JBLís BassQ Features Advanced DSP Processing To Optimize The Bass Performance Of Home Theatre And Music Systems

19-Mar-01

JBL today announced the introduction of its BassQ, an innovative low frequency response correction component that can be utilized with any powered subwoofer to achieve accurate in-room bass response in a home theatre or music system.The JBL BassQ connects between the subwoofer output of a receiver (or preamp/processor) and a powered subwoofer and utilizes sophisticated, ultra-precise DSP equalization to compensate for the peaks and dips in frequency response that are inherent in every room. The BassQ includes a microphone and calibration system that enables users and installers to automatically calibrate low frequency response using the supplied wireless remote, to obtain smooth, flat, optimum bass response with much more realistic reproduction of movie soundtracks and music.Precise, Accurate Room CorrectionThe low-frequency performance of any loudspeaker is inseparable from the characteristics of the listening room in which it is installed. Every listening room creates peaks and dips in low frequency response that detract from a loudspeakerís sonic accuracy. The JBL BassQ compensates for these response irregularities by measuring the roomís frequency response curve and calculating and applying the necessary equalization, to achieve flat in-room bass response. The result is an elimination of the muddled, ""one note"" bass response that can occur even with the finest subwoofers.The JBL BassQ utilizes advanced, proprietary DSP technology to achieve a far more precise degree of room correction accuracy than is possible with conventional equalizers or room treatment products. The BassQ incorporates data acquisition and measurement software capable of performing complete room/loudspeaker frequency response measurement and automatic frequency compensation adjustments.All correction is carried out in the digital domain, eliminating the phase shift problems and resulting sonic anomalies inherent in conventional equalizers and tone controls.Although sophisticated in operation, the audio component-sized, low-profile JBL BassQ is extremely easy to set up and use, utilizing a guided and automated calibration procedure and self-generated test tones. Once the BassQ is installed in the system, the user connects the supplied calibration microphone and takes measurements from six different locations in the room. Based on these measurements and using spatial averaging techniques, a set of filters is calculated to compensate for the room/loudspeaker response irregularities. The BassQ can be connected to up to four subwoofers (it can also feed more subwoofers, with external Y-cables), enabling accurate correction in large-scale installations employing multiple subwoofers.The JBL BassQ automatically configures 12 individual parametric equalizers, to generate filter algorithms that are the mirror image of the roomís frequency response irregularities. Because room modes can exhibit very sharp peaks less than one-third octave wide, the BassQ is designed to generate filters as narrow as 1/50 of an octave for ultra-precise frequency correction.Once calculated, the curve is stored in memory and is available each time the subwoofer is used. If desired, the user has the option of selecting one of three response curves - Linear (flat), Movie or Music - to tailor the bass response to personal listening preferences or enjoy completely flat low frequency response. The BassQ can also be bypassed, enabling the listener to hear what the system sounds like without low-frequency correction.Utilizing an RS232 port, the JBL BassQ can also display, save and print response curves using a PC-compatible program supplied with the unit. This resource enables the user to examine the response of the listening room before and after room correction, or after making changes to the system or listening environment.JBLís BassQ will carry a suggested retail price of $999 and will be introduced in Spring 2001.For more information about JBL, visit www.jbl.com.

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