Mixing Subwoofers? Sealed w/Ported? Different Driver Size? Wattage, EQ curves?

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Mixing Subwoofers? Sealed w/Ported? Different Driver Size? Wattage, EQ curves?

Рет қаралды 24,475

Күн бұрын

In this video, I'm discussing running two flagship subwoofers from 2 different companies. I get questions about mixing subwoofers often, and now I have a pretty confident answer. Vv Click "SHOW MORE" vV
Setup and links below.
Both of these subwoofers are excellent, but I can't do an honest review for either one without a matching sub. The VTF-15 now comes with more power than the first generation sub you see in the video (350 watts vs 600 watts RMS). The PB-16 Ultra has 1500 watts RMS, so there is a bit of a power gap between the subs.
The drivers are only an inch off, but the characteristics are still different enough to be less than ideal. While this pairing does better than the 16" driver with the 12" driver, it's still not "correct", and neither sub is to blame for that.
Can you get by mixing subs? Maybe. Should you set out to do it? I'd say no. If you already have subs that are not matched but really close (same configuration, driver size, and similar power), there's probably little to no problem.
It's best to check using Room EQ Wizard to make sure. That's how I found out for sure, and Nick Brown from SVS confirmed that running different sized drivers is problematic.
If you're running 2 different driver sizes, you would probably notice improvement by running matched subs instead. Again, Room EQ Wizard could help you determine if there are any major problems. It's a free program, you just need a measurement microphone and a computer, preferably with HDMI out. I use the Umik-1: amzn.to/2orlwj7 (affiliate link)
**Gear and Links**
Subwoofers should reproduce quality sound with authority throughout the humanly audible bass spectrum (20-100 hertz). Most ported subwoofers do not.
Browse this channel and www.subwoofer10... for layman's tech advice, product reviews, content reviews, and tips. It's OK to be new here, that's the whole point!
www.subwoofer10...
I use affiliate links to support this channel and the website, but my opinions are 100% my own. You can support this channel by visiting my Amazon store for little stuff like movies and even big stuff like amps and TV's: www.amazon.com...
Subscribing, likes, comments, and shares all help a lot too!
Subwoofer 101 is the world's first SVS affiliate, so if you mention Subwoofer 101, it can help support this channel. Please let them know what you think of the channel, good or bad!
SVS Bill of Rights, one of the reasons I'm so comfortable as an affiliate: sub101.link/Bi... To ensure full Bill of Rights coverage, including trade in and return policies, order directly from SVS. If you buy them anywhere else, you are subject to that store's return policies, which might be less impressive.
Here is the setup at the time of upload:
Amplifier Denon X6200W: amzn.to/2fbCbGx
Tried the Marantz, loved it except for the portal display, preferred the overall sound: amzn.to/2eKf9SI
Provided on a demo basis by SVS:
Towers: sub101.link/Pr...
Surrounds: sub101.link/Sa...
Atmos/DTS:X/Auro 3D height effect speakers: sub101.link/El...
Center: sub101.link/Pr...
Dual Ported Subwoofers: sub101.link/PB...
PB-16 Ultra: sub101.link/PB...
SVS Soundpath Subwoofer Isolation System: sub101.link/Is...
Speaker wire:
sub101.link/SP...
sub101.link/Ult...
Subwoofer cable: sub101.link/RCA
LG 4K 3D that I replaced previous Vizio with a Square Trade type warranty. Love the LG, some issues aside.
sub101.link/LG... (newer version)
Measurement Mic for use with Room EQ Wizard:
sub101.link/UM...
Room EQ Wizard (free, donations encouraged for the guy that created it-not me, use earplugs!):
www.roomeqwizar...
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Пікірлер: 94

@drharvey6245 7 жыл бұрын

I am always slightly wary of anybody saying within the home audio sector that there is one definitely right way that MUST ALWAYS be adhered to. With dual subs I have heard a room where the guy just couldn't get two subs to work. It just sounded worse. For 95%+ of rooms then sure, I agree dual is the way to go and should in most cases be the starting off point. Same with mixing subs. For most people who want to get their system sounding as good as possible with the MINIMUM effort then keeping the subs the same is definitely preferred. If you are prepared to really put the time in to get a small sealed and large ported working together well then yes they can compliment each other and I have heard some whereby this can bring more to the table than just two larger subs. But for a lot of people who would be categorised as either a novice or intermediate user who I think this channel is aimed at then it makes sense to say ideally don't mix and match your subs. Chance are it will sound worse. I know people who listen to everything with dynamic EQ on no matter the volume level and swear it sounds much better than with it off. I am in the other camp who never turn it on. But listening is subjective - I can't definitely say that my preference for one over the other invalidates the opinions of those who disagree. It doesn't! I have always enjoyed this channels video's and I would say that for a novice user the advice he gives is typically spot on. It would have helped me A LOT when I was starting out and I am sure it helps out others a lot now. I fully expect that most people who have followed his advice will have gotten a great bass response and setup. There will probably also be one or two for whom this hasn't worked as well it could have as they have odd room layouts / masses of untreated reflective surfaces...etc. But there will always be a few combinations whereby certain factors combine to make for an a-typical experience. So I agree that people new to the home cinema scene should budget for 2 subwoofers. They should also look to get two of the same subwoofer.

@Subwoofer101 7 жыл бұрын

For sure, I can sound a little to definite at times. The only rules in home audio is that there are no rules. It's your room, your ears, and your call. My point with this video is that mixed subs generally open more of a can of worms, as opposed to being a more reliably positive upgrade with matched subs. I think you captured that sentiment quite well, as well as the fact that there are almost ALWAYS exceptions. Great feedback, thank you!

@waymonfrench2077 5 жыл бұрын

Is it a good idea to put your subs behind your couch

@pastaman6099 2 жыл бұрын

I happen to have 2 different subs with around the same magnitude of wattage. one boomed mid-bass very well while the other could rumble the whole room in the 20-30 hz range. They both were ported but that doesn't really matter. After subwoofer crawling for both of them and placing them in their best spots each for the frequencies they did best, they really compliment each other very well, and the main listening position gets the best of both worlds.

@ABWSKITCHEN 2 жыл бұрын

I have 3 different types of subwoofers together, one is a down firing, one is a Kerf and the last but not least is a sealed, all together sound incredible, they all are 10" long throw drivers.

@dmitris77 Жыл бұрын

The thing is, I love the way downward firing subs feel along the ground and under your feet and how they sound quick and nimble, but they lack some of the chest pounding, air moving bass. Front firing will hit you in the chest but don’t necessarily rumble along the ground and through the bottoms of your feet. I have a Rel ht1510 front firing sub now, and I can get another one for more of the same, but I’m tempted to buy a Martin Logan Dynamo down firing like one of my friends has and have the best of both worlds.

@garyausten5939 Жыл бұрын

I just ordered a new (used) 12" 300W sub to replace (or add to) my 10" 65W sub that came with a cheap 5.1 system I bought about 15 yrs ago, but after watching your video I guess I won't try to mix them up. I'll probably just use the new one.

@ahumm8280 5 жыл бұрын

I used used to run a pair of 15" Sansui's in sealed cabs and a pair ported 12" Poineers off a Sansui receiver that was 300w x 4ch and a 24 band (or 12 x 2ch) eq! I wish I could remember the model number of that reciever! It had a digital and analog tuner and was an absolute beast!

@tonydillinger2553 Жыл бұрын

I have svs sb 3000 looking at getting rythmik fvx12 to mix match

@Subwoofer101 Жыл бұрын

I don't recommend mixing subwoofers, especially ported with sealed. What makes dual subwoofers work is the interaction between the sound waves, amplifying output and smoothing response. It's called constructive interference. Done right, it's the only way to fly. But when you mix, the waves produced aren't identical, and not as unified as they would be with matching dual subwoofers. Better than a single? Usually. But not nearly as good as matching dual subwoofers. I've mixed and matched several times, and never "successfully" in my opinion.

@astrotrance 5 жыл бұрын

Used to have a Sony dual 10" sub and a JBL 12" sub and ran them together. No real negative effects, but of course I wasn't measuring response curves. I had the crossover on the JBL at around 50Hz though, while the Sony ran full range with an 100Hz crossover on the reciever, and it worked great. Actually tried to have two Sonys but the first one died while the second was in transit! LOL So I bought a different sub for the second position.

@Subwoofer101 5 жыл бұрын

Matching subs just have a tighter, more uniform sound. Mixed duals are way better than a single. Someday, give a pair of these a try. Any one of them, just get 2 matching subs. Whole different ball of wax. www.subwoofer101.com/best-subwoofers/

@nitestrike1000 7 жыл бұрын

What about using smaller subs for higher frequency bass notes and quicker transients and larger subs tuned to only produce the lowest of the lows, like say, below 35 hz.?

@Subwoofer101 7 жыл бұрын

I imagine there "could" be a benefit. HSU used to make a mid bass unit, but I don't see it on their site anymore. I have no reason to say this other than gut feeling, but I would do dual mid bass and dual deep bass, if I were to go down that road. Frankly, I can't imagine the benefits being worth the expense and potential complication. I run all of the subs I listen to at 90+ hertz and don't feel that they are lacking, but the reinforcement could make a difference. It's cancellations that I worry about, but not having tried it myself, I'm only guessing. Interesting thought.

@nitestrike1000 7 жыл бұрын

Yes, interesting indeed. One day someone will try...i hope. Keep up the good work!

@jonblaze431 7 жыл бұрын

some of us want the sb16 ultras and checking whether you will do a review on them too

@95Sn95 4 жыл бұрын

Disclosure I'm not contradicting you at all you are 100% correct. I have 2 subs at the moment not by plan, but I have a BIC PL 200 and for kicks I took my old 100w plate and ran it into a Cerwin Vega XED10 in a ported box (tryed it in a recommended 85cf sealed box it sucked) and it seems pretty good. Only thing that's kinda bogus is my Sony strdn1050 is a .2 AVR and it has 2 outputs but on the room correction it only measures one.... Or well a blend of the two but it gives a distance but that seems funky because there not next to each other... Is this bad or actually a good thing...? I just turn up the 10" on the room correction and dial the PL back on its plate. My acoustics suck anyway so I'm sure crazy fine tuning is prob futile. There is a serious gain in thump now.

@King_Sok 6 жыл бұрын

Interesting video. I have a stereo setup with two JL D108's. Would you recommend getting two JL D110's to add to the mix? Or go for another two D108's? Thanks for your input. Cheers

@jackchong7279 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Subwoofer 101, thank you for the info and videos. Don’t flame me, but I have a KEF’s Kube 12b, it’s a sealed 12, it doesn’t go really low. I would like to keep it as a second but wanted more lows as I mainly watch movies. I am on a budget, and didn’t want to fork out for 2 more subs, my Denon has dual sub outputs with separate volume for each. Not sure if adding another Kef 12 would do the trick. But if I added a PB1000 would the Denon Audyssey eq aid in the blending of the two different subs? Thxs for any help

@Soggstermainia 3 жыл бұрын

I listen to both music and home cinema in the same space. With the new SVS gear and the DSP's could I get away with a 3000 micro and a PB 1000 pro or PB 2000 pro? Or do you think it will just muffle and distort from true sound. If going a matched pair really is the way then what would be best for the broad use case, sb 1000 pro or pb 1000

@shaundavidssd 6 жыл бұрын

running two identical subs ..same cables ..same length as well ...the extra mile lol

@keisari00 4 жыл бұрын

3 point calibration with DSP? First runs separately and last one together? But that applies then only one prefered spot

@demetrizuev258 4 жыл бұрын

Running a PB-3000 with SB-3000 in a 1500ish square feet room - is that a good idea? They are both 13 inch drivers, both from the same manufacturer, same power/amp etc. and the SVS app has some nice settings. I want to go dual, but the only spot a second sub can go in my room is under my work table and only SB-3000 which I currently have, can fit there comfortably

@Subwoofer101 4 жыл бұрын

I wouldn't mix sealed with ported. Some swear by it, but I have found that the bass is best when the subs are perfectly matched.

@televuenp101 4 жыл бұрын

I have an SVS PB 3000 and an SVS PB NSD 12 running together, sounds good, I don't hear any distortion or bloating So do you think this is ok? By the way my room is dedicated 11X13X8 .

@corypetersen5081 3 жыл бұрын

i wanna get another subwoofer i have one 8inch Klipsch subwoofer, would it sound alright if i get another klipsch 10inch subr to add let me know what you think

@GODOFCOD147 5 жыл бұрын

Would 2 12" klipsch subwoofers be better than one 15" klipsch sub?

@nebulusnebulus6503 7 жыл бұрын

which is better for stereo music purpose? Sealed or ported version?

@Subwoofer101 7 жыл бұрын

Hard to say, it depends on your tastes. Most prefer Sealed for music, I happen to prefer Ported for interesting reasons. I put together an article with a decision chart: www.subwoofer101.com/ported-vs-sealed/

@dayonerecoverdub3626 7 жыл бұрын

whats your thoughts on the pb2000 vs hsu 15 they are about the same price

@arongatt 5 жыл бұрын

Found it :) great vid bud thanks

@LOBOFERZD 7 жыл бұрын

Hi, I want you to put subtitles in Spanish, very good channel !!!, my question, I have a dson s920w atmoa dtsx receiver, with boston speakers, and the sub is 10 inch CSSub10II, dowfiring, now buy a 12p jbl 260p subwoofer , But when comparing one with the other, the boston sounds louder the bass and does not rumble, but the jbl of 12 rumbles the windows a lot and I do not wear much bass, what can it be? It is good subwoofer. Jbl260p?

@Subwoofer101 7 жыл бұрын

I don't know how to do Spanish subtitles yet. I don't even edit my videos because of my health, so I'm not expecting to be able to do something like that soon. Sorry about that, I do value my Spanish speaking viewers, I'm just limited. As for those subs, sorry to say they look to be pretty common, quieter as they go deeper. Here's a list of subwoofers I think are good quality: www.subwoofer101.com/best-subwoofers/ The difference is night and day in my opinion.

@hayden1207 7 жыл бұрын

Nice vid

@Subwoofer101 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Now that I recognize you, check this out: support.google.com/youtube/answer/3219384?hl=en Also browse Derral Eves: kzfaq.info His videos are very useful to me! Glad you commented!

@Gshiznit74 5 жыл бұрын

Sux for me. I got a pb 13 with the intention of getting another. Then life happened and now they no longer make them.. thinking if mixing with a pb 3000. Not sure of the outcome. Australia is limited to options and still cost $2700ish for the 3000 so an expensive fail if it doesn't work..

@sadcat520 3 жыл бұрын

What did you end up doing?

@s-zilla8184 4 жыл бұрын

Which would you recommend? SVS PB 2000 alone or SVS PB 2000 with BIC F12? I can only calibrate one sub though. I have a Denon 2500H.

@sadcat520 3 жыл бұрын

What did you end up doing?

@livioparente505 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Subwoofer 101. I currently have sb1000 and I'm planning to go dual. Do you think that the sb2000 will be a good match? After all both have the same woofer size and are seald. Or should I stick to the same sub? Tks

@Subwoofer101 5 жыл бұрын

Probably close enough, but it might favor the SB-1000 over the SB-2000. Usually when I mix subs, the sound tends to be more like I had two of the lessor models. I just can't say for sure in that scenario, given the same size driver.

@brocklanders1296 5 жыл бұрын

Hello Mr. Subwoofer 101, I have a PB 1000 and I love it for movies. It's incredible but now I want a dual sub system. Would it be OK to pair it with a SB 1000 to get more punchy bass when I'm listening to music? Your thoughts sir.

@Subwoofer101 5 жыл бұрын

Personally I would keep the subs identical. You can pair mixed subs, and it will likely sound better than a single, but most likely not as good as matched. Others might swear to the contrary, but that's my take. Another PB-1000 will sound tighter and punchier than a single. Going dual will also mean hearing bass that you are currently missing, very helpful with music. Also check out my Bass Hack series, that should really help maximize your bass.

@Ferrari_1996 7 жыл бұрын

When's the pb16 review coming?

@Subwoofer101 7 жыл бұрын

I touched on that in the video. I waiting for the second one to come in.

@Hype3rshadow 7 жыл бұрын

Subwoofer 101 so far do you prefer it over 2 pb2000s?

@mattcanepa5373 5 жыл бұрын

Can I pair my SVS SB2000 with an SVS PB2000? I know mixing different sized subs is a no-no but what about sealed and ported together, both SVS?

@Subwoofer101 5 жыл бұрын

Some like it, I would keep the subs identical though.

@paulv165 7 жыл бұрын

I also disagree a little bit. Of course it's better when the subs are equal, but when you use MiniDSP you can tweak all the characteristics of every sub in your multi-sub config.

@Subwoofer101 7 жыл бұрын

A lot can be done with DSP, but as you say, it's better for the subs to be equal. Better to avoid the physical problems in the first place (mixed subs) than try to patch the problems they can create. If you're already running mixed subs, it's not the end of the world, but I wouldn't "set out" to do it.

@4uenvycustomsleds321 5 жыл бұрын

Any advice on how I should go about setting up the subs with my Definitive Technology bp8060 I use as my mains that have subs in them too

@lancesedevie548 4 жыл бұрын

Neighbor_hood_bread_Slinger 4U2NV_CUSTOMZ My exact predicament. My research thinks a ported sub will blend the best being that the def techs use a passive radiator which is kind of a ported alternative.

@4uenvycustomsleds321 4 жыл бұрын

@@lancesedevie548 Thanks I have a svs pb2000 And 2 Klipsch 115r but throw those in another room. Right now I'm using a svs PB 2000 and sb4000 which puts me in Port and non ported sub in my theater room I thought I was getting the Pb4000 but I couldn't pass up the price I know you can put plugs in the Pb 4000 wonder if I can put a plug in my pb2000 are it might damage it what do you think

@altaf132002 5 жыл бұрын

I have a PB2000, planning to go dual, current room size is 14x18, currently missing punchy base in the chest, was thinking pairing it with PB3000 , so do you think is it a good idea to pair 2000 with 3000?

@Subwoofer101 5 жыл бұрын

It will sound better than a single, but you'll really experience what the PB-3000 can do when you have two. Mixing tends to favor the less powerful subwoofer, it's a weird thing to explain. The PB-16 Ultra sounded good when paired to a lower powered 15", but I really heard what it was all about when I finally heard dual Pb-16 Ultras.

@syedrahim8306 5 жыл бұрын

So would you recommend going dual PB2000 as mixing could be an issue ?

@sadcat520 3 жыл бұрын

What did you end up doing?

@thedailytokerdk6183 3 жыл бұрын

@@sadcat520 Im in the same boat.. Did u figure this out? atm i have a pb-1000 pro and was thinking of adding a pb-2000 pro to it. same driver and everything only difference seems to be in the output

@kevonmanuel 7 жыл бұрын

How many subs do you actually own?

@eastcoastmountainbiking8833 6 жыл бұрын

i think there's 1 exception, the HSU VTF-2 MK5 and Outlaw Ultra X12 (HSU design) literally have the same response curve and output (within 1db). do you think it could even be an advantage since one is down firing and the other front firing? could this help with peaks and nulls?

@4uenvycustomsleds321 5 жыл бұрын

Here's my set up I have two Klipsch r115sw but I had push those aside. Now I have a sb4000 and pb2000 set up just like your side by side of the mains . Will I be able to get away with that any advices by sides the obvious because it's going to be awhile before I can be able to buy another sb 4000. And I really wanted the Pb 4000 but I couldn't pass up the deal