Noob question about 7.1 subwoofer level

thothsong

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I've configured my HDMI output for 7.1, going to an 11.1.4 soundbar+subwoofer+rears. In the 15-130Hz range, the SPL measurements I get measuring the sub (.1) channel are about 10 dB higher than what I measure on any of the other 7 channels. Which should I pay attention to when trying to balance levels? Or do I need to balance separately for stereo vs n.1 channel sound?
 

Sonnie

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10dB is very normal for most people. Mine runs 10-15dB depending on my preset and what I'm listening to.

The key is make sure you response is smooth and that the 10dB increase is not due to a single frequency area... like a 10dB peak centered at 100Hz.
 

thothsong

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Thanks, but then for balancing sub level with the other speakers, should I compare the SPL level of the .1 channel with the low-mid-and-up range SPL level of the other channels, or compare the sub-bass-bass range SPL level of the other channels with the rest of their range?
 

Sonnie

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Preamp, Processor or Receiver
StormAudio ISP Elite 24 MK3 Processor
Main Amp
McIntosh MC1.25KW Monoblock Amps
Additional Amp
StormAudio PA 16 MK3
Computer Audio
Intel NUC w/ Roon ROCK
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Panasonic UB9000 4K UHD Player (for media discs)
Front Speakers
RTJ 410
Center Channel Speaker
MartinLogan Focus C-18
Front Wide Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT
Surround Speakers
JTR Neosis 210RT
Surround Back Speakers
JTR Neosis 210RT
Front Height Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT-SL
Rear Height Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT-SL
Subwoofers
JTR Captivator 2400 x6
Other Speakers or Equipment
VTI Amp Stands for the Monoblocks
Video Display Device
Sony 98X90L
Remote Control
Universal MX-890
Streaming Equipment
FireCube for movies and Lenova Carbon X1 for Roon
Streaming Subscriptions
Lifetime Roon Subscription
Tidal
qobuz
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Satellite System
Dish Joey 4K
Other Equipment
Zero Surge 8R15W-1 | Salamander Synergy Equipment Stand
It's easier to see what's going on with a REW frequency response plot. Trying to balance the levels with an SPL meter only balances the highest frequency of each speaker and not really going to be accurate for the overall sound.
 

thothsong

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Right, I'm not using an SPL meter. Here's a plot showing Left (channel 1) and Sub (channel 4). The response up to about 130Hz is very similar, just offset. I don't understand why that should be the case.
43174
 

Sonnie

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StormAudio ISP Elite 24 MK3 Processor
Main Amp
McIntosh MC1.25KW Monoblock Amps
Additional Amp
StormAudio PA 16 MK3
Computer Audio
Intel NUC w/ Roon ROCK
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Panasonic UB9000 4K UHD Player (for media discs)
Front Speakers
RTJ 410
Center Channel Speaker
MartinLogan Focus C-18
Front Wide Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT
Surround Speakers
JTR Neosis 210RT
Surround Back Speakers
JTR Neosis 210RT
Front Height Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT-SL
Rear Height Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT-SL
Subwoofers
JTR Captivator 2400 x6
Other Speakers or Equipment
VTI Amp Stands for the Monoblocks
Video Display Device
Sony 98X90L
Remote Control
Universal MX-890
Streaming Equipment
FireCube for movies and Lenova Carbon X1 for Roon
Streaming Subscriptions
Lifetime Roon Subscription
Tidal
qobuz
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Satellite System
Dish Joey 4K
Other Equipment
Zero Surge 8R15W-1 | Salamander Synergy Equipment Stand
This is normal... the sub will measure about 10dB higher when it is measured by itself.

For level adjustment... measure them both together, which is this case you'll probably want more bass.

Here is what we are listening to here today. Notice the approximate 8dB rise from 20kHz down to 20Hz. Albeit, this is main speaker with no sub at this time.

43175
 
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