[Ricci]

I'm interested in hearing about the movies or music that have pushed your DIY sub system to the limit. What level were you watching it at and what scene was it? Do you still need more headroom?

Can anybodies sw set-up handle WOTW's at reference level? Has anybody tried it?

I just did last night as an exercise because I've never had a problem with any movie and my normal listening levels yet. I figure if my sw can handle this, then I've got nothing to worry about. It did but just barely. I would not want to push things any harder. I tried the harshest most famous scenes with both the DD track set to 0db (REF) and the DTS track set to -6db (also REF). Switching between the 2 tracks is crazy. I've always heard that the DTS track is mixed 6db hot and it's at-least that much over the DD track. Way loud. It seemed like it may be even more than 6db hotter than the DD track. I never listen to movies this loud. I'm normally at -15 or -10db, so this was 10 or 15db louder than that. The DTS track at 0db would be insanity. BTW I slowly worked my way up in level monitoring things as I went because this soundtrack is no joke.

 

[93ext]

Try Black Hawk Down, and U-571

 

[bassman_soundking]

Does WOTW= War of the World? just to clarify. I cant think of any other movies that have a lot of bass that that could be.

 

[robertcharles123]

I'm interested in hearing about the movies or music that have pushed your DIY sub system to the limit. What level were you watching it at and what scene was it? Do you still need more headroom?

Can anybodies sw set-up handle WOTW's at reference level? Has anybody tried it?

I just did last night as an exercise because I've never had a problem with any movie and my normal listening levels yet. I figure if my sw can handle this, then I've got nothing to worry about. It did but just barely. I would not want to push things any harder. I tried the harshest most famous scenes with both the DD track set to 0db (REF) and the DTS track set to -6db (also REF). Switching between the 2 tracks is crazy. I've always heard that the DTS track is mixed 6db hot and it's at-least that much over the DD track. Way loud. It seemed like it may be even more than 6db hotter than the DD track. I never listen to movies this loud. I'm normally at -15 or -10db, so this was 10 or 15db louder than that. The DTS track at 0db would be insanity. BTW I slowly worked my way up in level monitoring things as I went because this soundtrack is no joke.

I actually put the movie in and played the tracks. Le's say the rmx 2450 was probably enough juice for me. I don't have anything hooked up correctly or calibrated at the moment, but just a plug and go until time for more acurracy.

The 2450 is like 650 per channel, so I do not think I was even close to tapping the full potential of the LFE yet, but I am no expert. I pegged the RS meter on the tunnel scene in live free or die hard-buried it passed the 126 mark at Listening position and had a lot more to go.

That is a lot of bass because it comes on all at once. The movie is going along and then all of a sudden, it just lets loose. Cool, but seems like a lot more output than most visitors can take comfortably.

Ricci, I would appreciate any help in getting the system calibrated correctly, and I hope to learn a little at the GTG. I will be watching and helping more than actally pushing buttons. That way, I can soak up the knowledge in the process.

Thanks,

Robert

 

[pietsch288]

I cut my subs off @ 22hz (with my sms-1) so I can give them lots of power at "normal listening levels". When I am watching movies @ "20" on my receiver my subs are actually 30db louder, but by cutting them off earlier the sound is crystal clear. So I get all the "punch" of reference listening without the extremely loud movie sound. I assume reference level would be "0". I do have rf-7's which are more than capable of 28-30hz so that lets me cut off my subs lower and use them as a room shacker :>)

 

[tonyvdb]

I know my sub is not DIY but the Hulk, the Sound wave scene is by far the lowest and hardest for my sub to handle.

 

[SteveCallas]

Try Monster House at reference near the end when the house starts walking - underrated scene.

 

[Ricci]

I own most of the movies mentioned so far. Good call on Monster House too Steve. That's a good one. Yes WOTW is War of The World's. It's still the benchmark for ridiculous low bass IMO. Hellboy 2 is good also.

Tony,
Did you switch the PB13 to the 15hz tune? That's one of my favorite scenes.:T

Robert,
I don't think you will have any problems at all unless you get below your tune with a LOT of power. Maybe if you were running a quarter of your subs.

Nobody has any troubles except for Tony? Steve have you ever run into system limits listening at louder than normal levels? My deal is that I'm running full power down until my amp rolls off below 10hz, so it takes a whole lot of girth to shove out that 10-20hz octave.

 

[tonyvdb]

Tony,
Did you switch the PB13 to the 15hz tune? That's one of my favorite scenes.:T

Yes I did, and although most people dont recommend mixing two different subs adding my A/D/S sub to the system really helped and I can now get away with alot more headroom.
Thanks for the advice.:T

 

[bonehead848]

I tried wotw at reference on my dual 18 IB and bottomed them out:mooooh:. That definitely freaked me out and gave me some respect for that scene. I also like the airplane scene in live free or die hard and a few scenes in transformers. I have never tried the hulk scene. I need to do that.

 

[Ricci]

I tried wotw at reference on my dual 18 IB and bottomed them out:mooooh:. That definitely freaked me out and gave me some respect for that scene. I also like the airplane scene in live free or die hard and a few scenes in transformers. I have never tried the hulk scene. I need to do that.

Woah there buddy!:time-out: I hope you didn't attempt it on my account!:gulp: I'm asking for input on whether you have run into your system limits previously and what material and levels caused it. Be careful with the scenes being mentioned. They are some of the gnarliest stuff out there and I don't recommend jumping straight to REF level until you get a feel for things.

 

[bonehead848]

Woah there buddy!:time-out: I hope you didn't attempt it on my account!:gulp: I'm asking for input on whether you have run into your system limits previously and what material and levels caused it. Be careful with the scenes being mentioned. They are some of the gnarliest stuff out there and I don't recommend jumping straight to REF level until you get a feel for things.

haha, no this was months ago, luckily there was no damage. I learned my lesson though. That scene is the by far the nastiest thing I have come across. Another one that I have to be really careful on is the scene in the third matrix in the end when the machines make a talking face. I know that makes no sense but I dont know how else to describe it.

 

[Ricci]

I keep hearing about that scene but i don't have that movie on disc. Maybe it's time.

 

[bassman_soundking]

lol, I watched that movie again earlier after reading this thread. The wife was like do you really need it THAT loud!! I said the quiet parts are too quiet, so yeah.

 

[Sonnie]

We did 128db with two PC13-Ultra's and the Behemoth during the WOTH scene where the machine rises out of the ground and starts zapping folks. Subs never flinched! I believe they could have handled more, but I just didn't have anymore power.

That Hulk scene with the sound waves is a real tester.

 

[atledreier]

I have tried all the 'common' LFE killers, and my system can do it easily, it seems. Audyssey calibration, verified pretty flat with REW, just a hint too hot in the ultra low stuff. I can live with that.

Also check out the re-entry sequence in the begining og 'Serenity' (ch. 3). That is a better test, IMO, because it lasts longer and cover a much wider frequency spectrum. My subs REALLY get a workout in that sequence. First the re-entry, then a little lull, then the chase sequence, all with bang and booms all the time. That's the only sequence so far that have got my amps warm to the touch.

 

[Blaser]

I do easily RL on WOTW. Lovely bass :unbelievable:

 

[Ricci]

Also check out the re-entry sequence in the begining og 'Serenity' (ch. 3). That is a better test, IMO, because it lasts longer and cover a much wider frequency spectrum. My subs REALLY get a workout in that sequence. First the re-entry, then a little lull, then the chase sequence, all with bang and booms all the time. That's the only sequence so far that have got my amps warm to the touch.

I've not heard about this one yet. How is the movie? Worth buying or a rental?

 

[atledreier]

That's one of those "how long is a rope" questions...

I liked it alot. Good audio, pristine picture, typical sci-fi storyline.

Some more info at IMDB

 

[Ricci]

Of course everyone's set-up is different and your room will have a huge impact on your headroom, but it seems like most of us DIY'rs have enough bass for our needs. I don't know if the commercial guys can say the same. My main room is pretty tough on the bass I'd probably need something like 2 PB13's, or 2Epik Conquests to be happy and I'd still be missing the extreme low end.