Computer Modeling of Subwoofer placement/Number

[amirm]

I have in the past talked about Computational Fluid Dynamics used to predict the optimal number of subwoofers and locations to get the smoothest response across a number of seating positions (most important in home theaters). I have had a very nice visualization of this that Keith Yates had performed in the process of designing our theater but I keep forgetting to upload it.

So I uploaded the volumetric version of the simulation. Later I will post the slice that is most important: what is happening at ear location.

The "iso" colors show the bass amplitudes. The ideal response would be one color for all frequencies and all locations which sadly is not possible. Three subs get us closer though than one.

The simulation is available all the way up to 1080p. You can follow the youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R6S9G0RCiU&feature=youtu.be, and select that resolution and go full screen.

 

[audioguy]

I can't afford Keith Yates. But if one already has a room, with some teflon sliders, a strong back, patience (lots and lots of it), measuring software (REW, OmniMic, et al) and enough existing subs, one can get there without his modeling program. Mark Seaton just did so in The Blands room for three rows of seats and I have done so in two different theaters (only one row).

Where this might really help is on the front end before room design began (and assuming there were few restrictions on room dimension limited by existing structures - like a new home).

 

[amirm]

Indeed that is the best use of it: prior to building anything. The sub crawl method would not have worked in this case as one of the subs is on the ceiling .

 

[mojave]

Indeed that is the best use of it: prior to building anything. The sub crawl method would not have worked in this case as one of the subs is on the ceiling .

You put a sub in the listening position and then move the microphone around the room with the RTA running on REW. It is fairly quick to check all possible placement locations and determine the best locations. However, this doesn't take into account multiple subwoofers and their interaction. For that you need to use the Computational Fluid Dynamics app that comes with the iPhone 6.

 

[amirm]

You put a sub in the listening position and then move the microphone around the room with the RTA running on REW. It is fairly quick to check all possible placement locations and determine the best locations. However, this doesn't take into account multiple subwoofers and their interaction. For that you need to use the Computational Fluid Dynamics app that comes with the iPhone 6.

I thought it was the watch that had it.