crossover slope filter settings sealed vs ported

[Pieter1267]

Hi,

So I have 2 Neat Acoustic sx2, down firing port floor standing main speakers. I also have an SVS sb 1000 pro sub.

The main speakers now go through the minidsp in a crossover. I decided to plug the downfiring ports.

The svs manual says I should set the slope at 12 for sealed main speakers, and 24 for ported. Now that I closed the ports I changed the slope in the SVS app from 24 to 12db slope. Wich sounds a lot cleaner. However I noticed the Minidsp crossover are all set at 24. I know keeping all of them in the same slope setting is best.

My question: since I plugged the main speaker ports, is it better to set everything at 12db slope? Or is 24db better? 3rd option: can I just keep the svs app setting at 12 and also maintain the 24db setting through all outputs in the minidsp? Kindly your advice. Thanks in advance!

 

[staticV3]

The svs manual says I should set the slope at 12 for sealed main speakers, and 24 for ported.

This is only relevant when playing the mains full-range and adjusting the sub to match.

When you cross both of them within their linear frequency response range, then you can choose any crossover slope really.

can I just keep the svs app setting at 12 and also maintain the 24db setting through all outputs in the minidsp?

Stacking multiple crossovers can get messy. If you're using the miniDSP for this, then it's best to disable the SVS settings/set it to LFE.

 

[Salt]

Plugging the ports means the rolloff will be 12dB/octave as in closed speakers. For 24 dB so DSP has to add 12 dB.
But as staticV3 said, if the Xover is within the linear FR, just 24 dB HP for mains and LP for woofer might fit well.

 

[Wolf11Man]

Even if you plug the ports on a woofer, it will still take lower frequency power, make the cones move and burn it useless in the voice coil.
A 24dB/oct high pass for the mains will be of positive impact in such a case. Try to set it between 50 and 80 Hz.
Anyway, if you have an AVR, this should have such a filter if you don't use the full range setting for the mains (and center). Usually 80 Hz, but you may better check.
Restricting the mains in the low end takes load of the amp and results in more transparent and less distorted upper range. Also max SPL is increased significantly.

If you don't know, be carefull to cascade crossover's and DSP settings. Worst case scenario: A room correction in the AVR, a miniDSP and a crossover in the sub.

 

[Pieter1267]

This is only relevant when playing the mains full-range and adjusting the sub to match.

When you cross both of them within their linear frequency response range, then you can choose any crossover slope really.


Stacking multiple crossovers can get messy. If you're using the miniDSP for this, then it's best to disable the SVS settings/set it to LFE.

I actually only learned yesterday I can use the minidsp peq just like i use the svs app peq. I only have the minidsp a few weeks and slowly discover what is possible.

Atm I set the SVS full range per svs advice (200hz) and i make the low pass crossover setting in the minidsp.

But untill now I used the peq of the svs app. But the minidsp has 10 presets where the svs app has only 3 so im inclined to change all that and do what you say, leave the svs app only for volume level. I really still have so much to learn I am glad I postponed my new speaker buying. At the moment I fuly enjoy making the most of what I have, with the plenty of tools minidsp icm REW, offers.

Even if you plug the ports on a woofer, it will still take lower frequency power, make the cones move and burn it useless in the voice coil.
A 24dB/oct high pass for the mains will be of positive impact in such a case. Try to set it between 50 and 80 Hz.
Anyway, if you have an AVR, this should have such a filter if you don't use the full range setting for the mains (and center). Usually 80 Hz, but you may better check.
Restricting the mains in the low end takes load of the amp and results in more transparent and less distorted upper range. Also max SPL is increased significantly.

If you don't know, be carefull to cascade crossover's and DSP settings. Worst case scenario: A room correction in the AVR, a miniDSP and a crossover in the sub.

As I said above: currently the only thing the svs app is doing, is taking care of the peq for the sub. But im in the process of changing that too to the minidsp. No AVR. I use a 35 year old Quad 34 as pre amp, into the minidsp wich then splits signal to a Quad 606 as main amp for the main speakers, and the svs subwoofer. The SVS obviously, is active.




Thanks all for the replies!

 

[ViperDom]

I actually only learned yesterday I can use the minidsp peq just like i use the svs app peq. I only have the minidsp a few weeks and slowly discover what is possible.

You are on the right track. Use MiniDSP for everything!
- Mains-to-Sub Timing (This is important to allow full amplitude throughout their overlap)
- Crossover (May want/need to go with steeper slopes depending on speakers & positioning)
- EQ (Do it all yourself initialy. It will give you a greater appreciation for DIRAC if you choose to later add.)
- Multiple Presets/ House Curves

If you dont have a microphone add the UMIK-1 to christmas list.
Download the free REW(RoomEQWizard) software. Run a Frequency Response Sweep and it will be visualy obvious where there is room for improvement in your setup.