The video "Audible Subwoofer Predictions" explores different subwoofer array configurations and their impact on sound quality and coverage. Discusses how different sub-arrays have tonal and coverage differences based on the arrival times of the subs and explores various setups, including delayed arc, end fire, and cardioid configurations. The effectiveness of each setup depends on the specific listening position and individual needs. The speaker also introduces a tool that can recreate sub-array sounds at different listening positions and assess the tonal balance between the sub and high.
00:00:00 In this section, Dave Rat discusses the limitations of visual predictions for sound quality versus coverage and introduces a method for creating audio predictions of subwoofer arrays. He explains the three main configurations of sub-arrays and how they have tonal and coverage differences based on the arrival times of the subs. While he acknowledges that there is good prediction software available, he argues that audio predictions will provide a better understanding of sound quality and help prioritize it over coverage.
00:05:00 In this section, the speaker talks about how different subarrays have different levels of efficiency, with a bunch of subs at the same time close together being the most efficient, while a delayed arc set up with increased delay times can reduce the overall efficiency of a system. He also talks about how the difference in decibel levels between subarrays can be significant and may affect the impact of a show, and discusses his process of finding a way to demonstrate these differences in sound between various subarrays and listening positions using Sound Vision and an X32 console with programmed levels and time delays.
00:10:00 In this section the speaker describes a method of listening to the different sub-arrays from various listening positions using a prediction software and a grouping of four channels per sub-array. The software provides a visual representation of the electronic summations which the speaker then reproduces as a sonic representation. The differences in sound between various sub-arrays can be listened to in a virtual version of the live setting with one scene saved for each listening position. The speaker also discusses the limitations of the method and the impact of different sub-arrays on frequency response. They demonstrate this by first listening to an array of four subs spaced evenly, followed by a configuration of four subs with outer subs delayed six milliseconds for increasing horizontal dispersion, and finally, stacking two subs per side to see the differences in sound.
00:15:00 In this section, the speaker tests different subwoofer setups at different angles and distances to see how the sound changes. They test a variety of setups, including four evenly spaced subwoofers, a delayed arc, end fire, and cardioid setups. They note that there are trade-offs to each setup, including differences in volume and frequency response. Ultimately, the effectiveness of each setup depends on the specific listening position and individual needs.
00:20:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the different subwoofer configurations in various listening positions. By moving the subs out farther apart, they have gained back some volume and reduced interference with each other, ultimately becoming beneficial. The third listening position is especially crucial, as two-thirds of the audience is likely to be in the outer third on either side. The speaker explores various subwoofer setups and time delays, noting how each one affects coverage, volume, and efficiency. The end fire narrow cardioid seems to be the optimal configuration for this listening position, as it causes the least cancellation while still reducing low-end on stage.
00:25:00 In this section, the speaker discusses different subwoofer configurations on stage and how they affect stage energy and sound quality. Initially, the speaker uses a simple array that produces significant output on stage and creates a zipper sound. However, by adding a delayed arc and end fire to reduce energy on stage, the sound quality is improved and the coverage is widened. The speaker also uses cardioid arrays and improves upon previous configurations by adding distance between the subs. The new configurations significantly reduce stage energy and provide better sound quality.
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