There is a tiny difference between phase 0 and 180 on the subwoofer, each phase gets better depending on the direction of the speaker to the listener. The work of the phase control is mainly to let users cast an electrical deferral to the incoming signal. This phase operates within a range of 0 to 180 degrees. The essence of the electrical deferral in the phase control is to enhance the subwoofer incorporate better with the loudspeakers in the available space it is being played. Let’s take a quick look at the meaning of phase control in a subwoofer.
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What Is Phase Control In A Subwoofer?
Phase control in a subwoofer simply means signal deferral or delay. It deals with electrical instruction in the subwoofer which steers within the range of 0 to 180 degrees. With the phase control correctly set, the subwoofer corresponds with other speakers in the system and delivers a better sound performance.
The space where the speaker is placed also affects the sound as much. This could help reverse or maintain the polarity of the subwoofer. Audio quality tends to improve in cases where the subwoofer is placed directly opposite the main speakers, this reverses the subwoofer’s polarity. The phase control needs to be accurate on the subwoofer, an opposite movement of the driver and the main speakers automatically means less volume and bass quality. Here’s a quick tour on choosing between 0 or 18.
Phase 0 Or 180?
Physics is slightly included in the selection of either subwoofer phase. After all, the wave and directions have to be considered to get them sound right. The bass driver from the speaker is expected to pulse outward on a bass fleeting. In order to get this right on your system, there should be a proper alignment of the REL and the driver pulse, this is where phase 0 or 180 comes in.
Basically, most applications leave the phase at 0 degrees. However, if the music does not sound better and louder, the sub can be switched to 180 degrees. You will feel a difference in the bass content and be able to determine the difference in bass sounds from your sitting position. As said earlier, there is a slight difference, but there is always a difference. However, if the subwoofer’s volume is at its loudest, the bass difference might seem relatively subtle so you might need to turn down the volume to feel the bass. All of these are tied to the positioning of the REL
REL Positioning
The REL should be turned inward, pointing towards the listening position, for better output. For dual RELs, each pair should be focused on the listening position. For sound experiments by users, you can position the REL to a corner to get different sound waves and which position seems the best for your listening experience. During this experiment, ensure the device is not touching the walls while placing in such corners.
After getting the best position, you can start by pulling the REL forward on the angle of your listening position. If you get a perfect sound but still lack a meaningful output, you can easily make an adjustment to the high/low level to reduce the crossover. This is the best position where you can make the most out of your REL by increasing the generated bass of your system. There are easy ways to get your phase control settings right.
Phase Setting
Phase setting involves the bass of the subwoofer setting to face the right direction and deliver quality sound. To avoid an out-of-phase subwoofer, the speakers must operate in the same direction for quality sound. An out-of-phase subwoofer means bass sound from each speaker contradicts each other which eventually results in a highly poor quality sound.
For speakers that can not have their wires switched, the best solution for such a situation is a switch in phase. You can easily have your speakers set up with no total installation or entertainment case once the phase setting is in direct order. The phase setting process has been explained earlier, you either have a 0 degree or 180 degrees. If you do not get the best bass from 0 degrees, you can easily switch to 180 for better sound quality and vice-versa.
The Perfect Subwoofer Phase
Getting the perfect subwoofer phase is a lot simpler than you might think as explained earlier. However, some retrial might be necessary to get that perfection, no matter how subtle. The perfect subwoofer phase entails a gradual volume turn down and a careful examination of the volume level where the bass is at its peak.
A full-volume subwoofer will not allow for distinct differentiation in the bass. At the same time, the volume should not be too low either to avoid the drowning out of the sub from the main speakers. The experiment is mostly all about balance.
Moreover, right positioning matters a lot in subwoofers and speakers when it comes to getting a perfect phase. You might have to try different options until you get what sounds right to you and delivers a listening pleasure. Aside from the phase setting, you might need some crossover settings at some level to enhance the sound effect. But you might begin to wonder, is the phase adjustment really necessary? Let’s see!
Is The Phase Adjustment Necessary?
While some audiophiles argue the importance of the phase adjustment, a regular listener might just not see the need for it. Regardless of the little difference, a correct phase level makes the bass sound better. The simple 0/180 subwoofer phase adjustment is a system issue and depending on how much you value the sound difference, the phase adjustment might or might not be necessary to you.
Basically, for audiophiles with a number of sound systems with a bit complex layout, the phase adjustment can really go a long way in the sound performance of individual systems combined together. Some audiophiles would not mind spending some extra minutes in making a little research and getting their bass sound perfect.
Final Thoughts
The frequencies expected of a subwoofer should sound right and this can only be possible with an accurate phase level. There is no better phase between 0 and 180, it all depends on the degree that sounds right to you which is greatly affected by placement and listening position. A quality sound might be for personal enjoyment but regardless, they are never underrated.
