Need help with a sub test plan

[dvenardos]

I have had problems with Outlaw LFM-1EX rattling the windows in my neighbors house (single family detached). I used to have a huge peak at 18hz but took care of that by pulling the port plug and switching to max output mode:

http://www.tweakcityaudio.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8988&postcount=9

I thought this took care of the problem and have the subwoofer turned down very low, but Saturday night and "War of the Worlds" had the neighbors over again. This is pretty ridiculous because it wasn't really that loud and nothing in my house was rattling. They haven't complained about volume level, just rattling. In their words before, they thought we were having earthquakes.

Anyway, I figure it has to be a certain frequency that is causing the problem. I would like to test the frequency and see where the issue is and then come up with some kind of solution, maybe eq for the sub or a filter on the low frequencies and maybe I will add a buttkicker for movies. I have REW, anyone have suggestions for how to test individual frequencies (I haven't really dug into the software) or test tones that I can download?

Thanks,
Don

[dvenardos]

Hum couldn't find those, but looks like I can generate specific sine waves from within REW. :doh:

Still would appreciate everyone thoughts on this issue.

[Jethro]

Maybe bass traps would help, or some type of sound treatment based on containment. I'd call up someone from realtraps or gikacoustics and ask them what would make sense to try.

[dvenardos]

Maybe bass traps would help, or some type of sound treatment based on containment. I'd call up someone from realtraps or gikacoustics and ask them what would make sense to try.

I added a pair of GIK 244 traps in the front corners since running those sweeps with REW, but my understanding is that traps don't go down to the low subwoofer range and the weird thing is, these neighbors are on the far side of where the subwoofer is located. I wonder what the wavelengths are for the low frequencies so that maybe I could fix the problem by moving the sub around. Maybe a certain frequency is peaking right on their wall?

edit: found this they are very long:

http://www.mcsquared.com/wavelength.htm

I wonder if I can measure the distance to their walls and calculate the wave length that is the problem?

[SnowmaNick]

I would set it up to test with my neighbors. Let them know you are trying to figure out where the frequency issue is that is causing their windows to vibrate and that you would like to set up a time where you can run a series of test tones while on the phone with the neighbor.

Then, download the test tones, play them at a reasonable level, and have your neighbor let you know when the vibration begins and ends. Keep a decent interval between the test tones to allow any vibration to stop so you get as clear of a picture of the problem freq's as possible and the voicecoil doesn't get overheated.

Once the freq's are known you can try to cut them in with the BFD if you have to. Other options could be A) An isolation platform like a Gramma may work or B) move the sub nearfield to cut down on the amount of output the sub needs to produce to get to the appropriate level to match thee mains as the listening position.

Personally I would try A, B and A&B to see if that alleviates the issue before I intentionally disrupted my FR but you have to do what you have to do.

[dvenardos]

Anyone have a link to the download on home theater shack? I am getting no output from REW.

[Ron Temple]

You just need to change your viewing habits from Wotw to Bride Wars. Chick flicks are neighborhood friendly.

[dvenardos]

Found some test tones:

http://www.realtraps.com/test-cd.htm

[dvenardos]

Well, they are gone for a couple days, but it looks like the problem is in the 22-29 hz range. My walls start rattling like there is no tomorrow above about 83 db in that range and the wavelength is right around the distance to their wall. Our houses are the same so I am sure it does the same to their walls and being at the distance of the wavelength they get nailed when I don't have a problem. 0 - 19 hz is dead silent, no rattles at all. Isolation makes no difference, put the subwoofer up on the ottoman and rattling is the same as would be expected.

If placement doesn't alleviate the issue, I don't know how I am going to be able to keep 22-29 hz under control.

[Sandbagger]

calling mr Seaton:ufo:

I will point him this direction tomarrow

[Jethro]

Once you get the neighbor thing squared away... it's always a pain in the butt to track down your rattles in your home to really lower the noise floor, but worth it. Man does a rattle free room and powerful bass hit the spot.

[dvenardos]

calling mr Seaton:ufo:

I will point him this direction tomarrow

:cool: I would really appreciate his input. Thanks.

Once you get the neighbor thing squared away... it's always a pain in the butt to track down your rattles in your home to really lower the noise floor, but worth it. Man does a rattle free room and powerful bass hit the spot.

I don't know man. I thought they were crazy, but it really is like an earthquake. You put your hands on the wall and you can feel the entire wall vibrating. Obviously, I don't listen at high decibels but this was just insane.

[persisting1]

It sounds like you're doing too much on your end.

Put the test tone on, walk over with some caulk or putty and fix those old windows.

Wash your hands, and get back to turning your bass up:rock:

[ibengal]

I had an issue where my image on the screen shook during certain movie scenes. I had a calibrator over, and he began doing sine wave test tones to isolate the frequency and come up with a solution. In the end my issue remains because it turns out that my frequency is 15Hz and its the ENTIRE CEILING that is shaking.

I think its all Mark's fault...

You should be able to isolate the frequency by working with the neighbor and if its in the 22-29Hz range you can probably create a filter on the eq to reduce the problematic frequency.

Itai

[GreggyVT]

Pardon my ignorance, but is the Outlaw a Seaton creation?