How to setup ADI-2 DAC or ADI-2 Pro in a setup with
main speaker+subwoofer.
The following sounds a bit lengthy and complicated, but is in fact quite straigth forward and can be fun.
What we need:
• iPhone/iPad with "FFT“ by Andrew Smith, $12 in the Appstore:
https://apps.apple.com/de/app/fft/id298840058
Or, if you like a more coarse view, RTA:
https://apps.apple.com/de/app/rta/id298839433
• Something to place the iDevice in free air at the listener's position, e.g. a photo tripod, a selfiestick, or any stick+tape, or any mount.
Don't lay the iDevice on something big, this would disturb the soundfield around it’s mic.
• Pink noise from any source.
The AudioTools' FFT and RTA have a generator built in.
You can either connect this iDevice, or a 2nd one with the same app (that's what I usually do), or use PinkNoise from a CD or from Youtube:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXtimhT-ff4
• In AudioTools FFT / RTA's Setup "Mic Compensation Filter", and "Measurement Mode" should be Enabled.
Set "Output Mode" to "Mono", not "Balanced"!
• Switch OFF the subwoofer.
• Set FFT to Equal Points/Octave, 1/3 Octave smoothing, Average — or RTA to 1/3 Okt., 30s Decay.
• Look at the room noise.
• Play the Pink Noise.
• Dial in a Pink Noise level 15-20dB above room noise.
The average from 100Hz to 1kHz should meet a scale line, as reference line.
• Switch OFF the main speakers, ON the sub.
• On the sub's controls, set the level at:
(case 1): One output - main/sub on the same ADI-2 DAC / PRO output: 10dB,
(case 2): Two outputs - main/sub on separate ADI-2 PRO outputs: 3dB,
- above the the FFT’s / RTA's reference line, with sub's x-over frequency try to find a range between 60-110Hz that looks the most linear. Make a pencil mark.
• (case 1):
On ADI-2 DAC, use the lowest EQ band: Shelving, Level -8dB, f=like sub, Q=0,7, as a startpoint.
• (case 2):
On ADI-2 Pro, use the lowest EQ band: HighPassFilter, f=like sub, Q=0,7, as a startpoint.
• Now, switch the main speakers ON too, linearize the response by playing with:
- the sub's phase switch,
- the EQ settings, but only the low band.
- the sub's frequency control around the pencil mark,
- and a bit with the sub's room placement if possible.
These are all interactive.
Goal is a slightly, 3dB, elevated bass and a relatively linear bass response.
With a good setting you can counteract room resonances too.
Don't care about higher frequencies at this point.
Take notes when you found a good setting before trying another.
Listen to music inbetween if you found a good setting.