Velodyne SMS-1 Subwoofer Processor Reviewed
- By: Jim Swantko,
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When thinking of high-performance subwoofers, the name Velodyne is probably the first that comes to mind, and for good reason. Velodyne has been on the cutting edge of subwoofer technology from their beginning in 1983. Since then, Velodyne has employed numerous new technologies to make subwoofers more accurate, including servo-control, advanced cone materials and, most recently, room correction in their Digital Drive series of subwoofers. Fortunately, Velodyne has decided to share their powerful room correction with owners of subwoofers from other manufacturers, too.
Additional Resources
• Read more audiophile grade subwoofer reviews from the likes of JL Audio, Sunfire, Velodyne, Paradigm, B&W, REL and others.
The $749 SMS-1 is a standalone device that uses powerful software to analyze and compensate for room anomalies, which reduce the performance of your subwoofer. The SMS-1 is inserted between your preamp/processor and the subwoofer by either single-ended or XLR connection. The SMS-1 uses a series of generated frequency sweep tones and an included microphone to determine how the signals interact with the room. The frequency response of the room is displayed onto your TV, which allows you to make manual corrections or, if you prefer, you can command the SMS-1 to do this automatically.
The difference that the SMS-1 made in my system was nothing short of jaw-dropping. I have a very high-performance subwoofer in my system and I always thought it did an excellent job. What I didn't know was just how much my room was hampering the performance of it. With it, my system creates kick drums that thump you in the chest, explosions that make the hair stand up on your arms and volume that makes my wife yell at me to turn it down.
The SMS-1 can store up to six different corrections that can be tailored for different types of music or movies. Each of these corrections are selectable in real-time via the remote control, and makes it simple to find the ideal response for specific listening material.
Read Page 2 for The High Points, Low Points and Conclusion
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Comment on this article
It seems velodyne has been around forever. Before I even new what a subwoofer was, or even why you should consider, velodyne was there. This is a great product for them, and us. As we have come to find out now,, the room that your equipment is in, may be your biggest problem. So whether you have a Pioneer or Onkyo receiver, or Classe, Mark Levinson, Mcintosh, or Ayre amplifier, you will need to do something in your room, to get the most from your system.
Bass, which can sound wonderful, or boomy and terrible, needs careful placement and help to sound its best. The velodyne SMS-1 at least now, gives us the opportunity to hear that T-Rex in Jurrasic Park, cleanly and accurately.
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