Specifications

can be used to boost (or cut) a single band around a specific frequency. For example,
with the factory default settings, Preset 1 (Action/Adventure) has its default volume
raised to make the sub slightly "hot". The boost of +5 dB applied around 35 Hz gives an
additional kick to certain special effects. The precise values used in each of the presets
are entirely up to you, and any of them can be changed to suit your own tastes.
Preset 6 is treated differently, because all the equalization is disabled. By flicking back
and forth on the remote between Preset 6 and the equalized settings in one of the other
presets, you can easily hear the difference that the equalization is making.
Night Mode can be toggled on/off by pressing a button on the remote. This function limits
the amount of deep bass produced by the sub for neighbor-friendly viewing late at night.
This is not just a crude fixed bass-cut filter. Rather, it tracks the signal level and only
starts to apply any cut when the signal is above a certain level. The Night Mode Volume
setting here determines the threshold at which the dynamic compression starts to be
engaged. I found the default setting of 30% a little too aggressive in practice and it may
be worth increasing this value slightly to make the effect more subtle if you want to use
the feature.
The Sound
In my listening tests, I couldn’t assign any particular character to the basic sound of the
SMS-1 itself. It is essentially neutral. However, when flicking back and forth to preset 6
(EQ disabled), the difference which the EQ is making can be clearly heard.
I play classical church organ, so I know what the bottom octave of a 32 ft organ stop
should sound like. One of the problems I encountered in playing organ recordings with
my sub previously was that the room gain in my modest-sized listening room led to that
bottom octave being overblown. In a real church or cathedral acoustic, those lowest
notes produce an effect that is more felt than heard. Reproducing that in the home is
always going to be a tall order, but with the SMS-1 taming the peaks in my original room
response, some of the effect can be realized without setting the whole room throbbing
unrealistically.
The dip in my original system response between 45 Hz and 63 Hz showed up very clearly
in rock music by killing much of its drive and energy. Bass guitar and piano low notes
sounded rather thin and anemic. With the SMS-1 boosting the dips, the presentation
became much more believable with the bass lines now far easier to follow.
While the SMS-1 effects are generally easier to hear with music, action films also benefit
from the greater bass detail. Eliminating the response peaks means that the subwoofer
level can be increased overall to bring it into better balance with the other speakers,
making the bass clearer and more distinct. With the modal peaks gone, dialog is still
intelligible, while music stands out better over explosions and other sound effects.
During some listening tests conducted at -10 dB below reference level with the Master
and Commander DVD, I discovered that the SMS-1 could push my subwoofer beyond its
limits. During the opening battle scene (chapter 4, 10:32), Russell Crowe’s Jack Aubrey
character shouts, "Fire", and several loud cannon shots follow. I found that I could play
this sequence fine with Preset 4 (Jazz/Classical) or 6 (No EQ), but if I engaged Preset 1
(Action/Adventure), there were unmistakable signs of distress from the sub and I had to
back off.