Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jens Eklund
➡️
Only a few years ago, I had the same opinion … but I was wrong.
There are some situations where you actually can reduce modal decay using DSP correction, especially if lower order axial modes:
How to tame a resonance at 22hz
In this example, we deliberately choose to ignore the first axial mode (in terms of treatment) and focus on higher order modes (that where more problematic) and then managed to fix the 1,0,0 mode with a filter that matched the Q and gain of the mode.
Having said that; I would naturally still opt for as much treatment as possible before reaching for that DSP …
I´m not a big fan of multi sub systems either (if “multi” means more than two). The best sounding systems I´ve heard has always consisted of two subs in the front (below the mains, carefully integrated using DSP) in a well-treated room.
Sincerely Jens Eklund
Nice one.
I can see how if there is only one well identified variable that could work to a certain extent without too much collateral damage, especially on a sub. More than that and you'll see me slowly frown.
But yes, design & treatment first. We actually never use DSP correction anywhere, but the ATC amps allow fine tuning of phase (crossover) and Woofer/Midrange/tweeters levels. Which is plenty enough to get the system to perform 100% in the rooms.
What struck me with even recent DSP correction systems and DSP controlled monitors, is that as soon as it does more than one wee little thing, it has audible artefacts - that are often very hard to nail on a measurement but are audible. Some systems, turning DSP on without DSP doing anything yet is audible. Sometimes it's like a weird veil, a shift in stereo and depth, loss of realism of the soundstage.
The only guy I know of that has managed to create a purely DSP driven speaker system that really works and sounds amazing is Bruno Putzeys, with Kii Audio. (Also the man behind the Hypex Class D amps and Grimm speakers.)
He also happens to be one of the most intelligent human being I have met. I have a lot of respect for his work.
These are also cardioid speakers - and not only on paper. It works very very well. In untreated rooms, it helps with a lot of SBIR related issues.
Kii Audio GmbH - High End Active Speakers for HiFi and Professional use.
Kii Loudspeakers: for studio