Optimizing the rear panel se, Setting the level control, Setting the phase control – M-AUDIO Studiophile SBX User Manual

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Optimizing the Rear Panel Settings

There are four control knobs on the rear of the SBX: “Level,” “Phase,”

“Subwoofer” LPF cutoff frequency, and “Satellites” HPF cutoff frequency. These

combined controls make it possible to optimally match the low bass

frequencies from the subwoofer to your unique combination of satellite

speakers, room characteristics and subwoofer position. Because of these

variables, there is no single recipe for obtaining the best audio results. While

you can certainly apply sound meters and other analysis equipment in

establishing the right settings, most people use their ears and a few familiar

recordings to determine the best settings.

Setting the Level Control
Use the Level control (#2) to adjust the volume of the subwoofer to properly

match that of the satellite speakers. We suggest starting with this knob in the

12 o’clock position.

Note: Placement has a great deal to do with how the Level knob is set. If

the SBX is placed on the floor against one wall in a normal room, for

example, the resulting sound pressure may be as much as 3dB greater

than if the subwoofer stands alone. Placement in a corner could add

another 3dB of sound pressure over placement against a wall alone.

Setting the Phase Control
The purpose of the Phase control (#3) is to match the phase of the Satellite

HPF cut off frequency to the phase of the Subwoofer LPF cutoff frequency.

Adjust the Phase in order to make sure that the Subwoofer and Satellites are

in phase at the selected crossover frequency. This will allow you to achieve

the maximum sound pressure and the most accurate sound quality from

the whole system. A little experimentation here may be in order. When signals

are out of phase, they tend to cancel each other. This is most likely to occur

when using bass management, in which case both the “Subwoofer” and

“Satellites” cutoff frequencies are set to the same frequency settings (see the

next two sections for more information). Rotate the Phase control knob until the

SBX sounds the most robust, or return it to the 0 degree position if that is the

optimum setting or if you hear no difference.

Level

Min

Max

Phase

0°

180°

Subwoofer

100Hz

140Hz

180Hz

50Hz

80Hz

Satellites