Subwoofer Reviews

Measurements

Frequency response

33 to 105 Hz ±3 dB (Jazz/Classical mode)

Bass output (CEA-2010 standard)
• Ultra-low bass (20-31.5 Hz) average: NA

• Low bass (40-63 Hz) average: 113.1 dB

I measured the frequency response of the EQ-Max 8 by close-miking its woofer and port, then scaling and summing the results, all using my Clio FW in log chirp mode. Measurements were done at factory default before auto EQ was activated. All four EQ modes are shown here. Jazz/Classical delivered the flattest, most even measured response. Relative to the Jazz/Classical mode, the Movie mode boosts a max of +6.2 dB at 40 Hz in a broad, low-Q band. The R&B/Rock mode boosts a max of +5.5 dB at 53 Hz, again in a broad, low-Q band. The Games mode boosts by a max of +5.6 dB in a high-Q, narrow band centered at 61 Hz, but has a steeper high-pass roll-off function below 44 Hz.

With the crossover point set to 80 Hz, the low-pass crossover function measures -10 dB/octave to 120 Hz, then -21 dB/octave at higher frequencies.

I performed the CEA-2010 output measurement before activating the auto EQ function, using the jazz/classical mode. Measurements were made at 2 meters; I added +6 dB to scale the measurements to the 1-meter reporting standard mandated by CEA-2010. An L appears next to measurements in which the results were dictated by the unit’s internal limiter.

The CEA is adjusting the CEA-2010 standard slightly; the revision wasn’t available at the time I did these measurements, but I did learn from the CEA that the revision mandates averaging by converting the dB values in the measurements to pascals for averaging, then back to dB. Averaging in pascals gave me the 113.1 dB low bass (40-63 Hz) average shown here. Averaging in dB, the previous method, gave me a result of 113.0 dB. Regardless, that’s good output for an 8-inch sub. Output at 31.5 Hz was 95.3 dB, but the EQ-Max 8 doesn’t produce measurable output below that frequency.

I also measured the effects of the auto EQ technology, using a calibrated Dayton Audio EMM-6 microphone, an M-Audio Mobile Pre USB interface, and a laptop running TrueRTA software. (Read more about this DIY measurement rig.) I used pink noise as the stimulus, with TrueRTA set for 12 averages to minimize measurement-to-measurement variation. I measured in four different combinations of subwoofer and microphone positions, in each case attaching the EQ-Max’s included mike directly atop the EMM-6. For each measurement, I reset the subwoofer to factory conditions, measured the response, ran the auto EQ process, then remeasured.

Only two of the four graphs are shown here; results were similar with the other two. The measured effects of the auto EQ technology are visible, but subtle. It was usually able to find and attenuate the biggest response peak, but in my room the maximum correction was on the order of -2 dB.

Bottom line

If pure power for a paltry sum is your desire, you can easily find a more potent sub for the same price or less, such as the Cadence CSX-12 Mark II. But I’m guessing if you’ve read this far, you’re more into finesse, features, or compact size, in which case the EQ-Max 8 is a nice choice. In small media rooms, bedrooms, and budget audiophile stereo systems, this little sub will be right at home.