How to setup subwoofer - 896

stevefal · Post by **stevefal** » Wed Jul 19, 2006 11:32 am

I run an 896 under logic, and I'd like to add a subwoofer to my monitor setup. I am using Dynaudio Acoustics BM15A for my mains. I produce music in stereo only and want a sub only for more accurate bottom.

I don't see a simple way to add a sub using the outputs available on the 896. I am currently using outputs 1 and 2 to drive headphone distribution and Main outs, under control of the Volume knob on the front of the 896, which acts as my main monitor volume.

Of course the goal is to have the mains and subwoofer track under the same volume control.

I haven't chosen a sub yet, but those I've looked at only have a single input.

Can anyone suggest a way to set this up so that the sub gets signal from both left and right channels?

mothra · Post by **mothra** » Thu Jul 20, 2006 12:55 pm

Well if youre looking at subs with only ONE input theres not really any way to get a stereo signal into it is there?

My MAudio sub has two inputs which is where the soundcard outs go..
From there the Sub has three outputs, two of which go to my L/R monitors, the third feeds another sub if necessary.

BradLyons · Post by **BradLyons** » Thu Jul 20, 2006 1:05 pm

I don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but if you own the Dynaudio BM15A's... you will be cutting corners MAJORLY if you do not buy a professional level subwoofer. I own a pair of ADAM Audio P33A's and picked up a Tannoy TS10 to tied me over, this is a 10" sub from Tannoy that is really good for the money. HOWEVER it wasn't on the same level as my Adam's, so I decided to bite the bullet and buy their Sub10 (and a pair of S1A's). While still a 10" sub, there is no comparison between the two. However, they are in another league price-wise too. If you buy a sub not up to the quality of what you own, you'll make it worse.

Most all studio subwoofers have (2) discrete inputs and outputs with a built-in crossover, so that shouldn't be an issue. If you're looking at a home-theatre subwoofer, that would explain the one balanced input. If you're looking at passive, that would be an answer as well.

stevefal · Post by **stevefal** » Thu Jul 20, 2006 1:14 pm

Yes, I love my BM15As and I want something of similar quality. I was looking at their BM12S, which is 12". It's not cheap and they market it as a studio *or* home theater monitor, but it has only one input indeed.

It sounds like I need to look for a suitable sub with 2 inputs, or put together my own summing solution to feed something like the BM12S.

With all of the MOTU 896's I/O, I was hoping there'd be some solution using it.

BradLyons · Post by **BradLyons** » Thu Jul 20, 2006 1:40 pm

Ahhhhhhh I know that sub and yes, that IS a problem. Now when you're in a surround system where you have a controller with full speaker management, that's not an issue. Also when using a dual-sub configuration, not an issue here either. But in a stereo configuration, that's a problem! Well this is where you need a crossover, but that is more money. Another solution would be something like the Central Station giving you separate control and volume, however you don't have control of your crossover points between the sub and the speakers.

There are other subs to look at if you need to, I am a big fan of the ADAM's as I mentioned....very nice. The downside, however, is the max crossover point on their 12" is 150Hz where the BM12 is 250Hz (I think, anyway).