OK,,,,,I have a SMS-1 ,Rocket UFW-12 & HSU VTF-3.

What would be a good/recommended starting point for each?
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Rocket UFW-12:

LOW PASS
Knob1) Gain 1 - 10
Knob2) FREQ 30-200 HZ

EQ
Knob3) FRE Q 18 - 80
Knob4) BANDWIDTH 0.1 - 1
Knob5) LEVEL -15 - +6.0
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HSU VTF-3:

Knob1) Volume 1 - 10
Bass-Extension 2 ports open 25Hz, 1 port open20Hz
Crossover OUT - IN
Crossover Freq. 30Hz - 90Hz
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Receiver is now set to 80Hz

Subwoofer Level 0db,5db,10db,15db (Was on 5db)

To be honest with you I thought the SMS-1 would be easy, But after reading the manual,,,My head is spinning.

LQQK

First, I hope you're reading Outlaw\'s manual - it's a bit easier to follow than the Velo manual. Second, I'd set the gain/volume on both to around 4 or 5. I'd set the crossover frequencies as high as possible or just disable the crossover if it's an option - that'll let the receiver's 80Hz crossover take care of things itself. The UFW-12 is rated down to 20Hz in-room. Have you been running the VTF-3 with or without a port plug? You might put in the plug for calibration, I suppose, although unplugged will produce a higher SPL level. Lastly, I'd set the EQ level on the UFW-12 to 0 for now - no reason to muddle things when you're getting ready to EQ through the SMS-1. You can always use it if you find a frequency that you want to deal with (using the SMS-1's display to give you specifics).

I printed the Outlaw's Manual,,,Indeed easier to follow,,,Thanks to the folks responsible for rewriting it.

VTF-3: I use with out a port plug because with a plug it created port noise (Not sure of the correct terminology)

Does the 'OUT' or 'IN' crossover switch on VTF-3 disable it in the 'OUT' position? (I'm sure it does but I want to make sure)

Any other tips you can think of before I jump in?

LQQK

"OUT" on the VTF-3 disables the sub's crossover. Aside from that, I'd say just take the Outlaw guide and dive in. There's a good section on making the right connections as well as an example of doing a manual EQ. You'll also want to disable the low-pass crossover in the SMS-1 just like you've disabled the crossovers on your subs - the guide explains how in the section on the "System Settings" screen (starting on page 17).

I was planning on using the LFE/SUB OUT (from receiver) to the SMS-1 INPUT & hook up both subs to two of the LFE outputs.

In your opinion, should I skip auto and go directly to manual EQ?

LQQK

Your sub connections sound good - just don't forget to hook the SMS-1's EQ outputs (audio and video) to your receiver.

It doesn't hurt anything to let the auto EQ run, but I'd definitely recommend doing the manual EQ and it's likely going to be easier to do that by starting with all of the EQ's zero'ed. If you are ready to do the manual, it's probably just as well to skip the auto.

Thanks gonk,,,

I'll be letting you know about my progress.

I like the cover page for the SMS-1 Guide:

'DON'T PANIC!'

LQQK