Frequency response of the EQ-Max 8 in Movies mode (blue trace), R&B/Rock mode (red trace), Jazz/Classical mode (green trace), and Games mode (purple trace), all at the same input signal level and volume setting
Frequency response of the EQ-Max 8 positioned in the corner with the mike at the typical listening position, before auto EQ (green trace) and after auto EQ (purple trace). The EQ reduces the big peak caused by the corner positioning by about -2 dB.
Frequency response of the EQ-Max 8 positioned in the author’s “subwoofer sweet spot” with the mike placed a few feet from the typical listening position, before auto EQ (green trace) and after auto EQ (purple trace). The EQ seems to raise the output a little at 63 Hz to help equalize the response peaks, and also seems to have an effect at 28 Hz even though it is said to have no filter in that frequency range.
Frequency response
33 to 105 Hz ±3 dB (Jazz/Classical mode)
Bass output (CEA-2010 standard)
• Ultra-low bass (20-31.5 Hz) average: NA
| 20 Hz | NA |
| 25 Hz | NA |
| 31.5 Hz | 95.3 dB |
• Low bass (40-63 Hz) average: 113.1 dB
| 40 Hz | 112.3 dB |
| 50 Hz | 113.6 dB L |
| 63 Hz | 113.2 dB L |
I measured the frequency response of the EQ-Max 8 by close-miking its woofer and port, then scaling and summing the results, all using my Clio FW in log chirp mode. Measurements were done at factory default before auto EQ was activated. All four EQ modes are shown here. Jazz/Classical delivered the flattest, most even measured response. Relative to the Jazz/Classical mode, the Movie mode boosts a max of +6.2 dB at 40 Hz in a broad, low-Q band. The R&B/Rock mode boosts a max of +5.5 dB at 53 Hz, again in a broad, low-Q band. The Games mode boosts by a max of +5.6 dB in a high-Q, narrow band centered at 61 Hz, but has a steeper high-pass roll-off function below 44 Hz.
With the crossover point set to 80 Hz, the low-pass crossover function measures -10 dB/octave to 120 Hz, then -21 dB/octave at higher frequencies.
I performed the CEA-2010 output measurement before activating the auto EQ function, using the jazz/classical mode. Measurements were made at 2 meters; I added +6 dB to scale the measurements to the 1-meter reporting standard mandated by CEA-2010. An L appears next to measurements in which the results were dictated by the unit’s internal limiter.
The CEA is adjusting the CEA-2010 standard slightly; the revision wasn’t available at the time I did these measurements, but I did learn from the CEA that the revision mandates averaging by converting the dB values in the measurements to pascals for averaging, then back to dB. Averaging in pascals gave me the 113.1 dB low bass (40-63 Hz) average shown here. Averaging in dB, the previous method, gave me a result of 113.0 dB. Regardless, that’s good output for an 8-inch sub. Output at 31.5 Hz was 95.3 dB, but the EQ-Max 8 doesn’t produce measurable output below that frequency.
I also measured the effects of the auto EQ technology, using a calibrated Dayton Audio EMM-6 microphone, an M-Audio Mobile Pre USB interface, and a laptop running TrueRTA software. (Read more about this DIY measurement rig.) I used pink noise as the stimulus, with TrueRTA set for 12 averages to minimize measurement-to-measurement variation. I measured in four different combinations of subwoofer and microphone positions, in each case attaching the EQ-Max’s included mike directly atop the EMM-6. For each measurement, I reset the subwoofer to factory conditions, measured the response, ran the auto EQ process, then remeasured.
Only two of the four graphs are shown here; results were similar with the other two. The measured effects of the auto EQ technology are visible, but subtle. It was usually able to find and attenuate the biggest response peak, but in my room the maximum correction was on the order of -2 dB.
If pure power for a paltry sum is your desire, you can easily find a more potent sub for the same price or less, such as the Cadence CSX-12 Mark II. But I’m guessing if you’ve read this far, you’re more into finesse, features, or compact size, in which case the EQ-Max 8 is a nice choice. In small media rooms, bedrooms, and budget audiophile stereo systems, this little sub will be right at home.
In my experience, the AVR usually has a superior EQ control when compared to stand alone subwoofer EQ software. And when set up properly, there's really no use for a remote (and, no, I don't want another one). If you want the subwoofer at a lower level late at night, use the AVR to achieve that.
So, if you remove the DSP chips, software, microphone, remote and IR sensor, you lose no useful functionality...eliminate an unsightly display on the subwoofer...and save a bunch of money.
I think this would be a much more compelling product for $50-100 less without those features.