SVS PB12-plus and UMC-1

[mdanderson]

Well I got my PB12-plus yesterday and I have located it and setup the levels and everything but so far I have not been able to get the same level or impact I had with my old 20-39PCi. I followed all the instructions in the manual and set my speakers all to 75db along with the sub at the same level. I used the AIX calibration disc that came with my Oppo BDP-93.

I ended up with -17db on the volume of the sub and -1db on the sub level in my Emotiva UMC-1. I have the sub located just to the right of my couch. This is where the sub crawl test indicated was the best place for good bass. I used the same location as my old 20-39PCi but I did not do a new sub crawl test with the new sub. I have not tried to run PEQ yet. I do have REW when I decide to do it.

If I turn up the sub level in my prepro to about +6 or +7db, I start to get close to the same level I was used to but this would mean the sub is running at a much higher level compared to the rest of my speakers. I also turned up the volume level in the sub itself to about -10db and it was better but that would also mean the level is quite above the rest of the speakers. Thanks for any input.

Attachments:

[flyhigh]

Just for kicks...take a look at the back panel of your new Sub, and verify that the "Input Level" switch is set for the type of input that you're using.

"Normal" for RCA type connections
"High Level" for Balanced XLR connections

That switch is small, and easily overlooked. It could give you some monkey business with your levels if it isn't selected properly. Ask me how I know! ;D

After you've checked that....go ahead and run your REW to see what you're getting.

Armed with that info, and if needed... a call to the nice folks at SVS will get you dialed in quickly.

Congrats on the new Sub.

All the best...

-Fly

[rocky500]

Did you update the UMC-1 to the latest firmware recently?

I though I read the older firmware had the sub 10dB hotter than the latest firmware.
This could be the difference you are hearing.

[mdanderson]

Mar 5, 2012 9:21:03 GMT -5 flyhigh said:

Just for kicks...take a look at the back panel of your new Sub, and verify that the "Input Level" switch is set for the type of input that you're using.

"Normal" for RCA type connections
"High Level" for Balanced XLR connections

That switch is small, and easily overlooked. It could give you some monkey business with your levels if it isn't selected properly. Ask me how I know! ;D

After you've checked that....go ahead and run your REW to see what you're getting.

Armed with that info, and if needed... a call to the nice folks at SVS will get you dialed in quickly.

Congrats on the new Sub.

All the best...

-Fly

Thanks Fly and rocky500 for the input. I do have the input level switch on normal and I tried to run REW but my y adapters are too wide to fit in my sound card. I then did a manual plot using the Real Traps CD and I discovered a peak at 40hz.

I was able to flatten it out some by using the PEQ in the sub. I also called SVS and tech support was very helpful. I now have my sub gain turned up with my UMC-1 level turned down. I also have the latest FW for UMC-1. Things do sound better with music now and I am working on getting the movies to have more impact.

I may end up relocating the sub or waiting on the XMC-1 which should have a good room eq. Thanks for the help.

[caliberconst]

First thing I would do is adjust the phase, in some instances this will seriously effect the bass.

[flyhigh]

Mar 8, 2012 22:12:36 GMT -5 caliberconst said:

First thing I would do is adjust the phase, in some instances this will seriously effect the bass.

Agreed!

If Mr. Anderson has access to some test tones, setting phase would be a simple matter of:

1) Play a tone at the Crossover Frequency between the Sub & Mains
2) Measure with an SPL meter at the main listening position.
3) The Phase setting which gives the highest SPL is the correct setting.

Absent tones, and meters....simply play some music with a familiar, repetitive bass line, and adjust the phase setting. Whichever has the loudest bass...is the correct setting.

From there, proper level adjustments, etc can be done.

Sounds like you're on the right track, and making forward progress!

Good luck, and we're all cheering for you!

You're gonna get it nailed....don't worry!

[mdanderson]

Mar 9, 2012 17:29:24 GMT -5 flyhigh said:

Mar 8, 2012 22:12:36 GMT -5 caliberconst said:

First thing I would do is adjust the phase, in some instances this will seriously effect the bass.

Agreed!

If Mr. Anderson has access to some test tones, setting phase would be a simple matter of:

1) Play a tone at the Crossover Frequency between the Sub & Mains
2) Measure with an SPL meter at the main listening position.
3) The Phase setting which gives the highest SPL is the correct setting.

Absent tones, and meters....simply play some music with a familiar, repetitive bass line, and adjust the phase setting. Whichever has the loudest bass...is the correct setting.

From there, proper level adjustments, etc can be done.

Sounds like you're on the right track, and making forward progress!

Good luck, and we're all cheering for you!

You're gonna get it nailed....don't worry!

Thank you caliberconst and flyhigh for the additional input on this. I will certainly try the phase adjustment using the my crossover of 80hz and my spl meter and see what it shows. Thanks again for the encouragement.

[bootman]

Fix your cable issues and run REW!
That will tell you what is going on in your room.
If it is flat, you was running your old subs too high beforehand.

[G-Man]

Something to double check. Make sure you've correctly set up the settings on the back of the subwoofer so the pre-pro is controlling the sub output. See the SVS manual. I have an SVS sub and struggled with something similar.