Differences between him and studio subwoofers?

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JLM

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Differences between him and studio subwoofers?
« on: 21 May 2015, 11:16 am »
I'd like to ask if anyone can explain the difference(s) between home subwoofers and studio subwoofers. 

As a fairly typical example, the Eve Audio TS112:  $1500; F3 = 24 Hz; 12 inch woofer + passive radiator; 112 dB max output; XLR left/right/LFE in and out (6 total); 15"x22"x20"; 400 watt amp; remote control.  Just seems much more expensive, much wimpier specifications (it's their biggest sub), but well equipped. 

Another example, Neumann KH810:  $2700; F3 = 18 Hz; 10 inch woofer; 119 dB max output; XLR 7.1 in and out (16 total); 14"x13"x25"; 160 watt amp; remote (tethered) control; parametric EQ.  Again expensive, impressive output from a small sub and well equipped.

I suppose their built better, specifications more conservative, and better sonic performance than found in home subs.  TIA

*Scotty*

Re: Differences between him and studio subwoofers?
« Reply #1 on: 21 May 2015, 04:11 pm »
JLM, I wouldn't assume that a studio sub-woofer is necessarily better than a home sub-woofer. Many parameters need to be compared and in some cases the specific application for a studio sub may be different from that of a home sub. Key pieces of data are missing from both sets of specs you posted. The maximum output level in dB should always be associated with a specific frequency range and measurement distance, if not it is a meaningless number. CEA-2010-B (ANSI) is a standard method of measurement for powered sub-woofers and should be referenced if any specifications are stated, this assures that an apple to apple comparison can be made between sub-woofers. Here is a link to what the standard covers, unfortunately if you actually want to know how to measure a sub-woofer per this standard it will cost you $90, they aren't giving it away.
https://standards.ce.org/kwspub/published_docs/ANSI-CEA-2010-B-Preview.pdf
Here is link to application notes concerning the previous ANSI-CEA 2010 standard.
http://www.audiomatica.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/appnote_007.pdf
 Here is an example of a company (Power Sound Audio)who uses the standard and comparisons between its products and other companies.

As you can see from the chart the peak SPL is always referenced to a specific range of frequencies. Most subs can produce a higher SPL at mid-bass frequencies than they can at low bass frequencies,(ie,16Hz-25Hz).
Sidebar, useful information on a number of audio subjects can be found here.
http://www.powersoundaudio.com/pages/tips-tricks
Disclaimer, I do not use and have not heard the products referenced in the above chart.
Scotty

JLM

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Re: Differences between him and studio subwoofers?
« Reply #2 on: 21 May 2015, 05:59 pm »
Thanks Scotty,

Good to have knowledge of that ANSI standard, glad to see CEA had developed some sort of modern audio standards.  Too bad they're not more accessible, without consumers won't demand compliance and manufacturers have little reason to use them.  And too bad it's a consumer electronics standard, so I doubt manufacturers of professional gear be interested in using them.

Good point that without such standards subwoofer specifications are pretty meaningless.  As their livelihoods depend on this, I suspect few professionals tolerate "empty numbers". 

Too bad Power Sound Audio doesn't do smaller subs.