So many ways to connect a sub

[Philker]

Hi all,

I am a novice at this DSP lark so please forgive me if my question has been asked [and answered] a thousand times before.

To connect my BK sub in my previous set up all I had to do was to take the single sub woofer output from my SMSL class D amp and plug it in to the right [as opposed to left] channel of the sub and then blend to taste. Easy!
Now however, using my MiniDSP HD 2x4 I find I have rather more options:

a. Route one channel [Lt or Rt] from [say] output 4 on the miniDSP to a single input on the sub [essentially mimicking the above].
b. Route both channels [Lt and Rt summed] from output 4 on the miniDSP to a single input on the sub.
c. Route both channels [LT and Rt individually] using separate cables from outputs 3 and 4 on the miniDSP to both the Lt and Rt inputs on the sub.

I have no idea which of the above methods would be considered best practice thus yielding the best sonic results.
So in an effort to avoid 'reinventing the wheel' and in the hope that all these methods have already been extensively tried and tested, I am posting this here on the forum.

Many thanks in advance.
Phil.

 

[Wayne A. Pflughaupt]

One option will not get better sonic results than the other.

In fact, splitting the (presumably mono) sub signal either in front of the mini, or internally, can cause problems: If you don’t have both channels linked so that they generate matching filters automatically, any time you make an adjustment, you can end up applying a filter to only one of the channels. As a result, you will wonder why the sub does not seem to respond to the equalizing.

Bottom line, keep it simple. You only need a single EQ channel for the sub.

Regards,
Wayne

 

[Philker]

Hi Wayne,

I have just downloaded the manual for the miniDSP and it shows the the left and right signal inputs are also both routed to a single sub output thus making the connection to the sub via a single lead [see the graphic].

In keeping with your advise re filter effectiveness I will indeed make sure that both channels are 'linked'.

I appreciate your advise and thanks for your time.

Regards.
Phil.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

The routing you are showing will combine the subs for mono output. Then you can use the PEQ for the Sub channel and it will correct both subs.

Are your subs equidistant to the main listening position?

 

[Philker]

Hi Sonnie,

The routing shows the Lt and Rt signals being combined for output to just one sub.
My single sub is between the main stereo pair but off to one side due to space constraints.

Cheers.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Okay... so you just have the one sub. You got it right.

 

[Philker]

I should have downloaded the manual in the first place!
Thanks for the confirmation.

Regards.
Phil.