Advertising

Since launching in 2009, Red Spade Audio blog has exceeded my expectations in traffic with over 12,000 hits each month. Due to the strong search engine performance, most of the traffic comes from Google. 

Don't take my word for it ...

Run a Google search on the title of any post here. You are likely to find my blog featured in the top 3. Now with over 200 pages on diverse topics, it only gets better from here. 

Here is an example of the Google result with keywords "bass integration guide."

My page comes up third and links to my article which is featured in the two links above it. The page that ranks fourth is another link to the same article. 

Sizing

Your ad will appear on every page in a prominent position to maximise exposure and effectiveness. Ads will be inserted as raster images so they will not be blocked by ad blockers. They will be seen. 

Pricing

Small: 325 x 80 pixels $400 - 12 months

Medium: 325 x 125 pixels $500 - 12 months

Large: 325 x 180 pixels $600 - 12 months

Design of the banner is included. I will incorporate any existing designs and modify as needed, or design one from scratch. In addition I will include a page about your products or services.

Want to set up your own blog?

Even if you already have a website, a blog can be a useful tool for your business. It's easier than you think and has advantages that you probably hadn't considered. Contact me to discuss setting up your own blog. 

Website help

Whether you want to set up a website from scratch or you need to get more out of your existing website, I can help. Contact me to discuss website services.

Enquire about advertising

Contact me to enquire about advertising.

Why your system needs a target curve

This post is part of my bass integration guide series on Hifi Zine >

Many believe that the ideal system has a flat response. In a real room this is neither possible nor desirable. A speaker that has a flat response (+/- 3 dB) on axis in an anechoic chamber will not be flat in any listening room, whether it be a typical room or a professionally treated one. It would be more typical to achieve deviations from flat around +/- 15 dB.

It is possible with DSP to achieve a flat response in one listening position, however, the result is generally considered undesirable and unbalanced. Here I will focus on frequencies below the Shroeder frequency, typically 200 Hz, where the response is room-dominated. In this region we can safely apply EQ and treat the direct response of the speaker and the room response together. Above this point, the direct sound from the speaker and room effects should not be lumped together - they require separate treatment.

In the diagram above you can see an illustration of a bass target curve. This is more fully described in my bass integration guide.

Choices are made in the studio regarding the levels of bass and they vary between artists and albums. Unfortunately this means that with any given setting, one album may sound boomy while another anemic in the bass. This is part of the reason why you need to set a curve that tends to apply to the material you listen to. There is also the aspect of personal preference. This requires some trial and error until you find a curve that you like best. Before applying a curve, however, it's important to first achieve certain objective standards as outlined in my bass integration guide.

There are some skeptics who don't like the idea of applying a target curve, claiming that a flat response in the listening position is the ultimate goal. Many of these skeptics have never actually tested this idea. My suggestion is to test this out for yourself before forming an opinion. I also suggest that you follow the process outlined in my bass integration guide. This target curve can only be applied effectively in a system that has been properly optimised as outlined in the guide. Otherwise your result will be skewed by untamed modal resonances.

Why you need a subwoofer for music

If you are aiming for the best bass you can get, you need at least one subwoofer, even in a two channel system. When this is suggested, a common response is "my mains have enough bass!" The reasons for using a sub aren't quite so obvious.

What is required to achieve exceptional bass:

• adequate extension to reproduce bass as low as your source material demands
• adequate output to achieve the highest level you expect in your listening position with headroom
• independent level adjustment
• adequate headroom to allow for a room target curve and some EQ
• ability to place the bass speakers where they perform best 
• multiple placements - from one to five units

Obviously the bass drivers included in your existing speakers can't meet all of those requirements. In-built bass drivers on your mains are far too limited to achieve the best that is possible. In most cases, sub will work best in locations that could not be used for a full range speaker.

I use the term "subwoofer" broadly here. An active woofer not intended for home theatre use can also be used.

The main reason for using subwoofers is that they can be placed to get the best out of the room. Once properly integrated, one can achieve a much smoother response that is free from peaks and dips that plague all rooms. It isn't difficult to remove peaks with EQ, but the unique benefit to a multi-sub arrangement is the elimination of dips.

Bass integration guide

In this article, I cover how to best set up the bass in your room. It has occurred to me that many audio enthusiasts pay careful attention to every aspect of their system while accepting mediocre performance in the bass. In response I've put together a process aimed at pursuing the best possible performance. It isn't for those willing to stop at good performance. I'm writing this for those who are passionate about bass. 

The first of this three part series is now online at Hifi Zine:

Bass integration - part 1

(June issue 2011)

The first part focuses on measuring the current level of performance in your room. Some performance targets are also introduced so that you can see the areas that need improvement.

Bass integration - part 2
(September issue 2011)

Part 2 covers acoustic treatment. How to modify your room for improved performance and how to choose bass traps.

Bass integration - part 3
(June issue 2012)

Part 3 covers speaker placement and system calibration.Of particular interest to many will be EQ.

Room measurement service

A new room measurement service in Melbourne

Following numerous requests, I'm now offering a room measurement service to Melbourne suburbs.

Update: I also provide a remote service that enables you to take your own measurements, and I will provide support and interpretation services.

More about the remote service >

When done right and correctly understood, measurements will show you exactly how you can achieve great bass in your room. If you want to learn how to take your own measurements, I can also show you how to do it effectively.

You can find out:

• how your speakers and room are performing
• how you can benefit from acoustic treatment
• how you can benefit from EQ
• how best to integrate your system with the room

I will explain the charts and what they mean.

How the process works

1. Define the goals

You explain what you would like to get out of the process. You might want to see how your system is performing. Or you may be after help with integrating your sub, which is more involved. If your expectations are a bit higher, you might want to go through a complete bass integration process.

2. Measurements

I will take measurements in your room to suit your goals.

3. Analysis

I will explain the charts and what they are indicating, along with pointing out areas for improvement.

4. Suggestions for improvement

Depending on what you are open to considering, I will discuss options to improve.

The process can become more involved than this, depending on your requirements. A complete bass integration may require more than one visit. 

What kind of measurements are involved?

I will take measurements that show the response of of the speakers independent of the room as well as in-room measurements. Frequency response is a start, but there is a lot of important information about a room contained in time domain measurements. Even if you have used EQ to get a flat response, it's more than likely there are substantial further improvements possible when you consider also the time domain.

What happens next?

What you do with the results is entirely up to you. You might satisfy your curiosity or you might want to do everything you possibly can to get great bass. Bass traps, multiple subs, active woofers, EQ, placement changes, phase alignment - those are all options I can help you with.

Room measurement case study >

Enquiries

Contact me to enquire further regarding this service

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Cat: "I'm a person in a cat's body!"

Introducing Otis. He thinks he is human. A person in a cat's body! When I saw him sitting in my seat expecting a first class breakfast, I couldn't resist the Kodak moment ... even thought I had to put him up there three times to recreate it!

Unity horns + Acoustic Elegance TD18H + Maelstrom 18

This afternoon I had a chance to take some measurements of some speakers of great interest. One of very few Unity horns, along with some Acoustic Elegance TD18H woofers and a Maelstrom sub.

You can also see a pair of 6th order bandpass subs with 12" drivers. 

 

Nearfield measurement of the Maelstrom. It was converted to Aperiodic since the vents were tuned too high. 

 

Acoustic Elegance TD18H - nearfield measurement. 

All up, 3 subs and two active woofers. Quite a lot that can go wrong! There were some challenges in setting up EQ and integrating them. The Maelstrom sub near the couch was used for the bottom end. The bandpass subs were actually reducing the bottom end output due to interference. Compared to integrating a sealed sub with mains, there is a great deal more complexity.