Phase

[dnoyeb]

I've been quite happy with my VTF-2 MK3. Today I was messing with my old AVR trying to get 2 channel audio + a sub with minimal processing. I was a bit dismayed that the addition of the sub did not appreciably increase my bass. It was weird because the room clearly started shaking, but the sound wasn't louder or cleaner. Good for HT still.

Eventually I got around to flipping the phase switch.

Its like I just added another sub. NOW were talking!!! I was happy before. Heck I even showed it off. But now! Now I feel like I used to feel in my Chevette with the huge 12" woofers in the back seat :D


I used to think phase was just for when I wired the speakers backwards. Which I clearly didn't do. So how were my speakers out of phase?

P.S. I might use the phase switch in the future for some night theater. Shakes the house but doesn't get too loud :)

[dnoyeb]

I should have posted this in the setup forum...

[Sputter]

I've been quite happy with my VTF-2 MK3. Today I was messing with my old AVR trying to get 2 channel audio + a sub with minimal processing. I was a bit dismayed that the addition of the sub did not appreciably increase my bass. It was weird because the room clearly started shaking, but the sound wasn't louder or cleaner. Good for HT still.

Eventually I got around to flipping the phase switch.

Its like I just added another sub. NOW were talking!!! I was happy before. Heck I even showed it off. But now! Now I feel like I used to feel in my Chevette with the huge 12" woofers in the back seat :D


I used to think phase was just for when I wired the speakers backwards. Which I clearly didn't do. So how were my speakers out of phase?

P.S. I might use the phase switch in the future for some night theater. Shakes the house but doesn't get too loud :)

You can think of it this way. (simplistic view)
Out of Phase means the cone of one sub is retracting while the other subs cone is extending. So instead of working together (in phase)they are working against each other (out of phase).

Jim

P.S. Mixing the (-) and (+) is a polarity thingy, since speakers don't have a phase switch (that i've seen), it's a similar deal with cones moving in/out.

[dnoyeb]

Yes, I know what it means to be out of phase. I just haven't grasped how its possible for this to happen. I do know my mains are forward firing and my sub is down-firing.

[Pete_Hsu]

At the crossover frequency, there is equal contribution between main speakers and subwoofer. When the subwoofer is out of phase with respect to the main speakers, there is cancellation that leads to a dip in the frequency response near the crossover frequency, which will result in a less full sound at some frequencies vs. having these items in phase with each other.

Sincerely,