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does anyone remember "MIDBASS" subwoofers?

beagleman

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I vaguely remember such a product a few years back, but can not remember what it was actually "Called" or referred to.
It looked just like a normal subwoofer, but was only Midbass region

It was basically a Woofer/subwoofer type of device but one that ONLY covered the midbass region, say from 80hz to maybe 250hz.

At the time I thought I saw a few brands that made such a product, but now can not even find it existed ever.
 
It's not exactly what you're looking for, but PA subwoofers focus on SPL instead of low frequency extension. They usually roll off below 40Hz.
 
They still exist.
Even in larger sizes.
Here are some in various sizes but you can use the filter and see much larger examples

 
They still exist.
Even in larger sizes.
Here are some in various sizes but you can use the filter and see much larger examples

I *think* he meant a finished product, ready to use. But, dunno.
 
They still exist.
Even in larger sizes.
Here are some in various sizes but you can use the filter and see much larger examples

No....

I mean actual speakers that look just like an amplified SUBWOOFER for home use, but they specifically only covered the mid and upper bass region.


like a 12" Woofer/subwoofer IN A BOX with an amp and all, except only for mid/upper bass.
An actual product I remember seeing, and wondering what the appeal was.
I remember only a few maybe like 3-5 years ago.
 
Was this a Pro Audio sort of thing? I can't imagine who wants one for their home.
 
Was this a Pro Audio sort of thing? I can't imagine who wants one for their home.

No for home use only. I am positive I saw them, and they looked JUST LIKE a regular sub, but were made to "Fill in" the so called "Mid bass" region.

We may have even had a discussion over WHY they even made them. But TODAY can not even find the product existed at all.
Mainly due to search not being able to discriminate what the actual item was.........

I thought maybe HSU made it, but going on memory....
 
I *think* he meant a finished product, ready to use. But, dunno.
The O/P did use the term subwoofer but the one in the link would be woofers that would work in that range mentioned as mid-bass woofers
 
Like this?

 
No for home use only. I am positive I saw them, and they looked JUST LIKE a regular sub, but were made to "Fill in" the so called "Mid bass" region.

We may have even had a discussion over WHY they even made them. But TODAY can not even find the product existed at all.
Would not a wall of Marshals be just that ?
I don’t remember it being a thing of any popularity for home use other than in old school and new 3/4 way speakers.
But apparently there is one ☝️at least.
 
Like this?



That is it!!
I thought it was HSU, but could not find it with search...

Thanks......:)
 
Yep, mid-bass boxes are prevalent in proaudio and DIY. Well, that is proaudio that still uses non line-array rigs for smaller events.
DIY designs are usually from audio hounds wanting to hear more..

Here's a construction pict of box called the PM60 designed for live-sound It uses a pair horn loaded 12"s to handle mid-bass from 100Hz up. Mandatory subs of course.
The amount of thump the box can produce is impressive. Makes the right types of music seem more alive.
And the horn which a number of HT folks like, does a good job of delivering a clean hi-fi sound. I happily used a pair of these at home for a few years.

But yep again, mid-bass horns abound...and can help sound a little more real even at lower SPL, ime/imo.

xt A.jpg
 
happy to answer any questions about the mbm-12. i think people do not realize what it does or what it is capable of. that's why it never caught on. even the fm8 is phasing out. obviously if you turn it on by itself next to a 15 inch subwoofer you are going to think this sucks and its underpowered. sound isn't just a singular wave, its the summation of multiple waves. the most important being the crossover where fronts and subwoofers interact. i'm happy to elaborate upon this but let's just say if you are lucky enough to get your hands on this and have a minidsp...you can elevate your midbass sound in a way money cannot buy. i am talking about 10 times the cost of your current speakers or subwoofer. not only is midbass lacking in 90 percent of setups, it's most likely not delivered in a way a midbass module can deliver it.
 

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I'm definitely interested in the idea. I'm actually considering using a spare minidsp output to try rigging my center speaker (KEF R2 Meta) as an optional mid-woofer to boost my Stereo pair (KEF R3 Metas) for some extra bass capacity...

andrewtungnguyen What do you find is the main benefit over just a mid-bass EQ boost to existing speakers/subs - is it just about overcoming physical extension limits? Also, how did you handle the localisability of higher mid-bass frequencies in that setup; was it noticeable?
 
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I'm definitely interested in the idea. I'm actually considering using a spare minidsp output to try rigging my center speaker (KEF R2 Meta) as an optional mid-woofer to boost my Stereo pair (KEF R3 Metas) for some extra bass capacity...

andrewtungnguyen What do you find is the main benefit over just a mid-bass EQ boost to existing speakers/subs - is it just about overcoming physical extension limits? Also, how did you handle the localisability of higher mid-bass frequencies in that setup; was it noticeable?
That’s a creative idea. With proper tuning, your R2 Meta could work as a midbass assist. Since it’s voiced like your R3s, it has a good chance of blending.

The main benefit over EQ is physics. More cone area handling 50–100 Hz means lower distortion, better layering, and more presence at low volumes. EQ can’t give you that if your mains are already near their limits.

HSU MBM-12 is fast, clean, and focused in that exact zone. It bridges my mains and subs without bloat or overhang.

Localizability is a real risk above 100 Hz, so I don’t use a hard filter, but I delay-align to the mains and position carefully. Done right, it just sounds like all the bass is coming from the TV even with two 15" subs running, they disappear.

In your case: low LPF, delay alignment, modest gain. It won’t be an MBM, but you’ll still get real midbass weight and clarity, especially at low listening volumes.
 
I don't want you to think I'm blowing smoke either. Analyze this clip however you like. This was recorded and -50 dB and it's a compressed file Spotify.


It should speak for itself I would say the majority of systems fall apart at -50 dB.

This was recorded on a phone as well
 
Hi

THere exist , for sure a few, I know of 2 companies that make or made such; spcifically addressing the midbass (say 50 to 200 Hz region:

Ryhtmik FM8 Direct Servo bass and midbass subwoofer. Seems to be a current model.
HSU Resarch MBM-12: it doesn't seem to be currently available,a picture:
1746013780315.png


There could be more... IDK

Peace.
 
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