Audyssey newbie step by step guide + Pink noise outside of the AVR to test speakers level

[Redan94]

Hi all,

I am completely new to Audyssey and any type of home theater sound adjustment system. I watch videos of tips on Youtube including from Audioholics. But when I tried to run Audyssey for the first time yesterday, I struggled with the first step when the subwoofer level needs to be in a specific range. My subwoofer level was too high. i wasn't sure how was the proper way to adjust it down: within the app? within the AVR? on the actual subwoofer itself via the volume knob (that's what I ended up doing)?
I am looking for a very practical step by step guide on how to run Audyssey for dummies
Also, one recommendation is to check the speaker levels using pink noise and SPL meter. Can you please point to a practical guide on how to do this?
Many thanks!

 

[Pogre]

You adjust your sub level during calibration using the gain (volume knob) on the back of your sub until you're in the green.

 

[Pogre]

As far as a guide, just follow the instructions on the screen. Make sure your mic is at ear height and you follow the pattern on the screen keeping your mic within 2' of the first position. Keep your background noise as low as possible during the calibration tones.

 

[Redan94]

As far as a guide, just follow the instructions on the screen. Make sure your mic is at ear height and you follow the pattern on the screen keeping your mic within 2' of the first position. Keep your background noise as low as possible during the calibration tones.

Great. That's what I have done.

Can you advise on the best way to check the channel levels post Audyssey calibration using external pink noise and a SPL meter? Practically how is this done?

 

[Redan94]

You adjust your sub level during calibration using the gain (volume knob) on the back of your sub until you're in the green.

Also, the crossover knob behind the subwoofer, do I leave it at 80 from the start or the maximum position possible? Post calibration, do I then change it to 80?

 

[Pogre]

Great. That's what I have done.

Can you advise on the best way to check the channel levels post Audyssey calibration using external pink noise and a SPL meter? Practically how is this done?

I've found that Audyssey does a good enough job that I don't worry about double checking levels and distances. Most cheaper ratshack meters aren't going to be accurate enough through the entire frequency range from what I understand.

Note #2) Audyssey uses the distances to make timing adjustments and won't always match up with what you measure with a ruler. It's more about milliseconds than it is feet n inches. Especially with subwoofers, so I wouldn't change those either, even if they're off. For instance, I have a minidsp on my subwoofers so Audyssey adds a couple of feet to make up for the additional time required for processing.

 

[Pogre]

Also, the crossover knob behind the subwoofer, do I leave it at 80 from the start or the maximum position possible? Post calibration, do I then change it to 80?

Maximum position possible. If one of your inputs is labeled "LFE" use it. Most modern subs will bypass the built in filters using that input when your receiver handles the crossovers. You don't want double filtering from both your sub and the receiver.

 

[Redan94]

Maximum position possible. If one of your inputs is labeled "LFE" use it. Most modern subs will bypass the built in filters using that input when your receiver handles the crossovers. You don't want double filtering from both your sub and the receiver.

Yes. My current sub is the KEF Kube 10b and it has LFE. I turned it to the max position pre-Audyssey calibration and then turned it back to 80 post-Audyssey calibration to "make it consistent". I guess I should dial it back to max position. Thanks for the explanation. very helpful!
I will be upgrading to 2 SVS PB-3000 next week.

 

[Pogre]

Those are some really solid subs! You're in for a treat. Congrats!

 

[Redan94]

I've found that Audyssey does a good enough job that I don't worry about double checking levels and distances. Most cheaper ratshack meters aren't going to be accurate enough through the entire frequency range from what I understand.

Note #2) Audyssey uses the distances to make timing adjustments and won't always match up with what you measure with a ruler. It's more about milliseconds than it is feet n inches. Especially with subwoofers, so I wouldn't change those either, even if they're off. For instance, I have a minidsp on my subwoofers so Audyssey adds a couple of feet to make up for the additional time required for processing.

I have a professional SPL meter and when I measure the test tone from the AVR it displays 73dB when the AVR is set at 0 on a relative volume scale. I found it odd and wanted to double check using pink noise from external source. It might be a waste of time but now I really want to learn how to do that and do it.