Speaker Calibration

[Humble1]

Hello All,

I have a couple of question about speaker calibration. Before I begin please know that I am new to all this so I may have some concepts wrong or misinterpret some of the meanings/purpose of how things should be done. I have a Pioneer A/V receiver which does it own speaker calibration; at volume (db) should the speakers be set at for this calibration. Also, is there some kind of software that you can run on a laptop to help dial in the system? I know I have seen the meters to help dial in systems but is there another approach. Thanks in advance as always.

 

[Swerd]

I have a Pioneer A/V receiver which does it own speaker calibration; at volume (db) should the speakers be set at for this calibration.

About 75 dB is often suggested, but it is not required. Make it loud enough so it is louder than other background noises in your house, like the heating system or a noisy refrigerator (if your kitchen is nearby).

Also, is there some kind of software that you can run on a laptop to help dial in the system? I know I have seen the meters to help dial in systems but is there another approach.

No, your receiver can do it by itself.

Before I begin please know that I am new to all this so I may have some concepts wrong or misinterpret some of the meanings/purpose of how things should be done.

Here's what takes place during the so-called calibration, whether you do it manually or automatically.

The distance between each speaker and a user-selected central seating position is measured and registered in the receiver. The receiver will delay the sound from the closer speakers so that sound from all the speakers arrives at the central seating position at the same time. That way the speakers don't have to be at the same distance.

The volume of each channel is adjusted so they all sound equally loud. If you do this manually, it works better with a SPL meter than if you do it by ear.

Although many people call this "calibrating the speakers" it really isn't that complicated.

 

[bombarde32]

Which one?

Do you have a model number for us?

I'm not an expert but I have used Audyssey and Paradigm's room correction for the sub. I will also post the disclaimer that I prefer my manual settings to anything Audyssey comes up with, although Paradigm's sub software did great. If you choose to use this software use the max # of measuring positions.

Turn on the TV and put the volume where you normally watch - then run the software (with the TV off!). But remember, the software isn't trying to find the "right" volume. It's trying to find out how various frequencies behave in your room and adjust accordingly. Once that's done it'll be "right" at whatever volume you choose.

Once the software is run there's a few things you can do if you like to tweak. If you have a meter you can double check the speaker's volumes. In addition, if you know you have difficulty hearing certain frequencies you can further boost the volume at those frequencies. That's all the fine tuning I would do though.

One exception is subwoofers - After I did my room EQ I had to fix the crossover. Apparently the software (in my case Audyssey) decided to crank the sub's volume down and pass only the deepest bass.

Once you have something that sounds acceptable to you let it sink in and adjust for a few days. If there's things that irritate you, then adjust further. If not, you are golden.

My last comment is on ambient noise. Try to turn off everything that emits sound intermittently like HVAC, dishwasher, kids ... as the software WILL take this noise into account but it can't tell it's something that comes and goes.

Hope this helps somewhat ...

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

There are software products you can install on laptop and try to use, but they are much more complicated than simply get Radioshack SPL meter and measure tape to configure levels and distances.
Most of these software would be too complicated for average joe like me

This is one example :
http://www.rhintek.com/cara/cara21desc.php

My last comment is on ambient noise. Try to turn off everything that emits sound intermittently like HVAC, dishwasher, kids ...

 

[Humble1]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the response. Bombarde32 I have the 1019. Also, Swerd will i blow the speakers at that db. I usually keep them at around 28-38 db for movie watching. But thank again I currently have a funky hand-me-down sony set of speakers going. I am trying to prepair myself for the new system I have coming in and I can't wait any longer.

 

[Swerd]

…Swerd will i blow the speakers at that db. I usually keep them at around 28-38 db for movie watching.

When I said 75 dB, I meant as ready by a handheld SPL meter like you can buy at RadioShack. That is a little louder than a normal conversation. What value that corresponds to on the display on your receiver, I can't say. Sorry for the confusion .

 

[Humble1]

Hey Swerd,

Got it. You scared the hell out of me at first.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Humble I think you confused between relative volume as shown on your receiver and absolute volume measured by SPL meter
Receiver controls the volume typically from -50db to +20db, while SPL meter is starting at 0

Also have to be noted the receiver while in speaker level calibration menu adjusts its loudness to 0db... so "zeroing" all speakers to same level its like car wheels adjustment as long as are all straight, doesn't matter what speed you drive at

 

[Humble1]

Hey Boredsys,

Thanks for the clairification. I think I got it now, well at least I hope so.