XMC1 Bass distribution with Sub and 2 Full range speakers

[carel1966]

Recently acquired Triton 1’s for my fronts, and am trying to integrate the bass with my B&W DB1 sub. Problem is that I can run the 2 Triton’s on its LFE input on one of the XMC1’s bass outputs and then use the other output for the DB1. My problem with this is that I would also like to use the Triton 1’s in straight reference mode (i.e. full range), but above obviously does not allow for that.


What I am thinking and this is where I need help is to set the Triton 1’s as full range, and then use only a single LFE out from the XMC to the DB1. This will allow me to use the T1’s as full range speakers in Reference Stereo mode, and the T1’s internal crossover will take care of the bass distribution.


For the other modes (and to be able to use Dirac with all 3 subs (although two will be from T1’s)) I am thinking of using the DB1 with the Triton 1’s, but using the enhanced bass setting. I know this is normally frowned upon, but reason is that I will change the output of the LFE (DB1) after running Dirac to fill in the T1’s where it is missing bass (due to room modes) and also make sure that the full range T1’s together with the DB1’s then gives me the required bass output level. This basically implies that the T1’s will also be used as subwoofers as the LFE channel (where used) will also be send to the T1’s.


Please let me know if you think my logic will work…

[goodfellas27]

Carel, I have the Mythos ST Towers from Sandy Gross former company DefTech.

The Mythos have build in subs like Triton one. What I did was to balance the build in sub with an SPL meter. So I discontented them (Mythos) from the speaker cable and let the LFE from the XMC-1 connected. I ran the 75db test signal from XMC-1 to its LFE (sub) and dial the nub until i get 75db SPL read at seating. I did this for each tower individually.

After doing this, I connected the speaker wire back to the towers and disconnected the LFE from the towers' sub. I have the tower at full range or LARGE, so the bass signal is sent to the towers via the speaker wire. This would allow the internal tower's crossover do its job with the build in subs.

I followed with XMC-1 PRESENT 1 and ran the SPL at seating with the speaker wire. Not touching the bass nob since they're both equal, by now. I set the level out to make sure i get each tower at the same volume at seat. After that, I enter the distance. Doing this give me the best sound to date from my speakers; both tower would be balanced

Once all of this is done, run Dirac. Make sure your LFE is going to a real sub. Dial the real sub physical volume, so it's balance and in between the green with Dirac level read in your computer. Dirac will "hear" the bass output of each tower. I would be balanced in volume. The outcome give me awesome sound.

If you have Dirac Full, you could use a calibrated mic like the UMIK-1. This will give a better Dirac read of your room. You could also tell Diract to ignore frequencies above 5khz. This would ignore the high of your speakers and let your tweeter shine. Try it both ways and see which one you like.

[bootman]

Why not cross them over at 40?
Yes the -3 point on these is about 30 but for 99% of music 2 channel materials I think you will be fine. (and you do still have a sub)

[carel1966]

Thanks for the replies. I want to see if I can tame my room modes with distributed bass. So far so good - using first suggestion and sounds good. Balance beyween 2 fronts on LFE input was within 1dB of each other so left that the same. Now just to get the balance correct. Will post some plots once complete a bit later this week.

[Bonzo]

I will be very interested to see how this thread goes. These speakers offer up options "normal" speakers don't, and a lot of people have a lot of different opinions on how to get them sounding their best.

[carel1966]

Ended up using the T1’s with their own build in crossover, and the DB1 in the center of the room at the back (the front is already occupied by the equipment stand).

The graph in blue shows the T1’s on their own, and the purple with the DB1 added.
This for me is almost perfect as I like the bass a bit hot .





I will still fine tune over time, but for now I am happy.


My biggest issue sadly is still getting Dirac Live to run consistently as it crashes 10 times for every one time it runs successfully, but when it work, it does wonders.