RBH transducer measurements 10/22/97



The setup


The set up was 4 RBH transducers sandwiched between the couch and the floor powered by a 150W amp with the crossover set at 80Hz. A function generator was the signal source and was set to: .5 Vpp sine wave output. The noise floor of the room was around 50 dB SPL C. A fan was blowing on the amp inorder to keep it cool and linear. My newest Radio Shack 33-2050 sound level meters (the one with the word Radio Shack on it) was used. It was placed on the center cushion right where a persons butt would typically be. Because of its coupling to the leather couch its measurements are a combination of air vibration and mechanical couch vibration.


EQ table


curve 25Hz 31Hz 40Hz 50Hz 62Hz 80Hz
flat (dB) 0 0 0 0 0 0
EQ1 (dB) +6 +6 -12 -12 +4 0
EQ2 (dB) +12 +12 -12 -12 +12 +12
EQ1+2 (dB) +18 +18 -24 -24 +16 +12


Plots comparing different EQ curves. The EQ1 and EQ1+2 plots are from yesterdays data. The EQ2 and the FLAT data are new. How absolute levels were determined was by eyeballing about a 10V output from the amp at 25Hz, the EQ1+2 run was a little higher.

For both measurements only the weight of one person (167 lbs) was on the couch. Notice that the green EQ1+2 curve is flat 21Hz - 80Hz +/-8dB, but this flatness eats a lot of useable power. How much and what is practical? Well that is another set of experiments.

One important point about the FLAT curve and music. Well that setup is basically unlistenable for music. The frequency response is so peaky that it makes it sound like the bass is delayed. The EQ of -12dB at 40Hz and 50Hz is a must.




Check out my quest for bass page.