Subwoofer arrays can be time-aligned and equalized to minimize seat-to-seat bass variation

Evidence

In SFM, measurement data are processed by an algorithm that combines the sound from all active subwoofers at each listening position (superposition). The algorithm allows for signal manipulation in the path to each subwoofer—gain, delay, and one EQ filter—with workable values pre-chosen for the parameters, and limits applied to the permitted ranges of the manipulation. Then, an optimization program is run, systematically varying the parameters of the signal processing and monitoring the predicted frequency response at the listening positions, with the objective of minimizing the seat-to-seat variations. It is a brute-force trial and error system with some added enhancements. — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 1612

Categorization

• DEFINE: Explains how Harman’s Sound Field Management actually works: superposition, gain/delay/EQ manipulation with constrained parameters, and brute-force optimization.