Nord User Forum

Hello Forum, I've just joined.
I am using my Nord C1 with a par of Adam A7 monitors. (I bought these new in 2007, so they're not the current model, A7X.) In the manual, the frequency response of my monitors is given as 46Hz - 35kHz. I wonder what I would gain by adding a subwoofer to my system? I should like to hear more of a roar from the organ, if possible.
Thank you
Cheers
Anders

Linearity (+/- 3 dB): 46-35000 Hz
Driver's resonant frequency: 40 Hz

Sounds like you have that set for at home, right? What does your room look like (size, surfaces)?

Hi FZiegler
That's right. My organ is set up in my living room, which is about 26m2 and full of bookcases.
Best regards
Anders

Unless you're using the bass pedal function, the lowest tone of the organ is about 65 Hz. (But the bass pedals can go down to about 33.)

see https://electricdruid.net/technical-asp ... ond-organ/

I thought somebody with more experience than me would answer your question. I can't really. The only thing I can tell is: Your Adam A7 has 80W power (amp: 2x 50W). Which should be enough for a near field monitor to fill your ears in a civilised way. But it won't make your stomach tremble.

One idea is a subwoofer. Another would be more power for full frequency (new monitors). And a third: a bigger room to let the sound expand well. It's clear which solution is the least expensive. No idea to what result. So maybe earphones are the best bet.

Chuck, we need your help!

I'm not an expert, but I'd imagine that an active subwoofer would free up the amps on your A7 monitors to focus on the higher frequencies to play louder and cleaner while the sub did the heavy work with the lower frequencies. Also, the larger driver of a subwoofer specifically designed for lower frequencies will be better at projecting bass into the room than 7" full-range driver and should provide a more visceral experience.

There is a subwoofer section of the FAQ on the Adam Audio website that is worth reading:
https://www.adam-audio.com/en/support/

In case anyone else wants to add to the discussion, here's a link to the A7 manual:
https://www.adam-audio.com/content/uplo ... -en-de.pdf

In this situation, I'd start by suggesting a small sub. Yes, better low frequency reach, but -- more importantly -- conserving the monitor bandwidth as @ajstan mentioned. An awful lot of power gets used to push out those lower frequencies, the driver and cone get awfully busy, and you'll get less clarity and authority in the upper frequencies as a result.

I use this small, inexpensive sub (https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... -subwoofer) frequently with my CPS SSv3 (8" main speaker). When I do, not only do I get somewhat better bass response, but the CPS isn't struggling to handle the lower notes, and thus sounds noticeably better for what remains. And louder, of course.

This sub, like many, has a high-pass crossover built in -- audio goes there first, low notes get filtered by the sub, and the remainder is sent onwards. You may need some special cables to go from/to XLR to whatever your home monitors use with this model, but other choices are available with the same general idea: modest sub, decent power, built-in crossover.

If you want something more soul-grabbing and you really want to feel the roar of the organ, we're likely talking a small PA system or a killer home audio system. My current go-to recommendation in the first category is a pair of QSC K8.2 units, but -- as always -- lots of other choices out there. Much less need for a sub if you go this way.

Watch your bookshelves carefully if you go for a small PA, as things do move around