parametric EQ or 24db/octave xover

[pgoko]

Hi Guys,
I need advice on what signal processing to use in blending my subwoofer to my HT system. I am using a pro-amp to drive two subs. It sounds really loud and nice but I want some blending with the whole system. I am thinking a parametric EQ or a 24db/octave crossover, or both. Thanks.

[Paul O]

I say both because they do different jobs, and your average home theater receiver sub out is 12db/oct. The 24db/oct crossover will make a big difference, and the parametric EQ can be used for things like shaping the reponse of the sub band. The king of actives would be a DSP unit like the DCX2496, then you get these features plus more, like shelving filters, crossover slopes ranging from 6 to 48db/oct, overlapping/underlapping pass bands, delay for driver alignment, the list goes on.

[pgoko]

Thanks Paul, I will look into that unit.

I say both because they do different jobs,
> and your average home theater receiver sub
> out is 12db/oct. The 24db/oct crossover will
> make a big difference, and the parametric EQ
> can be used for things like shaping the
> reponse of the sub band. The king of actives
> would be a DSP unit like the DCX2496, then
> you get these features plus more, like
> shelving filters, crossover slopes ranging
> from 6 to 48db/oct, overlapping/underlapping
> pass bands, delay for driver alignment, the
> list goes on.

[cptomes]

> I say both because they do different jobs,
> and your average home theater receiver sub
> out is 12db/oct. The 24db/oct crossover will
> make a big difference, and the parametric EQ
> can be used for things like shaping the
> reponse of the sub band. The king of actives
> would be a DSP unit like the DCX2496, then
> you get these features plus more, like
> shelving filters, crossover slopes ranging
> from 6 to 48db/oct, overlapping/underlapping
> pass bands, delay for driver alignment, the
> list goes on.

I have recently used both methods. The DCX2496 (currently in the stack at home...) needs some attention paid to the input/output gains when setting up, or you'll be throwing away most of the 24 bits of a/d resolution. It's easy to turn a good sounding system to crap when you throw away 16 of the 24 bits because you don't set the gains properly.

The L/R 24dB/octave plus eq I used was the dbx 234 and 231. It is all-analog, and I found the noise floor to be below the rest of the equipment I was using. However, buying a 324 and a 231 is more expensive than the DCX2496, and the DCX has far more features and flexibility.

I will probably buy another DCX2496 in the immediate future, so I can use it for two subs on each front channel. That means a five-way setup on each l/r. One sub for 20-80Hz and one for 10-20Hz...

Why? I am Dodecaguy.