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the power switch is in the “ON” position. If equipped, the signal sensing Auto ON
circuit will switch on the subwoofer amplifier automatically.)
Setting Reference Levels of Full Range Speakers
3) Set the volume control on your receiver to the “00dB” 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 75dB or 85dB (depending on the recommended reference level
of 70dB or 80dB in the receiver or preamplifier/processor’s owner’s manual).
4) Begin by setting the levels of the main, center, and surround speakers one at a
time. While pointing the meter toward the speaker active with the test tone, set each
channel to the same reference level while the SPL meter remains in the listening
position. Your goal is to establish an even output level of each speaker to that spot.
Setting Subwoofer Gain
5) Once finished with the other speakers in the system, direct the test tone to the
subwoofer. Adjust its level using the gain control (labeled “VOLUME”) on the
subwoofer until it reaches the SPL level achieved by the other speakers. An assistant
will be very helpful for this process because the meter location and subwoofer level
adjustment location will be different. Some like to run their sub “hot” for movies by
increasing the sub level by 5dB or so above the main channel level. This can be very
effective at lower listening levels, but be sure to use care when watching that big
action movie for the first time - especially at or near reference levels.
6) Once the subwoofer is calibrated, small adjustments can be made easily using the
subwoofer level control in your processor or receiver. If you find the need to go
much above +2 or +3 consistently, we recommend adjusting the gain control on
the subwoofer upward instead and using a lower number for reference level on the
processor.
Subwoofer Crossover and Phase Adjustments
After setting up the system reference levels on each channel, including the subwoofer,
it’s time to set the crossover (where applicable) and the phase switch (where
necessary). This activity will round out the effectiveness of the subwoofer as an
