RBH MC-4C Measurements and Analysis
The graph below shows the frequency response of the RBH MC-4C HD on-axis (red), 15 (blue) and 30 (purple) degrees off-axis horizontally, 15 degrees off-axis above (green) and below (yellow) the tweeter, and an average of these responses (black) at 1 meter, smoothed 1/12 of an octave, and offset for easier viewing. All measurements were taken in room, so keep in mind that the low-frequency response is affected by room modes.
RBH MC-4C In-room Frequency Response (1 meter measurements, 1/12th octave smoothed)
on-axis (red); 15 (blue) and
30 (purple) degrees off-axis horizontally, 15 degrees off-axis above (green)
and below (yellow) the tweeter, and an average of these responses (black)
Notice the exceptionally flat response from 1k upward. The accuracy of these speakers, even
off-axis, is really impressive. The speakers
were placed on 24” stands, so the distance between the woofer/mic and the floor
is roughly the same as the wavelength of the 300-400hz suck-out, thus, this measurement
anomaly due to floor bounce should be ignored.
The only issue is the step drop in the last half-octave at 30 degrees or
more. For those of us that can still
hear 15kHz and above (watch your volume levels and get a nice set of earplugs
people), this might translate into a little less “air” in the high frequencies
throughout the room. Compensate by using
a moderate amount of toe-in.
Here is the average response (black) spliced at 300Hz with a
near-field woofer (red) measurement for a more accurate picture of the bass
response.
RBH MC-4C Listening Window Average (Black) and Wofer Near-field (Red)
All previous measurements were taken with the grill off, while I did the vast majority of my listening with the grill on. In the graph below, you can see on-axis measurements with the grill on (blue) and off (red).
RBH MC-4C Grill On (Blue) and Off (Red)
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Recent Forum Posts:
I typically run mine in a small (~12'x~14') room, crossover at 120 Hz and an RBH TS-10AP sub. At times I enjoy them more than my SE-1266's
Reorx, post: 1082844, member: 9134
It seems like it would be more headache then what it's worth to run these as a LCR.
I think that is a fair assessment. These speakers are so bass shy, I would only really consider them as satellites. I suppose you might pair them with a competent 8" sub to complete the bass in a 2 channel system… and then add a sub.
It seems like it would be more headache then what it's worth to run these as a LCR. if you need to purchase 2 subs to provide that mid-bass extension, your already taking up the floor space, plus adding cost. If you are using existing subs, then it might be a pain for the normal person to calibrate properly.
You might as well get larger bookshelf or tower speakers that already are capable. RBH MC-6C, or 661 series for example.
I really do like the fact that they are not rear ported. And I could see myself getting these little guys for surround, surround rears, wide, or height. Maybe suspending them from the ceiling for an Atmos setup. o_O
Thanks for the review.
Reorx, post: 1082818, member: 9134As Kew stated I recommend placing dual subs on the front wall in close proximity to the front speakers if you're using satellite speakers that require a higher than 80Hz crossover setting to get a good mid bass integration. This works very well especially with 1/4L and 3/4L placement.
Quote: “You might also consider purchasing two small subs, placing them in close proximity to the left and right speakers, and running them in stereo. This would give you full-frequency range response in a compact package while accommodating a higher crossover point, smoothing out low frequency response, and giving you the best stereo separation at high-bass frequencies.”
Question: Did something change recently?
Before the recommendations were to put dual sub's in opposing symmetrical sides of the room. To properly balance the bass. As well as running the dual subs in mono.
Thanks.
Reorx
Reorx, post: 1082818, member: 9134
Quote: “You might also consider purchasing two small subs, placing them in close proximity to the left and right speakers, and running them in stereo. This would give you full-frequency range response in a compact package while accommodating a higher crossover point, smoothing out low frequency response, and giving you the best stereo separation at high-bass frequencies.”
Question: Did something change recently?
Before the recommendations were to put dual sub's in opposing symmetrical sides of the room. To properly balance the bass. As well as running the dual subs in mono.
Thanks.
Reorx
I think the idea is that since you would want to cross over these speakers at 150Hz or higher, you would be able to tell where the sound came from. Normally subs are crossed low enough that most of us can't locate it by sound.
So you are sacrificing optimal placement to prevent a greater sin - having the bass player behind you while the rest of the band is in front!
Crossing over so high puts the sub in the role normally played by a mid-woofer, and you want your mid-woofer near the tweeter.