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Chapter 11-2 Channel level calibration
Getting ready to start: Make sure your receiver/processor
master volume is set at ―00 dB‖ or some other easy to re-
member reference level. Set your subwoofer’s volume/gain
control to no more than 1/3rd up for now (it can be turned up
later).
Check the subwoofer level control of your AVR before you
begin the test tones. Initially set your receiver’s dedicated
subwoofer output control no higher than ―-3 dB‖ given a typical
receiver’s subwoofer channel level limits of –12dB to +12dB) .
Turn off any sound processing schemes such as ―midnight
mode‖, ―Dynamic Range Compression‖ (DRC) etc. Finally,
ensure your AVR is in Dolby Surround/Dolby Digital playback
mode.
Put your SPL meter on a tripod, or hold it in front of you, with
the meter angled upward at 45 degrees. It should remain in
this position for all channels (do not point the meter at each
speaker playing).
Now play your receiver's internal test tones so you have
something to measure with your SPL meter. Or, use a test
DVD such as the Avia, which can yield even more accurate
channel calibration results than AVR test tones. A test tones
from Avia will ensure your entire audio signal path, from the
DVD player to your speakers, is set correctly.
Watching your sound meter now: when the test tones start
alternating from speaker to speaker, use your AVR remote
control to set each speaker’s volume to about 75 dB (Note:
85dB if using Avia). You should only adjust the AVR’s dedi-
cated channel level controls and leave receiver’s master vol-
ume control untouched.
If your readings for the subwoofer are high (more on this in
a moment), we recommend you turn down the receiver’s sub-
woofer output level before you significantly lower your sub’s
volume/gain control. This helps keep distortion sent to your
subwoofer to a minimum. You should not set the AVR’s sub-
woofer level control lower than - 6 dB however, since some
provision for further downward adjustment by your AVR’s re-
mote control should be maintained. If your subwoofer SPL
reading is too low, raise the gain at the subwoofer amp before
changing the AVR settings.