Re: Flown Subs, Ground Bounce, and People in 1/2 space
I agree completely.
In the olden days using a 200 Hz low/low mid crossover point, it was obvious that the bodies absorbed the upper bass frequencies, so we always elevated the bass cabinets on 22.5, 30, or 45 inch high road cases so at least the upper portion of the bass cabinets were above head height. In venues that did not have enough ceiling height to put the bass up, the sound (and front rows of people) suffered.
The extra frontal area of the road cases actually increased the LF level out front, but the primary reason we did it was to avoid the loss of upper bass the punters would cause, a passive “punch” filter that left nothing but mud.
Even as low as 80 Hz a single 18” has some directivity, a mass of bodies is an effective filter down pretty low.
One of many reasons the rising upper response of many subs may actually preferable to a flat response.
On any indoor gig, floor, ceiling and side wall LF bounce reflections are a fact of life. In the big musical picture, those reflections and any local attendant LF notch cancellations rate pretty low.
Art Welter
