. I am using the "Auto EQ Assist" method, which for me produces the best results. Something you might want to experiment with, depending on how pleased you are with your current results.

BTW, are you leaving the ULF trim to its lowest setting (16 Hz) when you calibrate, or is your setting higher?

[bzmanbass]

Good morning Jerry,:)
Thank you for all your research and hard work. It has really helped me with my system (and spending more;)).
I have my trim set at 16Hz, that is one of the parameters I may adjust if/when I tweak some more just to see what effect it has on the EQ.
Reviewing your results, both here and AVS, and studying placement recommendations I came up with the 25% distance from the outer walls (to the center of the voice coil), the back wall mirroring the typical front wall positioning that is recommended as one of the best (similar to your front wall placement). For me front wall placement would have required "reinventing the wheel" in my room.
I have some major hardware issues in my REW setup and have to replace several items to get back up and running with that:(.
I haven't had any problems with over emphasized bass and have tried both setups.
I will continue to report as I make new discoveries:D
Thank you, BZB

[JerryMeeker]

IMHO, leaving the trim at 16 Hz is the proper thing to do. My theory is that you can always adjust this setting after calibration. In my REW measurements, I observed that dialing the trim up to 50 Hz reduces the low end of the sub response by 3-5 dB. Otherwise, I couldn't tell any difference. I leave mine at 16 Hz.

Nice job on the setup, and keep us advised of any new things you might try out.

[DrDoug]

Thanks so much for this fascinating assessment. I am very happy with the dual drive in my dedicated HT room and have been working to get optimal sound as well. Have them in a frontal placement which seems to work out well for the main listening position but there are a few mildly sucked out areas around 40-50 Hz in other positions. Would love to get the SVS AS-EQ1 but really need to use the wireless connectivity of the ULS system. (Thank you, Hsu family, btw, for making an awesome sub with wireless connectivity!!)

So, will the AS-EQ work wirelessly before I invest? Thanks for thoughts.

Doug H.

[JerryMeeker]

Hi DrDoug,

Although I have not tried it, you should be able to configure the AS-EQ1 in a wireless setting, but it will be a little tricky.

1. Connect the AS-EQ1 to the Sub-Out connection on your AVR.

2. Using BOTH wireless transmitters, connect one transmitter to each of the two AS-EQ1 Sub-Out jacks. Configure the two transmitters with DIFFERENT channels. (You should also probably test to make sure you can use the two wireless channels without interference from other devices in your home before proceeding.)

3. Configure the two ULS-15's with channels to match the two transmitters.

By using the two different channels, the AS-EQ1 can ping each subwoofer independently, which is essential in order to establish the proper distance and level for each sub.

I would advise calling the SVS tech support line and discussing this with Doug McBride before proceeding. If he confirms that this setup should work, then I highly recommend the sub equalizer--it makes a huge difference. And remember to report back your results. Good luck!

[DrDoug]

Thanks for the prompt input! Will start some further investigation and post some updates.

Doug H.

[JerryMeeker]

Continuing to fine-tune the ULS-15's with Audyssey, this time by adding the Audyssey Pro Installer kit. Calibration results are attached. The subs look pretty good!

[shadyJ]

Wow, the sub's FR is amazingly flat. I don't have a frequency response graph for my subs, but I am sure it is nowhere near as perfect. I just have it EQ'd to where I like to hear it, but I would be afraid to see what that looks like on a chart, I'm sure it is amazingly bad!

[Pete_Hsu]

Hey Jerry, your results are looking better and better over time, nice :) May I ask what enhancements in functionality/feature set that you get with the Audyssey Pro kit vs. the previous version you were using?

Thanks

Sincerely,

[JerryMeeker]

Hey Jerry, your results are looking better and better over time, nice :) May I ask what enhancements in functionality/feature set that you get with the Audyssey Pro kit vs. the previous version you were using?

Thanks

Sincerely,


The Pro Kit has the following enhancements:

- Individually calibrated, higher-quality microphone (+/- .1 dB compared with +/- 2 dB with the standard mic), with a microphone amplifier, boom tripod, and XLR cables.

- Up to 32 measurement positions (compared with 8 positions for the standard MultEQ XT), allowing for more precise measurements, especially in large listening areas.

- Ability to save multiple calibrations and re-load them (very valuable if you run a new calibration and don't like it for some reason and for comparing different calibrations resulting from some tweak). You can also load a set of measurements and add additional measurement points as required.

- Ability to adjust the results of a calibration using a target curve editor (for advanced professionals).

- Graphic displays of calibration results for all speakers (e.g. like the graphs I uploaded), something that the standard MultEQ XT is sorely lacking. The visual representation provides much more information than just a listening test.

The Pro calibration results sound significantly better to me across the entire spectrum, not just the bass (which already sounded pretty darn good...).

[Pete_Hsu]

That's really good info Jerry. Looks like the Audyssey functionality that is built into most receivers really cannot come very close to replicating what the Pro kit can do.