Adjust the level control until it now matches or blends with that of your main speakers. Adjust the crossover control lower / or higher until the roll-off frequency matches that of your speakers. You want it higher so you can measure the actual subwoofer roll-off / crossover frequency. With the pink noise CD playing and the RTA software running, adjust the subwoofer volume until it is high enough in level to exceed the response of the main speakers. Polarity - inverted or 180 degrees out of phase (based on experience this is the default setting)Ĭrossover- set at the approximate roll-off frequency of your measured system. Step 2) Turn on the sub with these default settings. This gives a good subwoofer crossover frequency starting point. The natural roll-off frequency (crossover) is 80Hz. The first pic below is the response of my system without subwoofer. Put the microphone at your listening spot as close to center / ear level as possible. Adjust the volume to where you listen most.

Put the test CD in the player and play the full spectrum pink noise track (put it on repeat). Step 1) Measure your speakers without subwoofer. In my case I have the KEF LS50 speakers and integrated a JL Audio d110 subwoofer. I would not recommend a subwoofer without this feature. This one happens to be critical for smooth integration. Many do not have the continuous phase adjustment.

Polarity / phase switch (normal / inverted).

Continuous phase control (0-180 degrees).

Not outrageous considering the investment in your system.įor proper subwoofer integration, the subwoofer you select will need the following features. Total cost for software, CD, mic and mic preamp was about $200.00. TrueRTA) a quality microphone and preamp and a full spectrum pink noise test CD you can take the guess work out of the process. Unfortunately using the 'by ear' method involves a lot of trial and error and in the end you are not completely sure you have the smoothest, most blended, most extended response your subwoofer / system is capable of. If you love two-channel audio and want some extended bottom end but are reluctant to add a subwoofer, fear not because it can be done successfully.

Truerta tutorial