Audyssey and Manual setup in the AVR

[Asere]

Guys I am confused over the Audyssey and Manual set up on the avr. I was told that after I run Audyssey if I go into Test Tones Manual setting and calibrate using an spl meter to read 75 db that I am only calibrating the level of a speaker in relation to the other speakers vs the actual decibel levels.
I always thought after Audyssey I could go into Manual setting and sit at MLP and have it read 75 db with an spl meter and that way Audyssey would read 75 db.

Can someone please explain this?

 

[Peter Loeser]

Not entirely sure I understand the question, but whether you allow Audyssey to do it automatically with the mic, or you do it manually with an external SPL meter, the purpose is to set gain on the individual amp channels to provide the same reference level from each speaker at the listening position. Either method should theoretically give you the desired result. (Keep in mind there are other factors, i.e. position the SPL meter vs. Audyssey mic, etc.)

 

[Asere]

Not entirely sure I understand the question, but whether you allow Audyssey to do it automatically with the mic, or you do it manually with an external SPL meter, the purpose is to set gain on the individual amp channels to provide the same reference level from each speaker at the listening position. Either method should theoretically give you the desired result. (Keep in mind there are other factors, i.e. position the SPL meter vs. Audyssey mic, etc.)

I know I was a little confused too when I asked. I guess the question is if I calibrate using Audyssey and then change the speaker trim levels under Manual setting will I still be able to use the Audyssey filters that it applied to correct the room? I think the answer is Yes but how about when wanting to boost say the sub some? If I boost a few db something about Audyssey is not applied vs if I use a Disney WOW dvd. That's the part I don't get.

 

[Peter Loeser]

You can manually trim individual channels with Audyssey active - i.e. raise center channel or sub during a movie.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Most users prefer to boost the subs a little after Audyssey is run. Turn the sub up if possible (using volume control on the sub), instead of increasing the output of the signal from the AVR.

 

[Asere]

Most users prefer to boost the subs a little after Audyssey is run. Turn the sub up if possible (using volume control on the sub), instead of increasing the output of the signal from the AVR.

Sonnie, Won't it be easier to increase output from the avr vs the sub gain knob?

 

[Asere]

How do you use Disney WOW dvd for audio when you are unable to use the avr to make changes? In other words with video calibration you can change the settings using the tv but with audio I can't get to the avr to make changes.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

I am not familiar with Disney wow.

It may be easier to adjust the volume via the AVR, but I would get as much as I could out of the sub first... then if you need to turn it down with the AVR, use it, then you can also turn it back to where it was with the AVR. You always want to get the max volume from the sub without overloading the sub amps with the input. When you increase it from the AVR, you risk clipping the sub amp on super loud passages. If it's not loud enough after Audyssey, increase it to the max you would play it via the subwoofer volume, then as previously stated, you can adjust "down" and back up as needed with the AVR.

 

[Asere]

I am not familiar with Disney wow.

It may be easier to adjust the volume via the AVR, but I would get as much as I could out of the sub first... then if you need to turn it down with the AVR, use it, then you can also turn it back to where it was with the AVR. You always want to get the max volume from the sub without overloading the sub amps with the input. When you increase it from the AVR, you risk clipping the sub amp on super loud passages. If it's not loud enough after Audyssey, increase it to the max you would play it via the subwoofer volume, then as previously stated, you can adjust "down" and back up as needed with the AVR.

Thank you Sonnie!
If I increase the gain on the actual sub after Audyssey will it mess up what Audyssey did where I would have to redo Audyssey?

 

[Sonnie Parker]

You are fine adjusting the volume either method after Audyssey.

 

[Asere]

You are fine adjusting the volume either method after Audyssey.

Thank you! I will definitely try that.

 

[Asere]

You are fine adjusting the volume either method after Audyssey.

Sonnie,
What can be done with subs like mine as far as already having a green dot to set and forget like the DXD 12012. Per Ken the bass level needs to stay at the reference green dot setting (please see pic on the link) but with Subeq HT it reads the subs too high set to the green dot. I would like to find a way to calibrate with Audyssey at any bass level setting but then somehow be able to set it to the green reference setting.

http://www.hometheatershack.com/gallery/file.php?n=9899

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Simply turn the volume down on the sub to make Audyssey happy, then when you are finished, change the level on the subs to the green dot setting. The volume may be a bit loud... adjust to volume within the AVR to compensate as needed.

 

[Asere]

Simply turn the volume down on the sub to make Audyssey happy, then when you are finished, change the level on the subs to the green dot setting. The volume may be a bit loud... adjust to volume within the AVR to compensate as needed.

Makes sense thank you. I wish I'd known sooner you can make changes in the actual sub vs only the avr let alone be able to change the sub level on the actual sub. Green dot it is. I'm going to have to be really careful to stay under a -12 trim.

 

[Asere]

Simply turn the volume down on the sub to make Audyssey happy, then when you are finished, change the level on the subs to the green dot setting. The volume may be a bit loud... adjust to volume within the AVR to compensate as needed.

Thanks Sonnie! I managed to run Audyssey around the kids lol. Anyhow I did as you mentioned and the subs sound fantastic. Maybe a little too loud but I went into manual with an spl meter and it reads around 77 db. After Audyssey I got a trim of -3.5 for each sub. Now that it's on the green dot about how many db should I bump it down to? I do have DEQ engaged so that applies a boost. I want to keep DEQ on though. Also now when the volume is low you can really feel/hear the sub. Is that a sign that's too high even if manual avr tones with meter reads 77db?

 

[Sonnie Parker]

DEQ is fine for movies/TV... but you want it off for music if you are able to set your speakers up properly for imaging, sound stage and depth acuity. DEQ can cause the sound stage to move around and throw off the imaging a bit.

From where you are not, it's a matter of preference. Everyone is a little different in what they like for bass. I like mine a little hot, others like it less hot, and some like it flat, which is just too low for me. Then different programs will dictate how much you turn it up or down as well. There have been times where I've had to adjust mine temporarily for certain movies/shows.. Get it where it sounds best to you, with what you like and run with it for a while. If it seems a bit too loud, turn it down a little. Not loud enough, turn it up... it's all you now.

 

[Asere]

DEQ is fine for movies/TV... but you want it off for music if you are able to set your speakers up properly for imaging, sound stage and depth acuity. DEQ can cause the sound stage to move around and throw off the imaging a bit.

From where you are not, it's a matter of preference. Everyone is a little different in what they like for bass. I like mine a little hot, others like it less hot, and some like it flat, which is just too low for me. Then different programs will dictate how much you turn it up or down as well. There have been times where I've had to adjust mine temporarily for certain movies/shows.. Get it where it sounds best to you, with what you like and run with it for a while. If it seems a bit too loud, turn it down a little. Not loud enough, turn it up... it's all you now.

I know what you mean. With War of the Worlds the bass is really loud even at 30 db from reference yet a movie with not so much bass is ok. I don't have any plans on lowering the bass with movies such as War of the Worlds lol.

 

[Asere]

I have a question and for learning purpose I hope I make sense in asking this.
My dxd 12012 subs as you already know has a bass level setting that is to remain on the green dot.
Now I understand that. I ran Audyssey with the sub bass level set to 9 o'clock (non green dot) and the trim came back as -3.5 for one sub and the other -3.
That's fine but I then moved the sub bass level back to the green dot.(where it should always be and I prefer it that way)
My question is if my trim is -3.5 on one sub and -3 for the other. In changing the sub level from 9 o'clock back to the green dot. What trim is then applied to the subs?
Does it remain the same, lowers or goes up more?
(with green dot settings subeq ht reads them as too loud pre Audyssey and that's why I have to take the above steps in order to set it to the green dot bass level when all is set and done)

 

[Sonnie Parker]

The trim levels stay the same, which is what you want to keep from potentially clipping the sub amp. The only thing you are changing is the volume on the sub... which does not effect the trim level on the AVR.

 

[Asere]

The trim levels stay the same, which is what you want to keep from potentially clipping the sub amp. The only thing you are changing is the volume on the sub... which does not effect the trim level on the AVR.

Perfect answer and thank you
I just wanted to make sure I did not exceed (get a hidden) trim of -12 in going back to the green dot after.
I understand know.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

No problem at all... glad to help.