How do YOU calibrate your sub?

[95 Silver TA]

How do YOU calibrate your sub

Just as the topic states..

I wanted to find out how many of you use an SPL meter, Avia type set-up disc, Auto Setup in your reciever.....

And also how many db over (if any) do you perfer your Sub over your regular speakers (for movies and HT)?

[tafguy]

One will realize now or later that calibration is important to HT/Stereo.


One for the money:
RadioShack SPL Meter
Two for the show:
Subwoofer calibration:
- In DD 5.1 multichannel calibration: AVIA Guide to HT DVD
- In DD 6.1 or above: Digital Video Essentials DVD
- In Stereo Mode, use HSU supplied test tones that come with the CD.
Three to get ready:
Get all the fun on calibration your HT system
Four to go:
Get the popcorn ready for showtime on your favorite rental movies and save a lot of time and money on theater unless there are films you can't wait to see them.


I ended up using the AVIA DVD to calibrate my sub along with the Vents speakers. Though the AVIA DVD costs more than the Digital Video Essentials DVD, it did the job marvelously. There is more than audio calibration in this DVD that you may need like video calibration and the basics of HT.

I used the 6th speaker of the Vents matrixed with the surrounds ones. When calibrating the surrounds ones, sound come out alternatively on both pairs: the surround left/rear center channel and surround right/rear center channel so calibration is done taking the rear center channel into account.

If you are a new to this stuff like myself, you do need a DVD calibration disc otherwise unbalanced speakers/sub or incorrect sub volume level setting in multichannel mode is throwing through the windows all the good sounds effects designed to be heard in a correct way by sound engineers .

Definitely my vote go to SPL and AVIA.

tafguy

[95 Silver TA]

Do you know where I can get both online for one low price?

Or which place sells them at the best deals...

I checked locally and my local rat shack does not have anymore in stock.

And Best Buy, Circuit City nor my local Tweeter store had any set-up disc.


Thx,
Claude

[KFB]

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/630551982X/qid=1109891879/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-8941394-9697600?v=glance&s=dvd&n=507846

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=33-4050

[95 Silver TA]

Thanks for all the responses....

I just had one more question...

I got the SPL meter this weekend and noticed that the SPL meter proved that my Auto MCACC on the Pioneer 1014 was fairly accurate according to my readings. Anyways, I did calibrate the sub but (in the end, eventhough I turned the sub volume down a little) I left the Sub hotter as I perfer it that way and just adjusted it a little depending on what I was listening too and or watching...

My question are for those that are now using the SPL meter with Avia or some other type set up disc. Did you noticed Any difference between using the Avia and SPL over letting your reciever to your set up? And Or...Did you notice any difference between Avia and the SPL meter calibration vs the reciever pink noise and SPL calibration?

The reason I ask is more for curiousity than anything else because the SPL meter and Reciever Pink Noise seemed to be the exact same as letting the Reciever to do it all. The only thing I did not like that the reciever did was adjust the frequency of my speakers (which I thougth were too bright/coloured), so I just changed the frequency back to normal.

Thx,
Claude

[daman4799]

For movies I run 6db hot. I like feeling that little extra lo. My music I run flat.

Later, Daman

[kakaxbox]

Just ordered the Avia dvd, and planning to get the RadioShack Spl meter sometime this week. I voted by ear, because thats what I been doing, I'm fairly new to this stuff though, and hope to do it the proffesional way. :)

[DNelms]

Just ordered the Avia dvd, and planning to get the RadioShack Spl meter sometime this week. I voted by ear, because thats what I been doing, I'm fairly new to this stuff though, and hope to do it the proffesional way. :)

When you calibrate to the DVDs you may find that the bass is a little less than when you calibrate by ear. However, this is usually the more true and accurate setting. Listen to some music with lower frequency instruments and you will find a more natural sound, not the boomy bass that tends to happen when we calibrate by ear.

[fibreKid]

My receiver sets the output levels based on it's own test tones so I started with getting the output level set to zero. Then I used the CD from HSU and a Radio Shack spl meter to graph my room response since I couldn't move the sub. I then graduated to Room EQ Wizard (http://www.hometheatershack.com/roomeq/) with Behringer BFD 1124P,Behringer ECM 8000 mic,Behringer UB802,EDIROL UM-1X USB-MIDI cable andCL sound blaster MP3+ USB sound card.

I'm happy with the results. (VTF3 MK2)

[majorloser]

DVE and a RS meter.

Also use the B&K pre/pro's test sounds for backup.

[DNelms]

DVE and a RS meter.

Also use the B&K pre/pro's test sounds for backup.

Ditto.

I also use DVD platnum, and the DELLOS Surround Sound Spectacular CD for pro-logic/stereo set-up.

[lradden]

Ditto.

I also use DVD platnum, and the DELLOS Surround Sound Spectacular CD for pro-logic/stereo set-up.

DNelms,
I also use DVD Platinum too but I also calibrate with AVIA. AVIA only calibrates mixed bass and DVD Platinum only calibrates LFE.

Do you add 3dB to your LFE calibration like DVD Platinum says to do?

[DNelms]

Do you add 3dB to your LFE calibration like DVD Platinumsays to do?

No I have always attempted to calibrate everything as close as possible. I know everyone likes to use AVIA but I like having the option to calibrate with a dedicated .1 (LFE). ON my receiver I can boost the LFE independent of the subwoofer setting.

Right now I am running 2 subs. I calibrated each sub independant of each other so when I have them both on at the same time I get 2 to 5 db of boost. Right now the bass is a little heavy so I may be turning things down just a touch but I have not had a chance to really just sit and listen.

[kakaxbox]

I went to 2 Radioshack's today and the SPL meter were out of stock, so I had to order online. My Avia disc is coming soon this week, hope everything comes this week, so I can calibrate like the pro's :) .

[lradden]

[QUOTE=DNelms]No I have always attempted to calibrate everything as close as possible. I know everyone likes to use AVIA but I like having the option to calibrate with a dedicated .1 (LFE). ON my receiver I can boost the LFE independent of the subwoofer setting.]/QUOTE] Same here my setup with an Outlaw ICBM(multiple crossover) between the pre amp and sub EQ(BFD) allows me to set the LFE independent of the sub/redirected bass. I use AVIA for the mixed/redirected bass and DVD Ultimate Platinum for the LFE. Works great.

[lradden]

I went to 2 Radioshack's today and the SPL meter were out of stock, so I had to order online. My Avia disc is coming soon this week, hope everything comes this week, so I can calibrate like the pro's :) .kakaxbox, let us know if you need help. AVIA can be confusing at first.

[kakaxbox]

kakaxbox, let us know if you need help. AVIA can be confusing at first.

Yea, I will let you guys know :) . Hopefully its not to difficult.

[rlb]

Which Radio Shack SPL meter is better to get, the digital or the newer analog model? Which one is easier to use?

[DNelms]

I have never used the digital meter.

Most people recomend the analog meter if you have a choice.

[kakaxbox]

I have never used the digital meter.

Most people recomend the analog meter if you have a choice.

I ordered the digital one, because I think its the only one on Radioshack.com.

[kakaxbox]

Do you need earplugs to calibrate with Avia???

[lradden]

The tones are loud if you run them at the AVIA recommended 85dB so I do wear earplugs. Just pick up a pair at Walmart, KMart or any pharmacy.

[DNelms]

The tones are loud if you run them at the AVIA recommended 85dB so I do wear earplugs. Just pick up a pair at Walmart, KMart or any pharmacy.

I agree. I used to do it without plugs and it became pianfull.

[kakaxbox]

Isn't 85db extremely loud? :confused:

[Peter De Smidt]

You guys and gals might want to check out:

http://www.hometheatershack.com/roomeq/

And

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/bfdguide/

Room EQ Wizard is an excellent, and free!!, program that allows you to hook up your Radio Shack meter to your sound card. The program does a sweep, and you get complete frequency response charts, and loads of other data, which can be use with a parametric equalizer to minimize room nodes. This is much easier and more effective than playing test tones and manually noting the results.

Please note that the Radio Shack SPL meters are very useful, but they're inaccurate. The different versions of the meters have slightly different responses. You can download calibration files for use with Room EQ Wizard.

[kakaxbox]

Okay so I calibrated my subwoofer to match my speaker, now the sub is almost turned all the way down. It matches my speaker but I can barely hear any base :confused:.

[lradden]

Are your speakers set so small or large? Also what is the sub amps volume set at?

[kakaxbox]

My speaker were set to large when calibrating, now its set back to small. My amp is at 8 o clock when calibrating, but I readjusted back to 10 o clock.

[lradden]

AVIA uses redirected bass from all your speakers and doesn't have a dedicated LFE calibration so you must calibrate with your speakers set to small. Large will never work with AVIA. Give it another try and let us know how it turns out.

[kakaxbox]

AVIA uses redirected bass from all your speakers and doesn't have a dedicated LFE calibration so you must calibrate with your speakers set to small. Large will never work with AVIA. Give it another try and let us know how it turns out.

Okay, I just want to make sure I do it right. So I have to point the Sound Meter upward at listening area correct? and put frequency sweep ,front-left? Let me know if I did it correct, thanks.

Edit: and on the meter numbers suppose to match the speaker right? For example I would get 80 for the speaker, and then another 80 for the subwoofer.... that would mean it match right?

[lradden]

Setup the RS meter at ear level at the main listening position with the RS pointed at the ceiling.

1) from AVIA menu choose "Advanced AVIA"
2) Choose "Main Speaker Setup" under the "Audio Calibrations"
3) Choose "Left Front" and calibrate the left speaker main speaker then do the same for all the other speakers
4) Go back to the "Audio Calibrations" and choose "Subwoofer Setup"
5) Listen/Read the "Introduction"
6) Choose "Subwoofer Level Left Front" or right depending were your sub is.

Edit: and on the meter numbers suppose to match the speaker right? For example I would get 80 for the speaker, and then another 80 for the subwoofer.... that would mean it match right?

Yes as perform the "Subwoofer Level Left Front" the tone will alternate from the left front speaker to the sub. If the left speaker was calibrated at 80dB when the tone switches to the sub make sure the sub equals 80dB as well. I like to run my sub 4dB hot so after I'm done I use my pre amp's sub volume to add 4dB more SPL.

[Liaury]

Also what I heard, the read out by the Radio Shack SPL meter is generally 3 dB low in the bass region. So if you would want the levels to match, you would want a reading of (say) 80dB from the left and 77 from the sub. If you get 80-80 dB, then your sub would be 3dB hot which is prefered by many.

[lradden]

Correct the RS digital meter is off by 2.5 dB at 20Hz. The VERY old analog RS meter was off by 12.38dB at 20Hz and the new analog is off by 3.25dB at 20Hz.

Hz dB Hot
20 -2.50
21 -2.30
22 -2.10
23 -1.95
24 -1.80
25 -1.60
26 -1.40
27 -1.15
28 -1.00
29 -0.90
30 -0.75
31 -0.65
32 -0.55
33 -0.44
34 -0.33
35 -0.22
36 -0.11
37 0.00

Also when calibrating with AVIA you're really supposed to check the sub against all your speakers and then take the average and use that as your sub setting. I just use the front left and right mains to setup the sub.

[kakaxbox]

Setup the RS meter at ear level at the main listening position with the RS pointed at the ceiling.

1) from AVIA menu choose "Advanced AVIA"
2) Choose "Main Speaker Setup" under the "Audio Calibrations"
3) Choose "Left Front" and calibrate the left speaker main speaker then do the same for all the other speakers
4) Go back to the "Audio Calibrations" and choose "Subwoofer Setup"
5) Listen/Read the "Introduction"
6) Choose "Subwoofer Level Left Front" or right depending were your sub is.



Yes as perform the "Subwoofer Level Left Front" the tone will alternate from the left front speaker to the sub. If the left speaker was calibrated at 80dB when the tone switches to the sub make sure the sub equals 80dB as well. I like to run my sub 4dB hot so after I'm done I use my pre amp's sub volume to add 4dB more SPL.

Some reason 80db for the sub, is a little to low. It matches the main speakers though, but is too too low, I need more power :).

[lradden]

Some reason 80db for the sub, is a little to low. It matches the main speakers though, but is too too low, I need more power :).Same here I like my sub about 4 or 5 dB hot.

[cyberbri]

I have my VTF-3 Mk2 running about 3-4dB hot for movies, 0-1dB hot for music. This is with bass traps (GIK Acoustics) and the sub eq'd pretty flat with a BFD.

I calibrate with Avia. What I do is calibrate to 80dB, knowing that the volume level on the receiver will be my -5 point. I don't find it loud at all now, either does my wife. Maybe because I have a bigger room now than I used to, and I have absorber panels at the first reflection point.

I usually watch movies at -10, sometimes higher if the dialog is low.

[Liaury]

Some reason 80db for the sub, is a little to low. It matches the main speakers though, but is too too low, I need more power :).

:D Proper calibration is boring.

[Orlando]

Other - I use my SMS-1,

[Rehab]

I use an older analog SPL meter and the receivers pink noise. I tried it by ear on the surround sound and I was way off and my elcheapo HTiB sub was running too hot. I must be TONE deaf.

[Kd5jha]

I use a computer program called TrueRTA seen here http://www.trueaudio.com/rta_abt1.htm along with a usb audio interface and dBA Reference Microphone seen here http://www.amazon.com/dbx-RTA-M-Reference-Microphone-DriveRack/dp/B0002DVCAM You will need an interface that can supply phantom power for the mic. This Real-Time-Analyzer is many times more acurate and informative than my radio shack SPL meter. BTW, the guy who makes the software can get you a calibration file for any mic you might own that is of reasonable quality for a small fee... There is even a calibration file on the internet somewhere for the RS SPL meter microphone but I have not tried it as my mic came with a calibration chart when I bought it. I just mount my mic on a stand at my listening position and use the RTA program to generate Pink Noise which I analyze and then make adjustments to. After that I listen to music from my collection + some bass tracks I have generated in Adobe Audition to get a feel for the overall sound. I also reposition the mic at the rest of my available listening positions to confirm similar results... I own and occasionally make use of a set of NAB audio reference disks, but besides my collection of movies and music that's about it though I like the THX theme for a good system showoff piece/amp test BTW my system is: Panasonic AX-100U 720P Hi-DEf Projector on a 120" Diagonal 16:9 Motorized Screen STA-4ES 7.1CH Surround Reciever (Slated for Upgrade) Sony DVP-S9000 ES SACD/DVD Player (Slated for Upgrade) JVC BR-S378U SVHS VCR (Yes I still own tapes http://forum.hsuresearch.com/images/smilies/smile.gif :) ) (8) Marantz MA-700 Monoblock Amps 200w/8 ohms or 300w/4 ohms (7) Pair JBL Control 28 Full Range Loudspeakers (2) JBL Control SB210 "Subwoofers" Really for Mid-Bass 38hz-120hz (2) SVS 16-46 CS-Plus Cylinder Type Subs for Low Bass Powered by a THX Approved QSC Model DCA3022 650wpc/8 ohms or 1050wpc/4ohms RMS Marantz RC9200 LCD Programmable Remote