16
3.4
LEVEL CALIBRATION
Level Calibration uses internally generated test noises to match speaker output levels
at the listening position. These noises are also a way of checking system connections
between receiver, amplifier, and speaker. Audio calibrations from home theater setup
discs are not recommended – some use incorrect methods.
If using Anthem Room Correction, these items will be set during measurement.
A sound pressure level (SPL) meter with C-weighting is recommended if not using ARC,
especially to set the subwoofer level. Measure the sound pressure from the listening
position while pointing the meter up. Hold it away from your body to prevent reflections.
These settings are displayed for each configuration:
TEST NOISE
To play the test noise, select “On”. Use the up/down buttons to move the noise to the other
speakers.
DOLBY OFFSET / CALIBRATION LEVEL
This is the master volume for this menu’s test noises. Changing it changes the output of all
channels. The noise comes out of the left front channel.
CHANNEL LEVEL
If you’re calibrating by ear, use the remote control and sit in the listening area. Adjust each
channel’s loudness until all levels sound the same. If using an SPL meter, adjust level so it
reads 75 dB for each channel. If Noise Level is set while Front-L is at 0 dB, no adjustment
of Front-L is needed since the output is the same. If using a powered subwoofer, make a
rough adjustment with its input level control before setting sub level in this menu or using
ARC. Speakers set to “Off: in the Bass Management menu are skipped.
Note that if ARC sets levels and is then turned off, the subwoofer level should be reduced
by the same amount as room gain or the subwoofer level will be elevated when ARC is off.
Level Calibration
Config 1
Config 2
Config 3
Config 4
Level Calibration
Test
Noise
Off
Dolby Offset / Calibration Level
0 dB
Subwoofer
0
dB
Front
Left 0
dB
Center
0
dB
Front
Right
0
dB
Surround
Right
0
dB
Surround
Left
0
dB
MULTIPLE SUBWOOFERS
If using multiple subwoofers
they should be balanced to one
another before calibrating the
rest of your system. If using ARC,
simply use the Quick Measure
function to help find flat response
as a preliminary step before
running full measurement. If
setting up the traditional way, play
the subwoofer test noise with
only one subwoofer connected at
a time. Set its input level dial so
the SPL meter reads 71 dB from
the listening area if using two
subs, or 67 dB if using four subs.
Repeat this for the remaining
subs. When all are connected the
result should be around 75 dB –
make final adjustment in the level
calibration menu.
