Time alignment for subwoofer

[Lightninghoof 10+ year member]

I understand the importance of time alignment (among other factors) for tuning SQ systems and optimizing the sound stage, but my question is, how important is it to time align the subwoofer? Let's say the subwoofer is mounted in the trunk and not physically up front with the 2-way/3-way speakers.

What sort of impact would it have to overall sound, performance, and staging?

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[CBFryman2 5,000+ posts]

phase is more important than time alignment with subwoofers. Our ears are not nearly as sensetive to bass issues as mid/high issues.

 

[johnecon2001 5,000+ posts]

As far as time alignment as a whole goes... you don't delay the subs.

You delay the highs to the mids and then delay both of them to the subs.

When your done, it should sound like each speaker is producing sound to hit you at the exact same time

 

[GrnEydDvl 10+ year member]

As far as time alignment as a whole goes... you don't delay the subs.You delay the highs to the mids and then delay both of them to the subs.

When your done, it should sound like each speaker is producing sound to hit you at the exact same time

Correct. Adding to this here is an example which assumes you are using coaxials (that is the tweeter and mid are the same distance from you). The distance of the sub is taken into how long you delay the other speakers.

For example if the left channel was 2 feet from you, the right 5, and the sub 8, you would:

1. Leave the sub alone. Do not delay it.

2. Delay the right channel however long it takes sound to travel 3 feet. (8-5=3)

3. Delay the left channel however long it takes sound to travel 6 feet. (8-2=6)

My head unit lets you enter delay in seconds or distance (meaning it converts to time for you).