BFD Alternatives: FBQ, SMS-1, DCX and more

[Sonnie]

Here are a several threads to help those searching for the right sub-eq make an intelligent decision on what to buy...

• Behringer FBQ2496 or DSP1124P
  
• FBQ 2496 vs DSP 1124P HELP PLS
  
• Is the SMS-1 the "iceing on the cake"
• SMS-1 or Behringer DCX2496
• Behringer FBQ2496 / Velodyne SMS-1 distortion
• How does the BFD compare to the Velodyne SMS-1?
• BFD v SMS-1

You may discuss it more here... or you may post in any of the threads above. If your post is specifically related to something in one of the particular threads, it may be better to keep the discussion in that thread. Otherwise, post it here!

[Wayne A. Pflughaupt]

Other Options

Digital parametric equalizers

These are discontinued models that can be found on eBay for reasonable prices. Most manufacturers have replaced these models with newer versions with upgraded AD/DA converters and/or more features (most of which will be of little use for home theater).

Sabine GRQ-3102S

Shure DFR11EQ

XTA DP200

Yamaha YDP2006
Shack Members have confirmed that the YDP2006 is also suitable for use on the main channels - see here, here , and here.

Analog parametric equalizers

These are discontinued models that sell on eBay for very reasonable prices. Most manufactures have replaced these with digital models.

Ashly PQX571
Features adjustable shelving filter.

Rane PE-17
Features frequency settings down to 10 Hz and a 12-dB/octave low cut filter adjustable down to 10 Hz.
Shack Members have confirmed that the PE-17 is also suitable for use on the main channels - see here.

Symetrix 551E
Features frequency settings down to 10 Hz and a 12dB/octave low cut filter adjustable down to 6 Hz.

[Sonnie]

I suppose we should also add:

SVSound AS-EQ1 SubEQ

[allredp]

Hey Guys,

I'm stepping up to Mark Seaton's SubMersive in the next couple weeks (it ships this Friday).

In anticipation, I've picked up a used QSC DSP-30, as per M.S.'s suggestion.

I've used the BFD before and it worked fine with my SVS PB12+/2, but I really want to maximize the SubMersive's capabilities in my apparently difficult-to-drive basement dedicated room.

So, I'm wondering first of all why the DSP-30 isn't mentioned in the BFD alternatives, and second, has anyone here used one as a sub eq?

Thanks for any help.

[Wayne A. Pflughaupt]

A search only got a few threads.

I imagine one reason the DSP-30 it isn't seeing much use around here is that it has way more features that most people equalizing a subwoofer need. The main reason, most likely, is that there are many other options available that do the job for much less money.

Regards,
Wayne

[allredp]

Wayne A. Pflughaupt wrote:

A search only got a few threads.

I imagine one reason the DSP-30 it isn't seeing much use around here is that it has way more features that most people equalizing a subwoofer need. The main reason, most likely, is that there are many other options available that do the job for much less money.

Regards,
Wayne

Thanks Wayne.

This could be exciting for me to figure out, eh?! Looks like I'll have to get Mark Seaton to be my tech guru on this one. As you said, there are cheaper versions, though I picked mine up for similar $$ as those cheaper options most are using.

As per above, I've used the BFD with my pb12+/2 and it helped, but I never could get it great. I tried to keep my filters simple--just used 4. I didn't want to over-EQ the signal seeking ruler-flat response, at the expense of SQ.

Well, perhaps I'll start a new thread with my adventures with my SubMersive and the DSP-30...

[Roger Dressler]

I would submit the BassQ to be among the options for multi-sub tuning. In fact, it does not necessarily exclude any of the other EQ systems from consideration, since BassQ has no actual EQ function. So once the room is made more uniform (but not necessarily flat) for bass in all seats, some EQ may well be the icing on that cake. The signal path would be Mono Sub signal --> EQ of choice --> BassQ --> 2, 3 or 4 subs.

Cal sequence: Run BassQ cal. Run EQ cal. Done.

This thread has more details on BassQ.