SV Sound SCS-01 - Manual (Page 18)

Speaker “Level Calibration”:
In home audio, ―calibration‖ is
simply a method to ensure ―all speakers play back the same volume when
the same volume signal is fed to each. Correct speaker playback levels
are critical to reproducing the ―soundstage‖ intended by the musical artist
or movie director. This calibration section is common with SVS subwoofer
manuals. Even with ―auto-setup‖ routines included in today’s AVR’s, it is
important to validate and adjust channel balance.
As always, we recommend consulting your manual to refresh on the pro-
cedures to vary individual channel levels and use the test tones built into
any AVR. Usually you can do this just by using the correct keys on your
receivers own remote control. Purchase a basic SPL meter and you have
everything you need to achieve professional setup results!
System configuration review prior to calibrating channel levels:

Are your speakers set correct to the
correct “size”? Your AVR should
allow of ―Small‖ or ―Large‖, which en-
ables ―bass management‖ in your
sound system. Selecting ―Small’‖ with
typically ensures most of the ―mid-
bass‖ goes to your room’s speakers,
with deep bass going to the sub.

Also, is your AVR’s subwoofer out-
put jack enabled? This will only hap-
pen if you indicate ―Yes‖ (or ―ON‖) in
the speaker configuration selection of
your AVR’s setup menu.

Is your receiver connected to the
sub amp? Use a well-shielded ―RCA cable‖, sometimes called an
―interconnect‖ to link the subwoofer output of your AVR to one RCA
input jack of any SVS subwoofer amplifier. You will need to ―split‖ the
AVR’s subwoofer signal with a ―Y Cable‖ if you bought a pair of subs.
Talk to your SVS Dealer for more info on twin subwoofers.

Switch on your Radio Shack ® sound pressure level (SPL) me-
ter. Seen above, this tool is absolutely essential to proper surround
audio setup. An SPL meter is akin to a tire pressure gauge for your
car. Set the meter to ―Slow‖ and ―C-weighting‖, and turn the dial to
70 or 80dB, depending on your test tone source.
Chapter 11-1 Channel level calibration SVSound