Test Tone Calbration Question

For the Denon AVP-A1HDCI using Auto setup with Audyssey configuring a 7.3 speaker configuration (BW 800 front, BW center, BW 803 sides and rears, 3 Velodyne DD15 subs),  I notice that the test tone level is about 65db for all speakers measuring with the Radio Shack Digital Sound Level Meter.  I had thought that the recommended  test tone audio levels are 75db. 

 

Why is auto Audyssey setting the test tones to such a low audio level?

 

Do you recommend turning up the audio test tone for each speaker to a 75 db volume for a specific seating location?

 

What are your recommendation?

 

I started noticing this when I could hear no audio from the rear speakers for 5.1 programs with a 7.3 speaker output setting.

 

Thanks

Bobmyers -
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12 Comments

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  • 0
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    Audyssey Labs

    Audyssey is setting the levels to the required 75 dB for a –30 dBFS narrowband pink noise (like the internal test signal). Are you sure your SPL meter is calibrated?

  • 0
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    Bobmyers

    I am using the Radio Shack digital SPL meter.  It is fairly new.  I set he meter C with a 70 measurement setting and hold it head high at the listening position.  How would I know if it is accurate?

     

    How would I calibrate it?

     

  • 0
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    Rob Brooks

    Silly question, but i'll ask it anyway.

    Are you measuring the Manual Setup, pink noise tone?

    or the Calibration Sweeps that Audyssey generates?

  • 0
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    Rob Brooks

    Also, as silly as it sounds, if you have an iPhone or other smart-phone.

    download one of the free apps that act as an SPL meter.

    the one for my HTC is within 0.5dB of my Radio-shack SPL meter (old analogue one) 

    you'll at least be able to see if you're in the right ballpark.

  • 0
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    Bobmyers

    I am using the Manual Setup pink noise tone.

     

    Thanks

  • 0
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    Audyssey Labs

    My recommendation is to leave the levels as Audyssey found them.  If you change them then Dynamic EQ will be out of calibration.  

  • 0
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    Frank Romeo

    I get the same results with a Radioshack SPL meter. 65db at refrence. I guess there not as good as people have said on some forums.

  • 0
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    CÜNEYT OCAKLILAR

    Hi Chris,

    You said:

    My recommendation is to leave the levels as Audyssey found them.  If you change them then Dynamic EQ will be out of calibration. 

    I seem to remember that you've also said (in another subject) that we can increase those levels freely.

    I usually like to set my fronts to 0 dB (I don't know why, but I don't like minus values for my fronts) Why would I have to turn my volume up more if I don't care to reference level on 0 db.

    So; for example, if Audyssey set my fronts to -8.0 db, I set them to zero and add -8.0 db to all other channels.

    Am I doing right or wrong?

  • 0
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    Audyssey Labs

    If you change the level settings then Dynamic EQ is not properly calibrated.  There is no reason to change them and no benefit in having them at 0.  These are simply relative numbers that are used to level align the speakers to each other.  If you turn them up by 8 dB and turn down the master volume by 8 dB then you have changed nothing!  

  • 0
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    CÜNEYT OCAKLILAR

    Thanks. If it would effect the Dynamic EQ, I set them back to old settings. Will it be enough to enter the old values for them or should I make a new measurement, or will a "Restore" be helpful?

  • 0
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    Audyssey Labs

    If you know the old values, you can just put them back in.

  • 0
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    CÜNEYT OCAKLILAR

    Yes, I'd written them down before changing. Thank you very much!

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