How to Break in a Subwoofer
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- Опубліковано 8 січ 2020
- So subwoofer break-in, in some quarters is something of a controversial topic. I can't imagine why. You have really two things that are significant. You have a driver that is stiff and unformed. The suspension needs to run in mechanically, and then you have an amplifier who has a huge power supply that needs to charge up, and this can take two to three days. We know this in every other walk of our high end life somehow subwoofers are not supposed to go through this. It's insane.
0:30
So, the first thing you need to do is run extremely low bass through the subwoofer at moderate volume for about 15 to 20 minutes. Ease into it. Let the poor thing get warmed up and cycling. Don't try and take a subwoofer out of the box, any manufacturers, and turn it right up to 10. You're going to be extremely disappointed. It won't do what you hope it's going to do. Let it run for 15 or 20 minutes at a moderate level. Everything starts to seat in. And then I'd encourage you to, and especially if you've got a family, take the family out for dinner.
1:00
Leave it on fairly loud for about two hours. And when you come back, you'll find that the subwoofer is playing about twice as loud as before you left. You haven't changed anything, it just seated in. And as the driver seats in and gets more flexible. All the polymers start to warm up and loosen up a little bit It produces more energy, more efficiently. The second part of it takes about two or three days. This is where we'll, for example, go into a reviewer's home. We'll set this piece up perfectly.
1:30
It sounds great. We leave at 10 o'clock that night. The reviewer is ecstatic. We check back in with him the next morning, and he goes, “is it just me or it just seems like it's really loud, almost bloated?”
Yeah, the power supply is charging, so it's not unusual, especially with our higher end models to wind up having a turn it down two, three, four, five clicks over the next two days. It's not your imagination. If it starts to seem like it's playing louder, it is. Turn it down a click, perhaps two, and you'll hear it go back into balance. The next day you may have to do it again and it'll be another click or two.
2:00
And this is just the capacitors largely, expanding and contracting, expanding and contracting until they form to their maximum defamation that they need in order to operate ideally as capacitors. That process is just inherent to the physics of the way power supplies are physically constructed.
Learn more about subwoofer break in on the REL Acoustics website at rel.net/how-to-break-in-a-sub... - Навчання та стиль
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As a basshead for 20 years and having owned numerous subwoofers i can confirm this is 100% true. The first two weeks of owning a new subwoofer I'm constantly turning down the volume as it settles.
I have my tzero in my small 12 Sq meter listening room with a pair of Jbl L1 vintage loudspeakers and the sound transformation when I turn on this little sub is heart warming and put a smile in my face, what a great piece of audio, congrats to Rel
We are glad that you are enjoying the performance of the Tzero! Let us know if you have any questions or concerns and we will be happy to help.
How many clicks do you have on crossover and volume?
Most valuable piece of information on UA-cam about subwoofers.
I know that burn in was very importaint for headphones but didn't believe it will make that much difference in subwoofer ! 2 years ago i bought svs sb 1000 pro (my first "serious" sub). It was playing "ok" out of the box but the longer i use it the bass was so much better !! the sound was chaning even for 500h of playing !!!
Very useful information. Many thanks
Good info, thanks.
i have a 10 inch jbl eon and this worked perfectly
thanks
If you had a dollar for every one that was going to follow these instructions... as prudent as they are, you'd have to borrow money from me to buy gas to get home LOL
Dwight Bernheimer I’ve always followed break in instructions but I am very rare as many people don’t even believe in break in so yea that’s a $1 lol
Just received 2 510s ... installing them in a few weeks and then having fun setting them up and breaking them in ... awesome weeks ahead :-)
updates?
@@googoo-gjoob breaking them in right now. Already sounds amazing with most music. There is a small downside ;-) When a song is produced with lacking low bass in the studio ... it's very well possible that they added/mixed too much bass somehow. And you'll hear that for sure. But that's not the subs at fault ;-)
@@ericshutter5305 so, 2 510s.... would you mind sharing room dimensions?
Great info and perfect way to slowly break in your new sub. Love it
I have question , the very loud 2 hrs period John mentioned , I wonder what type music , low bass or just more full range music you should ply ?
Thanks ,
Thank you for watching. We recommend track 4 from the soundtrack to the movie Sneakers (titled "Cosmo...Old Friend") as being the best option for breaking-in and tuning subwoofers, though any full-range music with consistent and rhythmic sub-bass impulses will work well for breaking in your subwoofer.
I'm already scared of buying a Tzero before moving into a semi detached house. There's no way I'm leaving it on for 2-3 hours at a moderate volume while I go out for the evening, my neighbors would murder me in my sleep
😅😂😂
Thx
Just like when we built engines. Run them for a while t0 let things seat and break in then change oil and rock on!
Cool video. When i first got my sunfire xteq subwoofers i slowly increased the bass over a period of maybe 5 or 10 listening sessions before cranking them up to insane levels. Is that bad that i took so long to bring them up to very loud volume?
Thank you for reaching out. Waiting a while before breaking-in your subwoofers will not cause damage to them, it will just mean that they weren't fully broken in during your first several listening sessions. In this case, it would be worth contacting Sunfire to see if they have a recommended break-in procedure for their products, though the instructions shown in our video should work fine for it.
Hi, great videos. Really learning a lot. I have a few questions: When you say turn the volume to moderate level and loud level are you talking about using the volume control on the preamp or the gain level knob of the subwoofer? Also, you mention turning down volume 2-5 clicks. Do you mean by using gain level knob on subwoofer? Thanks!
Thank you for reaching out. We are referring to the output level of the subwoofer itself, though this can also mean the system as a whole since raising or lowering the volume control on your preamp will also raise and lower the output level of the subwoofer. However, if you do not wish to run your main loudspeakers at high output levels during the break-in process then you can simply use the level control on the subwoofer so that it's output level changes while the rest of your system stays the same.
Thanks very much for your quick and informative reply!!
I got a sub a couple days ago and I’ve been playing it pretty loud since I’ve gotten it, still sounds good no problems. Is it going to hurt. Can you reply I’m kinda worried now.
Even if played at relatively high levels for an extended period of time, your subwoofer shouldn't be damaged in any way as long as it's output is still clean and is not distorted. If you have any questions, feel free to write in to contactus@rel.net and we will be happy to assist.
Haven't heard of "burn in" until now. now I see this informative video. I listen to or make 8 hours of music with my speakers almost every day (bought new last Nov.), do I still have to burn in my speakers/subwoofer? thanks for answering and the great videos!
Thank you for watching. It depends on the model of main loudspeakers that you are using in this system, the style of music that you are listening to, and how loud you are listening, though it is likely that your speakers have broken-in on their own since you added them to this system. That being said, it would be worth contacting the manufacturer of your speakers to see if they have any specific recommendations regarding break in.
@@RELAcoustics many thanks for answering. I hear/do electronic music, hiphop, trap mostly. i hear mostly at moderat volume, sometimes loud. my speakers are KaliAudio IN8 2nd wave with the WS 6.2 Sub. I asked them yesterday and they told me, the speakers don´t need to break in...
I just got an SVS PB-2000 pro and I noticed the second day it seemed louder and I turned it down a notch. Today I was pumping bass heavy music really loud and it started to smell like burnt electronics, so I turned it down. Still works perfectly but I contacted SVS just to be on the safe side. They said it should be fine, and that it can happen when pumping a brand new sub really hard and, in the SVS representatives words, "If the subwoofer is brand new and was being drove really hard it could have exhibited that. There is roughly a 40 hour break in period."
And now, here I am researching sub break-in periods. So the smell might be those capacitors expanding and settling, better not pump it quite so loud for a few days.
REL subwoofers require break in, but they should not smell like burnt electronics during that period. We can't speak for other manufacturers.
@@RELAcoustics well, it's hard to describe the smell. It's not like anything is on fire burning.... It could be outgassing, could be other factory smells from the sub heating up. The back amp got warm to the touch but no warmer than my KRK rokit 10 plate amps have ever been. But I eased the KRKs in, it was only 2 days and I cranked the SVS to reach about 90-100 db; my couch was vibrating. I had the 12 inch SVS outputting more bass than my old 15 inch Cerwin Vega ever did. In fact, today I noticed it's outputting more bass again at moderate volumes and I need to turn it down another notch.
@@errormachine5056 As the subwoofer's driver(s) loosen up during the break-in process, it is definitely common that it will begin to produce stronger output levels from the same level control setting. Regarding the smell, if the subwoofer's amplifier panel got this warm then the smell was likely due to something within the subwoofer getting too hot, though SVS will be the best source of information about how their subwoofer's break-in.
@@RELAcoustics yeah, that's what I figure with the smell. I was running it really hard for quite some time. The smell was similar to a baseboard heater heating up.... If you've ever smelled that. SVS told me some new subs can produce a smell when driving really hard right away, but keep an eye on things and let them know if I have any problems. They also said those sub brake in period is about 40 hours.
I see a lot of post of subwoofer break ins where they mention to NOT crank it up loud and go at about 1/4 gain for a couple weeks. Obviously the take your family out to dinner phase, to give the subs a workout, it has to be loud. Idk if I did the break in correctly... idk if I had them 2 loud or not loud enough. I had them playing at what I think is moderate volume for 10-12 hrs after. Basically...Now, I have my crossovers at about 1- 3 o'clock...and gains at 12 o'clock. Whenever I get a great low base track playing...my loudspeakers give me pretty good low base. Klipsh rp600m. So it's hard for me to tell what the RELs are doing. Anyways...just hoping I broke them enough. Is it possible that a pair if t5is are 2 small for the klipsh rp600m? Hope not...but...where on the spec sheet do I find just how low the klipsh go? And how's that compared to getting anything out of the t5is? The frequency response for the Klipsh is 45-25 +/-3. Not sure what that means but I'm sure u guys do :)
There is not necessarily a wrong way to break-in a subwoofer, as long as you do not play it at full output level immediately after taking the subwoofer out of the box. Based on your description it sounds like you have likely broken-in the subwoofer enough, though it does sound like you have your Crossover control slightly higher than we typically recommend. We recommend starting with the Crossover dial set to the 10 o'clock position, and adjusting from there by-ear until a smooth and seamless blend is achieved. For reference your Klipsch RP-600M speakers are spec'd to reach down to 45Hz +/-3dB, so the Crossover dial will likely end up close to the 10 o'clock position. In our experience, in most rooms a pair of T/5i is an excellent match for pairing with these speakers.
If you have any additional questions or concerns about tuning your subwoofers, please write in to contactus@rel.net and we will be happy to provide additional assistance.
I just installed 2 12s and a 1200 amp. Do I let play for 3 days to break in
In our experience, letting the subwoofers break-in for approximately 10-12 hours will help to loosen up their drivers and warm up their electrical components. For more information, here is a link to our article on our recommended subwoofer break-in procedure: rel.net/blog/2018-09-28/how-to/how-to-break-in-a-subwoofer/
How does rel compare to svs subs which has deeper bass some say rel is sub bass not subwoofer please explain John hunter
Many of our subwoofer models have low-frequency extension just as deep as SVS or other manufacturer's subwoofers, though our primary goal is to deliver sub-bass that is as fast and responsive as possible. This allows the subwoofer to blend seamlessly with your main loudspeakers, resulting in a unified full-range output that has greater soundstage depth and resolution across the full frequency band.
@@RELAcoustics why no one ever picks up in customer service or general question area. It always asks to leave voicemail when call
Can someone explain what he means with a "the power supply needs to charge up and this can take 2 to 3 days"? It sounds like oilsnake to me because there's no capacitor taking this long to charge up and there's no transformer that big where the magnetic flux needs that long to build up (especially for 50/60 Hz mains frequency xD) so what does he mean?
its needs to warm up/charge up like a track runner, once the track runner is nice and stretched and warmed up it'll preform at its best. Same with the Amp when it's brand new. It happened to me today I bought new powered subs for my DJ business and I was like wtf man that's it? (but didn't want to turn to much up because it was right out the box) but as 1 or 2 hours passed the subs was kicking nice. I'm going to give it more go's everyday before my gig this weekend. I hope I charge up the power supply so it can be ready for my gig on the weekend!
A few days for the power supply to charge up??
The power supply should be charging ultrafast to keep up with the audio signal.
In audio signals were talking about milliseconds, how does one explain to charge the amp for days?
I do believe in loosening the driver's spider, but charging up the amp?
Don't get me wrong, i'm a fan, i have two REL subs, but this..
I think its the wrong term to say " charging up". It's the maximum charge ability, how much charge capacity in total, that's increasing during break in, in the same way that a new car's maximum power can increase slightly after the engine is run in. So I think he's just been a little loose with his wording, that's all.
So does the power supply charging situation happen every time you unplug it, or is that a one time deal?
It's a one time deal, he explains it at the end that its due to capacitor deformation. The capacitors swell when electricity is pumped into them for the first time, but after they swell to their full mechanic limits they will not "unswell". It's a permanent deformation that makes them slightly larger.
@@Justin73791, thank you for the reply. It’s hard to find information about that particular detail anywhere! Cheers!
I've read that I can't play my sub at a high volume level until I break it in...well, I like my music, being that I'm on the highway a lot...do I have to keep the volume low if I'm running my gain real low to break it in? I've got my gain at about 15% to break it in...no boosts, but I've got my volume up...is this okay?
When setting up a new subwoofer in your system, it is important to play it at moderate output levels for a few minutes when you first connect the sub. This allows the subwoofer's driver to loosen up, though after approximately 15 minutes of moderate output levels you can raise the level control and begin playing the subwoofer at slightly higher than typical listening levels to thoroughly break-in the subwoofer's driver and other electrical components. This can be done either by playing your system as a whole at higher output levels, or by raising the Level on the subwoofer but keeping the rest of the system at a lower level.
@@RELAcoustics So, I need to keep my volume AND subwoofer levels at low volume?? I've already got my woofer levels low...I enjoy listening to the rest of my system...I've got components and crossovers and all that and so I've been still enjoying the rest of my system while my sub breaks in.
@@snowmayne6283 During the first 15 minutes or so of running the subwoofer, only the subwoofer's level will need to be kept low, and if you wish the output level of your main loudspeakers can be left at your usual listening level. Then after this initial 15 minutes you can raise the level of the subwoofer to more thoroughly break it in. Playing the subwoofer at relatively low levels for the first 15 minutes simply helps the moving parts of the subwoofer to loosen up more carefully, as running the sub or any other audio equipment at high output levels first this when pulling them out of the box can result in damage to the equipment.
@@RELAcoustics So, after 15 minutes, I've turned my gain to about 1/4 of the way up....and I've got about an hour and a half of listening time into it now. I'm just trying to be safe about giving it more gain because I've just replaced my sub from just blasting it out of the box.
Can you link a good track here on UA-cam?
Look up “subwoofer break in track” 20hz-40hz is good. (On UA-cam)
I remember breaking in my Behringer sub for 20 seconds.
It never worked since. One of the 'truth' monitors has just gone the same way. Breaking in on a whole new level lol.
😄feel really bad for you! BTW, quick question, does continued usage overtime regularly equals break in? Only much later I reckon!?
@@bommareddybrijendrareddy9301 I wouldn't know as it only worked for 20 seconds before failing. However. I now have Adam speakers with no sub and they do sound better the more they are used.
@@teknical100 They must be really good 👍🏻 enjoy!
@@bommareddybrijendrareddy9301 Yes, just using them normally will be breaking them in. You'll have to adjust things a few times and then they will settle down. There's no actual need to "formalise " the running in in my experience.
What about for a listening session. I like to run everything for ~15 minutes before I sit down for few hours. With pairs of speakers I have faced them pointing to each other with say a 8" space and run one with reverse polarity to cancel out as much sound from them for the 20 hours of break in.
After the initial break in when it has first been unpacked and set up in your system, the subwoofer should not need to be broken in for each listening session. It is a good idea though to power on your equipment and let it warm up for a few minutes before you sit down to listen. This will allow the amplifiers and other electrical circuits to reach a stable operating temperature, and will ensure that they are ready for optimal performance when you begin playing the system.
@@RELAcoustics Right, break in only once when brand new but get everything humming for sessions.
very technical video, but not very user friendly..
Everything have to be broken in in this bronko country... take it easy just hit play!
I will never listen to cable deniers nor burn-in deniers.
Will never go on their videos due to failures of of using their ears.
For some reasons their names start with A.