Calibration Tests - Meridian 861v8 User Manual

Calibration tests

Levels
These tests allow you to adjust the output level to
each speaker individually, and it follows the general
guidelines from Dolby Laboratories and Lucasfilm Ltd.
A Sound Pressure Level (SPL) meter can be useful at
this stage; see Using a Sound Pressure Level meter ,
page 50.
In each test the display shows the speaker being
tested, and the current relative level.
For example: Left
• Press > or < to move between each of the speakers
in the layout in the sequence: Left, Centre, Right,
Side R, Rear R, Rear L, Side L, and subwoofers.
• Press A or V to adjust the level of the speaker.
Ignore any tonal difference.
For correct THX reproduction you should adjust each
speaker to 75dB SPL using an SPL meter. Even if
your speakers are not THX approved this setting is
recommended.
Note: You cannot directly set the level of a subwoofer
by ear, because low-frequency noises sound quieter. To
set the subwoofer correctly either use an SPL meter,
or set it by ear and then reduce the subwoofer gain by
15dB to correct for human hearing.
• When you have completed the Levels section press
> or Store to proceed to the next test.
Distance
These tests allow you to adjust the delay of each of the
speakers in the layout to time-align the system so that
sounds are coincident when they arrive at the listening
position.
Before setting up the speaker outputs you need to
measure the distance, in feet and inches, to each
speaker from the listening position:
Left
Level +0.0dB
Left
Side
Left Rear
Measure from the ear height at the listening position to
the tweeter on each speaker (where applicable).
• Press > or < to move between each of the speakers
in the layout.
The display shows the speaker being tested, and the
distance in feet.
For example:
• Press A or V to change the distance, in feet.
Repeat this for each of the speakers in your layout.
• Press > or Store to proceed to the next calibration
stage.
Sub Centre
Surround Sub
Left Distance 18'0
51
Configuring the 861
Reference Digital
Surround Controller
Right
Right
Side
Right Rear