Setup and Configuration
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Setup and Configuration
Now that you have your speaker and external device connections made, it is time to configure the DTX-9900K for
standard operation. We will guide you through the main areas of system configuration that need to be set
correctly for standard operation. When completed, you will have navigated through all the MAIN MENU setup
screens. To get the most optimal performance and sound quality your system can deliver, please read and follow
theses instructions carefully.
Configuring Output Levels
Setting the output level of each channel is probably the most important, yet most sidestepped process in
attaining optimal surround performance. You need to adjust the CENTER and SURROUND channels so that a
given input level to any channel will produce the same output level from its speaker as that input level would
produce in any other speaker in the system when applied to its channel.
Incorrect balancing of the front LEFT and RIGHT speakers and the CENTER channel(s) usually causes you to lose
stereo spread or dialogue intelligibility. In addition, if the SURROUND speakers are too soft in comparison to your
FRONT speakers, you will not experience a realistically enveloping sound field. Conversely, if the SURROUND
speakers are too loud, the surround sounds may distractingly jump out at you.
To set the output levels, press the TEST button and move to the listening area. As the TEST TONE cycles around
the speaker array clockwise starting at the FRONT LEFT, pay close attention to the levels for variances. If any are
observed, using the MAIN MENU, navigate to the LEFT LEVEL (L-LEVEL) option and set it to 0dB. Continue
forward until you have set all speaker levels to 0dB and repeat the TEST TONE. If more variances are observed,
navigate to that speaker channels LEVEL setting and make the adjustments to get a uniform and even leveled
sound.
Configuring Your Speakers
In order for your DTX-9900K to properly adjust and distribute audio for output, it needs to know some things
about the speakers connected to it. Below we will explain the key adjustments necessary and how to make them.
Bass Management
Since it is fairly uncommon to have 5 to 6 large full-range speakers in one room, most all surround speaker
configurations employ small speakers for the surround and center channels. As this is true, it is also true that
getting high-level, deep bass from small speakers is impractical. This is especially bad for the center channel(s)
because it is often the main channel(s) in surround soundtracks that carry large amounts of low-frequency
energy.
Fortunately, because frequencies 100Hz and lower are non-directional to the ear, it is possible to move low
frequencies from channels whose speakers can't reproduce them, to channels whose speakers can.
This is accomplished by letting the DTX-9900K know the capabilities of each speaker connected to each channel.
A speaker can be designated as either small (unable to produce low frequencies) or large (able to produce low
frequencies). This designation tells the DTX-9900K which channels to feed (or not to feed) low frequencies to. If
there is a subwoofer present, that also needs to be known by the DTX-9900K so that it can let it handle the bulk
of the low frequencies.
NOTE:
To help distinguish between a SMALL and LARGE speaker, no speaker
should be designated LARGE unless it is capable of extended low frequency
response at reasonably high levels without any signal distortion. Typically, only
subwoofers, floor-standing and large bookshelf designs with >12" drivers qualify.
