SVS PB12-NSD - Manual (Page 16)

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STA-400D Equipped Subs
2) AVR or pre/pro without auto setup capability. Older AVRs or pre/pros may not have
auto setup capability. In this case, you will need a Sound Pressure Level (SPL) meter and a source
of test tones used to set speaker levels. SPL meters can be purchased at Radio Shack, usually for
less than $50. Even older multi-channel receivers and pre/pros have built-in test tones but if yours
doesn’t, calibration disks are available that have the tones needed to accurately set speaker and
subwoofer levels. SVS typically recommends the AVIA II Guide to Home Theater by Ovation Soft-
ware as a good calibration disk.
Before starting, familiarize yourself with your AVR or pre/pro’s setup and configuration menu. Of
particular importance are the menus dealing with setting up your speakers (distance, level, size,
crossover, etc.). Once you have read and feel comfortable with setting up your speakers, you are
ready to begin.
Start by making sure your AVR or pre/pro knows you have a subwoofer in your system. Sometimes
the menu item will be “Subwoofer = Yes, or “SUB ON”, etc. Ensure all speakers are set to Small
and have crossovers set no lower than 80 Hz (a speaker set to Small – as opposed to Large or Full
Range – will cause bass frequencies below the selected crossover to be routed from the speaker to
the subwoofer).
a) Make sure you have a known good battery in the SPL meter (use the Battery Function). Set the
“Weighing” switch to “C”, and the “Response” switch to “Slow”.
b) Set the “Range” dial to “70” to start. Consequently, when the meter displays “0”, that will indi-
cate 70 dB. When the meter reads “5”, that will indicate 75 dB. When the meter reads “-3” (left of
“0”), that will indicate 67 dB.
c) In the AVR or pre/pro speaker setup menu, set the value of the subwoofer trim to -3 db. Set the
Master Volume (main volume control) of the AVR or pre/pro to 0.0 dB. In most units, this will pro-
duce a reading of close to 75 dB on the SPL meter when playing the test tones on your speakers.
d) Place the SPL meter in your main listening position, ideally on a tripod (the Radio Shack SPL me-
ter will mount to a standard camera tripod adapter) with the unit pointed straight up (microphone
pointed at the ceiling). Adjust the tripod so the microphone is roughly at ear height.
Setup, Calibration & Integration
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