Bass Management

When I use Audyssey 2EQ to setup the speaker configuration I get the following results: 

Subwoofer - Yes
Front - 150Hz
Center - 150Hz
Surround - 150Hz
LPF of LFE - 90Hz

While playing CDs for music and watching DVDs for movies I set the cut-off frequency on the subwoofer to 150Hz as stated in the handbook(subwoofer) which is to be used for very small sized speakers 5-7cm dia. and the volume level to just pass half way point.
As I have read in many write ups, it is said to start at 80Hz or 10Hz above the speaker frequency range and tweak from there. I am very confused with the whole issue and do not know what to look for or where to start.
I hope you could help me to understand the basics in crossover frequency, cut-off frequency as having just bought this AVR I am very naive understanding what is said in the various forums that I read instead I am getting more confused. Somehow my gut feeling tells me that the above setup is not quite satisfactory as sometimes I heard a funny buzz from my subwoofer.
Your help will be much appreciated.

Dennis Fredericks -
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3 Comments

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  • 0
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    Audyssey Labs

    The AVR has a bass management system that is responsible from taking the bass from all satellite speakers and sending it to the sub. The crossover frequency that is set for each speaker determines where that will happen. In your case, Audyssey is measuring the response of the speakers in your room and finding that they roll off at 150 Hz. Given the small size of the bass driver in the speakers, that seems reasonable.

    In addition to the bass signal from the satellites, there is an additional track in 5.1 content called the LFE track. This content is authored up to 120 Hz and so the LPF of LFE should always be set to 120 Hz. Many AVR makers including Onkyo incorrectly set it to 80 or 90 Hz.

    If your sub has a manual frequency control on the back it should be turned up as high as possible because that filter interferes with proper bass management.

    The buzz in the sub could be due to a damaged driver or because the sub is too small to drive the air volume in your room at high levels. This is a common problem especially in rooms that are connected via an open wall to adjacent rooms. For purposes of bass, the entire connected room volume is being driven and a small sub is not capable of delivering the sound pressure levels required.

  • 0
    Avatar
    Halit Okyar

    Hi Chris,

    I thought I reuse this old thread rather than open a new one. I am in a similar situation as above. I have an Onkyo 608 AVR with 2EQ basic calibration technology. It is connected to AG (Anthony Gallo) Strada L/R and Center speakers (all wall mounted). Satellites are also AG A'Diva Ti. The sub is AG  TR-3. After calibration I get:

    Subwoofer - Yes

    Front - 150Hz

    Center - 150Hz

    Surround - 100Hz

    LPF of LFE - 120Hz

    This is unexpected as the Strada manual clearly states the wall mounted Strada AVR bass management should be set between 45-80 Hz (there is no crossover on any of these AG speakers; AVR manages that). So the new settings raises two questions:

    1. Your other posts and other forums recommend not to move crossovers below calibrated values. Still, knowing how other people set Stradas, I suspect I am missing something here? Yes I know the role of room acustics, etc but I used different audio setups in the same room in the past and I never had this problem before.

    2. If L/R/C Stradas set to 150Hz, don't I run into the problem of the sub frequencies between 100-150Hz become directional?

    My concern is, given the very basic nature of 2EQ calibration mechanism, I suspect something is not right here.

    BTW the levels and distances are spot-on.

    Many thanks for your assistance in advance.

  • 0
    Avatar
    Audyssey Labs

    Hi Halit,

    It's not really that unexpected... These speakers have rather small drivers and expecting them to play down to 45 Hz is a bit ...optimistic.  The placement of the speakers and the room itself  can have a big effect on the low frequency response.

    Moving the crossover to a lower point won't really have any effect if the speakers are really rolling off at 100-150 Hz.  You are welcome to try it, but I don't expect any difference.

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