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Calibration
Calibrating your speaker levels will ensure that the effort you’ve taken to correctly
position the speakers themselves will pay off when you finally sit down to enjoy them.
SPL Measurements
To accurately calibrate levels, you’ll need an SPL meter. Radio Shack sells
a digital meter that works very well for this purpose (P/N 33-2055) and
it’s about $50. Set the meter on ‘slow’ and “C” weighting. The dial should
be set at either 70 or 80 depending on your preamplifier/processor or
receiver’s test tone reference output level. Consult your owner’s manual
to determine what reference point your unit uses (most use 75, so the
70 setting on the meter would be appropriate in that example). Each
range setting on that particular meter will cover 20dB (10 above and
10 below). So a setting of 70dB would cover between 60-80dB range.
If you are using another meter, consult the owner’s manual for proper
operation.
Configuration and Reference Settings
1) Begin by reviewing the calibration menu settings of your receiver or preamplifier/
processor. In the speaker configuration menu (as a part of the set-up on your HT
processor), be sure all your speakers are set to “SMALL” with subwoofer to “YES”.
(Please note that many processors require a “SMALL” setting for the main speakers
to allow the LFE subwoofer output function, otherwise bass is directed to the front
channels with the full energy when the speakers are set to “LARGE”)
2) From the processor’s speaker calibration menu, set the subwoofer output level to 0
dB. (Start with the gain on the x-sub subwoofer at about 1/4 of max. and make sure
the power switch is in the “ON” position. The signal sensing Auto ON circuit will switch
the amplifier in the x-sub on automatically)
3) The crossover on the x-sub should be set between 80 Hz or 100 Hz as a starting point
unless you have used the LFE (Subwoofer Input) - in which case the crossover will be
bypassed. After matching the level in Step 6, experiment with what you prefer on the
x-sub. Typically, higher crossover settings are used for systems in extremely large
rooms or with very demanding low end material.
Setting Reference Levels of Full Range Speakers
4) Set the volume control on your receiver to the “00 dB” level. If your unit uses a
positive number scale for volume instead of a minus-to-plus scale, just watch the
meter until it reaches 75 or 85dB (depending on the recommended reference level of
70 or 80dB in the receiver or preamplifier/processor’s owner’s manual).
Radio Shack
Digital SPL
Meter
Summary of Contents for x-series
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