Audio Video News

Anyone with a home theater knows how difficult it is to integrate a subwoofer with the rest of the audio system. And if there's more than one sub, the problems are multiplied. Fortunately, these problems could be a thing of the past thanks to the latest product from Audyssey called the Sub Equalizer, which is scheduled to become available on July 1.

Based on the company's highly acclaimed MultEQ XT automatic room-correction algorithms found in many A/V receivers, the Sub Equalizer is actually a dedicated hardware box that applies MultEQ XT to the low frequencies. It can be used with any AVR or pre/pro to optimize the performance of one or two subs by first measuring the low-frequency response at up to 32 listening positions.

Typically, the bass response is all over the map as shown above due to room modes and time-domain problems. The Sub Equalizer creates an inverse profile based on thousands of correction points, which is far higher resolution than other EQs. Also, the analysis and correction are performed in the frequency and time domains, a combination not offered by other such products.

The result is exceptionally smooth, even bass throughout the room as shown above. Muddy and/or boomy bass is abolished, and previously lost deep bass is restored thanks to a frequency response down to 10Hz (0.5dB). The unit works with one or two subs, setting the level and delay of each before equalizing them together to blend seamlessly with the main speakers.

The Sub Equalizer will be sold only through certified installers and requires the Audyssey installer's kit to set it up. Thus, it will not normally be sold to end users without having a professional technician configure it. List price is $800, not including the tech's time, and from what I've heard in demonstrations, it's money well-spent to get the best possible bass in your room.