Integrated amps ... how does one level match the speakers to the sub

[mike c]

how does one level match the speakers to the subs?

must ask the ancients how they did it!

 

[Scumfrog]

I judst did that this last weekend. Using a Radio Shack spl meter, with it set to fast sit in your listening spot and, at your normal listening volume, take measurement. Foe example, if you take a reading of 68db, then you want youir sub, by itself, to register 68db. Disactivate your speakers and adjust the sub volume to get 68db from your listening spot. Help from a friend would be handy-but not imperative. Use a test disk for best results.
Hope this helps,
Mike

 

[GO-NAD!]

Yeah Mike, as Scumfrog said, you'll need a SPL meter and test tones. The problem is, if you don't have the perfect room, you'll have to pick a frequency from all the peaks and valleys for both the sub(s) and mains to use as your references to match up.

All that said, are you using the sub out on the integrated amp, or the speaker level connections on the sub(s)?

 

[mike c]

Yeah Mike, as Scumfrog said, you'll need a SPL meter and test tones. The problem is, if you don't have the perfect room, you'll have to pick a frequency from all the peaks and valleys for both the sub(s) and mains to use as your references to match up.

All that said, are you using the sub out on the integrated amp, or the speaker level connections on the sub(s)?

what test tones would that be? frequency specific or noise type?

the sub and int. amp i'll be using will have both preouts and speaker B connections available for the sub to connect to.

 

[Irvrobinson]

I probably sound like a fan-boy for the Parts Express OmniMic, but it gives you a big picture of what your system is doing that a simple SPL meter can't. Nothing beats sophisticated measurement for improving your system's sound. It's sort of like having a flashlight rather than a candle for finding the answers.

To answer your previous question, I like using noise better than warble tones, but using both tells you more about how your room really reacts. Especially if your room is live like mine.

 

[slipperybidness]

I probably sound like a fan-boy for the Parts Express OmniMic, but it gives you a big picture of what your system is doing that a simple SPL meter can't. Nothing beats sophisticated measurement for improving your system's sound. It's sort of like having a flashlight rather than a candle for finding the answers.

To answer your previous question, I like using noise better than warble tones, but using both tells you more about how your room really reacts. Especially if your room is live like mine.

Fanboy

Nothing wrong with speaking up for quality products. It's just when you let your emotions cloud your judgment that you become a fanboy.

 

[GO-NAD!]

what test tones would that be? frequency specific or noise type?

Well, the cheapest way to go (that I'm aware of) would be with the Rives test tone CD and a Rat Shack meter. I also like the idea of the Omnimic as Irvrobinson suggested, but at $300, I'll be waiting for a good sale to come along.

Of course, many people just match them by ear and are happy with that.

the sub and int. amp i'll be using will have both preouts and speaker B connections available for the sub to connect to.

Have you decided which connection method that you will use?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

This is a trick question you guys.

Answer: you sell the IA and buy a new AVR.

Back when I had 3 Denon IA, I used one of those Avia video calibration DVD which also has the test tones for 5.1 surround sound.

 

[avnetguy]

If you have a laptop/computer nearby another option is to use REW (Room EQ Wizard) with something like a Radio Shack or other SPL meter.

Steve

 

[mtrycrafts]

how does one level match the speakers to the subs?

must ask the ancients how they did it!

If I remember correctly I checked the internal test tones of my receiver on my receiver with a Real time analyzer. The 5 channels were centered around 1kHz for sure, the .1 channel is where my memory is not so sure but it seems to have been around 40Hz perhaps.
You need to know the accuracy of any SPL meter at 40Hz compared to the 1 kHz. You would add or subtract that error and perhaps run it a bit hotter than the 5 speakers, I do about 3 dB.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

You would add or subtract that error and perhaps run it a bit hotter than the 5 speakers, I do about 3 dB.

Yeah, my digital SPL meter isn't as accurate for the LFE. For me, the SPL fluctuates by 3.0dB for the LFE channel. For example, the reading goes back and forth between 78dB and 81dB. So I set the minimum to +3dB hot and maximum to +6dB hot.

For the other channels, it fluctuates only by 0.5dB.

 

[Nemo128]

This is something I shamefully admit I don't do. I've always let Audessey level the speakers.

 

[ski2xblack]

This approach is compatible with how the ancients did it.

 

[Destreyf]

Very good suggestions. How long does it typically take to do a 5.1 setup this way as i'm probably going to run into this issue myself.