Dual subs tuned as 1 sub or as 2 individual subs

I have heard that you should tune bass (with 2 subs), as a single sub. I am assuming you use a Y connector to drive both subs from 1 channel on the crossover. I have 2 horn subs currently being used as part of a 3 way horn setup, and was thinking maybe I should try and eq both horn subs as 1, and run a 2.1 setup.

What will the advantages be for tuning and running them as 1 sub? Any disadvantages?

Wayne A. Pflughaupt said:

The short answer, not doing a deep-dive into the "why:" The best argument for EQing multiple subs as one is, that’s the way you hear them.

It’s not unusual to find that after EQing each sub separately, when you afterwards measure combined response, it’s worse than either was separately, and the combined measurement is unacceptable.

Regards,
Wayne

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So if I understand you correctly...run them as one, eq as one...run them separately, eq separately, correct?

Wayne A. Pflughaupt said:

Ar
Are you talking about having two subs, but only using one at any given time? If so, yes - run and EQ them separately.

Regards,
Wayne

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No...currently I have k402mehs horns (2 way synergy horn), and a pair of f20 sub horns. I have the setup configured as a 3 way...even though the MEHs dig down to the mid 20s. I did it this way to not push the MEH woofers ( a pair of 15" Celestion ftr woofers per k402 horn) to hard, and I currently crossover the woofers at 80hz to the f20s.

I was wondering if I ran the MEHs as a 2 way ( the normal way), and tuned both f20s as a single sub via a xlr splitter from my xilica crossover, to a amp for each f20... I would have a 2.1 setup. Does this make sense? Would tuning 2 f20s horn subs as a single sub be advantageous vs running the setup as a 3 way?

In the attached picture...you can see a 5' tall f20 horn sub partially behind the tv, and a MEH on the outside edge of each f20.

ddude003 said:

I would suggest that if your mains and your subs are all symmetrically located, as your photo seems to show and if your are driving them in the sub 80Hz range you may run them as you are thinking as 2.1 system... Otherwise, why not run them as stereo subs as in 2.2 system... Or if not symmetrical, then one might need to time aline them... Just a little food for thought...

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If I run them as a single... I was hoping maybe I might get a spl boost...or maybe the tonallity would change since they would be getting the same signal.

They are symetrical (around the fireplace), BUT the left channelis about 5' from the wall and the right channel is 20' from the wall

ddude003 said:

Once again, this is the point where only by trial and measure and what your own ears reveal about which method gets you to your audio nirvana... It is also possible that you may create more problems with room modes... I don't remember if you have your room squared away with treatments...

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I have 10 acoustic absorption panels, and heavy theater curtains, but due to the 20,000+cft room with a 32' ceiling...it is not really treated as much as it should be. Our next house will hopefully be much better, as I plan on having a room the size of a 2 car garage or larger dedicated room, that will be fully treated. I am just trying to tune it the best I can in this room. In a room that is half the size or even smaller with a ceiling about 10' max...my setup would be much easier to properly tune.

Sonnie said:

This is where DLBC would really come in handy. Just sayin'.

Acoustic panels won't do anything much for frequencies below 100Hz. You'd need huge resonators for that.

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I still have the minidsp 88m with Dirac...not sure if it has ba seperate bass management though

Sonnie said:

I believe it's the 88BM that has bass management. That should be what you have if there is an M in the model number.

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Yes I have the M and purchased the Dirac Live license.

Todd Anderson said:

The only problem with running them as one would be the distance to the listening position. They need to be physically placed in your room so time alignment isn't an issue.

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They are 12' from the mlp (one on each side of the tv).

Spidacat said:

If nothing else, I think you should at least time align the two subs. Unless they are very close together, delaying one via the DSP and measuring with REW you might get more output and probably a lot better native response before EQing.

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They are about 6' apart from each other and equally 12' to the mlp 12' away.

Todd Anderson said:

Well, if you have them spaced like that, treating them like one is much less problematic!

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That's good, because moving 500+ lbs is not an easy task for one person (I can do it, but moving to align in small amounts definitely tires me out).

Thanks. I have hockey pucks with stick on felt sliders attached to the bottom.They slide good...just hard to move 5' tall x 3' deep and 2' wide (dimensions change depending on orientation I choose), and changing orientation is definitely a 2 man job.