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Before starting this process, it is a good idea to check that input sensitivity of all of the loudspeakers is
set to maximum (fully clockwise = -6 dBu) and that the subwoofer has been adjusted to a suitable input
sensitivity as previously described. Set the SPL meter to 'C-weighting' and 'slow' and turn on the pink
noise in the surround sound processor. Sitting in the center of the listening area and with the SPL meter
at arm's length, slowly increase the processor output until the SPL meter reads 79 dB. Repeat this proc-
ess until the reading for each of the main channels matches to within +/- 0.5 dB. For the LFE channel, the
SPL meter should read 4 dB hotter than the main loudspeakers, i.e. 83 dB, due to the limited bandwidth
it is expected to reproduce. This target level is the same irrespective of the bass management crossover
frequency, as, in a good processor, the LFE channel should be reproduced in its entirety using careful
routing to the appropriate loudspeakers.
Finally, get a few DVD's and listen carefully to subjectively fine tune the subwoofer sensitivity. Note that if
DTS music discs are used, ensure the processor is set to 'DTS Music' and if DTS film discs are used, set
the processor to 'DTS Film', otherwise the LFE channel may be reproduced at the wrong level.
4.3
Other Processor/Decoder Settings
Usually the loudspeakers' bass management is implemented in the surround processor or decoder. So,
for the Genelec Home Theater loudspeakers to perform in an optimum way, here are various basic rec-
ommendations on processor/decoder settings:
Small or Large?
When selecting the menu 'Speaker Type' there usually is a choice between 'small' or 'large' loud-
speakers. If 'small' is selected the bass of the main loudspeakers is relocated to the subwoofer.
Then the subwoofer replaying the LF content can be located in the best place in the room rather
than where the main loudspeakers have to be put, i.e. L-C-R, etc... However, the subwoofer then
has to work much harder than if it was only reproducing the LFE channel. This setting is recom-
mended for two way systems with subwoofers. 'Large' might be selected in large Home Theaters
that have three way systems which cover a larger spectrum.
Delay Adjustment
In the 'Delay Adjustment' menu, the precise distances between each loudspeaker and the reference
listening point has to be entered. Setting these values properly will help in achieving a good sound
stage imaging and proper rendering of surround effects.
Direct Radiator
In the 'Speaker Type' menu, all Genelec active Home Theater systems should be set to direct radia-
tor to achieve best imaging coherence (see also Section 2.6 Surround Loudspeakers - Dipoles vs.
Direct Radiators).
Internal Level Settings
If the adjustment of the individual loudspeaker level is performed via the processor/decoder, it
should only be done after the acoustic adjustment of the loudspeaker to the room. When the Room
Response Controls are activated the overall level of the loudspeaker will be altered, that is why a
proper order in the adjustment method is recommended.
4.4
Genelec in-room Measurements and Calibration
It has already been mentioned earlier that once loudspeakers are placed in a room their performance and
tonal characteristics change according to the quality of the room acoustics, construction geometry and
loudspeaker location. To ensure that every major Home Theater installation is set up optimally, Genelec
has a global goal to measure and calibrate each of these rooms. This systematic procedure has gained
Genelec a very high reputation in the professional recording and broadcast studio world for quality and
consistency of their monitoring loudspeaker systems. The same is becoming true in the Home Theater
market.
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