Do I need a subwoofer?

[b.natural]

Hi,

I live in a medium-sized condominium, though with fairly good sound-proofing. I plan to play Widor's 6th and other big works, but not at a volume that will bother the neighbours. So I don't need powerful speakers. However, I need to hear the 16-feet stops (forget the 32s) well, and have the speakers represents the 'fonds' and upperwork faithfully.

I've read through your postings and it seems that most of you have bought subwoofers, too.

Is it possible to purchase a pair of speakers that will handle everything from 25 hZ up to give me what I need (without buying a subwoofer)?

Michael

[RoyKnight]

Hi Michael,

To get the bottom "feel" of the pedals, a sub-woofer is a real plus. Not only does it add solid bottom, but the main speakers are free to sound clear without the added load of bass frequencies that are really too low for them to produce accurately. When I added a sub-woofer, I realized that the feel of the lower pipes was as important as the sound. Of course I live in a house, and that gives me an edge on the floor boards I am allowed to shake!

Roy

[oliver_mayes]

Michael,
Last week I finally got my new Hauptwerk organ hooked up. I started with the M-Audio BX8a speaker pair thinnking they would be adequate by themselves. I was far from satisified with the lower range of frequencies. After two days of playing I went back and bought the matchaing sub-woofer BX10S. It really made a difference in the lower notes. You don't have to play loud to notice the difference. In fact I think the softer passages are improved more. I recommend you use a subwoofer.
Ollie Mayes

[jkinkennon]

I'm running HW without using my old 15" Mirage subwoofer. So here is my very general opinion of what it takes to cover the 16' pedal stops with full range speakers. My first set of speakers are Klipsch Forte's which use a 12" woofer and a 12" passive cone in a sizable enclosure. These just barely make it to 30 hz with strong output so they cover the fundamental of the 16' foot stops and do a fair job with 32's so long as there is a strong harmonic content. The next set of speakers are Wharfedale 400W PA speakers with 15" woofers. They do a little better (by a note or two) on the low end and sound like they are coasting when the Klipsch's are sounding a bit pushed. So, I'd suggest a sub for anything less than a 12" woofer in a decent enclosure. And, yes, there are exceptions to every generality, but I think this is about right in all but the largest of residential rooms.

My 15" sub, and most subs that are not designed specifically for organs, don't go a lot lower than 30 Hz. The Mirage is specified as having decent output at 18 Hz, but trust me, it doesn't. Actually, don't trust me, just believe the calibration microphone and spectrum analyzer! Small speakers such as studio monitors can sound fantastic but will require a subwoofer. If you go this route be sure to put some effort into getting the right crossover and balance to the sub. It's easy to get "effect" from a sub, but difficult to get a low, even (non-boomy) musical response.