REW with 2 channel system and REL line array

[MHEMUSIC]

I am looking for some assistance for how to use the REW software for my 2 channel system. The system contains:

(1) Naim NDX2
(1) Naim NAC 282
(1) Naim HICAPDR
(1) Naim NAP300DR
(2) Focal Sopra 2
(6) REL S812 (2 stacks of 3 in stereo line array)

I am using REW and a pair of miniDSP HDs, one for each line array of 3 REL subs.

The speakers are running full range from the amp with no crossover and not in line with the corresponding miniDSP HD. Speaker and sub line array locations determined by Harman room mode calculator, and seating location is fixed. Left and right line arrays mirror each other in stereo. Each line array signal comes off the high level NAP300DR speaker output in parallel with speaker, converted to low level, into a miniDSP 2x4 HD, and then output 1, 2 & 3 goes to each sub. I have the ability to control all 3 subs independently in each stack through the corresponding miniDSP HD.

I have watched all the videos on YouTube, but nothing I have seen covers this situation.

Questions:

Do I take the REW reading for each sub in a stack with the corresponding speaker playing or by itself?
Do I EQ and set the crossovers for each sub separately?
Since the EQ will not affect the stereo speakers, should I be setting up the subs independently or in conjunction with the speakers?

What would the step process be to get the best result?

Thanks in advance -

Chad

Right side (mirrors left):

. The speakers

 

[John Mulcahy]

Since the subs are stacked best treating them as a single sub, no real benefit to measuring or equalising the subs in a stack individually.

 

[Harrycr]

May I ask the reason running the subs low level?
I have two older RELS running Neutrik high level connection. Tried low level connections and EQ and the Neutrick sounded considerably better.
I would maybe move them closer to the corner though you are not going to be short of headroom. But more to lock them into the room.
The way I set mine up was calibrated each sub with each speaker (stereo subs). In your case setup the three with each speaker treating the three subs as one.

 

[Wayne A. Pflughaupt]

What John said. Ultimately, what you have is stereo speakers and a “pair” of subs. Any Youtube video you can find on that combination applies.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[MHEMUSIC]

May I ask the reason running the subs low level?
I have two older RELS running Neutrik high level connection. Tried low level connections and EQ and the Neutrick sounded considerably better.
I would maybe move them closer to the corner though you are not going to be short of headroom. But more to lock them into the room.
The way I set mine up was calibrated each sub with each speaker (stereo subs). In your case setup the three with each speaker treating the three subs as one.

Thanks for the reply Harry.

I am actually using the high level inputs with the Neutrick connectors. We are using REL AirShip to transmit the signal from the preamp to the two stacks so we don't have to have a bunch of wire running along the floor. The AirShip takes the Neutrick inputs, converts it to wireless, transmits to the Rel receiver and outputs low level which goes into the the miniDSP and then to the 3 subs. REL says that the low level input sounds the same as the high level once inside the circuitry, and the high level gain and crossover work for both.

Regarding positioning - The drivers are 4.25' from the front wall and 3.25' from each sidewall that corresponds with the 4th axial mode at 68hz for the length of the room and 2nd axial mode at 82hz for the width.

Regarding setup, we are trying to get a more unified and cohesive sound than using the REL setup procedure. That constitutes putting the subs in the corners, and bringing them out while listening for an increase in bass response to "lock" in the room as you said. Once location and orientation are finalized, REL recommends that each sub is dialed in separately for gain and crossover.

 

[MHEMUSIC]

Since the subs are stacked best treating them as a single sub, no real benefit to measuring or equalising the subs in a stack individually.

Thanks for taking the time to reply John.

At 4.75' height is the 1st axial mode at 59Hz. Since I have the ability to EQ each sub separately, wouldn't dialing in the corresponding sub at that height help smooth out the response?

 

[MHEMUSIC]

What John said. Ultimately, what you have is stereo speakers and a “pair” of subs. Any Youtube video you can find on that combination applies.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

Thanks Wayne.

Since the speakers are running full range, and not attached to the miniDSPs, would you take readings for the left and right subs with or without the main speakers playing since I wouldn't ultimately be able to EQ their output? If you would take them with the speakers, and since each sub stack is tied to the corresponding amp channel output, would you measure and EQ the L & R stacks separately or together?

 

[Wayne A. Pflughaupt]

Thanks Wayne.

Since the speakers are running full range, and not attached to the miniDSPs, would you take readings for the left and right subs with or without the main speakers playing since I wouldn't ultimately be able to EQ their output? If you would take them with the speakers, and since each sub stack is tied to the corresponding amp channel output, would you measure and EQ the L & R stacks separately or together?

You always want to take measurements of the subs alone, then the subs with mains together (probably left speaker / left subs together, etc.). Even if you can’t equalize the mains, you still want to see what you have.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[Wayne A. Pflughaupt]

Thanks for taking the time to reply John.

At 4.75' height is the 1st axial mode at 59Hz. Since I have the ability to EQ each sub separately, wouldn't dialing in the corresponding sub at that height help smooth out the response?

Many have tried EQing subs independently, but it seldom works. Really you don’t hear them individually anyway. You hear them as a unit. So, EQ them that way.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt