Rear Subwoofers on a 10 Speaker System

[Z4 Coupe]

Could someone else with a 10 speaker HiFi system (Not the top Carver one) do a quick check for me please?

When I feel the lower big grills at the back they don't seem to be vibrating much and when I move the fader to the rear the bass reduces.

It seems as if all of the low frequencies are coming from the footwell speakers?

Is this right?

 

[bcworkz]

In general, I don't think your experience is unusual. The subs only play really really low frequencies. Many people are surprised how much bass is above typical sub crossover frequencies. I'm not sure the fader is connected to the subs, as they are supposed to be a non-directional source. Be sure your test music has really really low bass. Try for lot's of electric bass, drums have a lot of secondary frequencies above sub level. Better yet, download a sub x-over sweep test tone.

I have a Carver system so i can't really help you with specifics.

 

[Z4 Coupe]

Glad it might just not be mine then.

I have got some low test tones so I'll give them a go tomorrow.

It doesn't sound too bad at the moment but I just want to make sure it's as good as it can be.

 

[Adamski]

The subs play loudest when the direction fader is in the middle. Moving to the front or rear only reduces volume the subs behind the seats

Edit - bass is a strange phenomenon. In surround sound setups, you can normally place a sub in any corner of the room. If blindfolded, it would be difficult to point to the sub. On the other hand, treble is far easier to locate aurally.

If you need some peace of mind, download some bass test samples and play through the hi-fi system. You'll soon feel some vibrations from behind the seats. If you don't, let us know...


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[bcworkz]

I should also mention that anyone using sine wave test tones, especially low frequency ones, should use caution with the volume when playing such tones. Speakers are not designed to play pure sine waves, even moderate levels can cause large excursions of the driver. There may not be much room between playing the tone and the driver smashing against something internal that it's not supposed to.

 

[Z4 Coupe]

I can't find my test tone CD but I did burn some music with a fair bit of bass to test the subwoofers out.

I still think nothing is coming out of the subs??? :?

When I put my hand on the grills it just doesn't seem as if they are vibrating? I cranked the bass up to full too.

The fact I've got a connects2 iPod adapter hasn't disconnected anything?

What would you guys recommend next? Maybe removing the grills and taking a look? The grills look easy to pop off.

 

[tomscott]

Just take the bin front off. Youl soon see

 

[Adamski]

Have you got the sound balance in the centre?


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[Z4 Coupe]

I have got the fader and balance both central.

I'll see if I can pop the grill off and have a look.

 

[Adamski]

If I'm honest, I only feel the air moving when I really crank the volume and have heavy bass playing.

Might be an idea to play bass heavy music but listen standing at the rear of the car with the boot open. You'll hear if they're working from the boot


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[Z4 Coupe]

Sounds like I should go and find an empty car park tomorrow and give it a test.

Thanks for your help guys.

 

[Z4 Coupe]

I didn't remove the grills today but I did test out the subs with a CD.

I think the connects2 iPod adapter really reduces the amount of bass possibly even by-passes the rear subs (if that's possible?)

A CD had noticeably more bass than the iPod. I think I’m just going to remove the iPod cable and use the CD changer with an Aux cable for the iPod.

I may have look at upgrading the subs in the future but for now I’m just happy with using CD’s.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Adamski]

I find that my AUX reduces bass. CDs have much deeper bass, however this does have a slightly muddy sound to it. AUX is cleaner sound, but the bass isn't as rich.


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[spr_bimmer]

try playing with your iPods equalizer settings...

 

[Adamski]

Put DSP on Jazzclub as well, this boosts bass


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[Z4 Coupe]

Great minds eh. Both suggested the iPod dsp at the same time.

I'll give that a try but I think I'm just going to reconnect the cd changer.

 

[bcworkz]

I assume you played the test tones from your iPod? Try burning a music cd with the tones, removing the iPod connection from the equation. Then you'll know if it's the subs or the adapter. BTW, a well isolated speaker driver will move lots of air and yet not vibrate it's enclosure all that much.

 

[GingerRobbo]

iPods in general don't play with that much bass. You can change the eq settings to make it more more bassey but it still will not be the best. Cd's are much better.