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SV Sound, LLC
STA-400D Equipped Subs
Setup, Calibration & Integration
Calibrating the Subwoofer
In order to get the best experience from your new SVS subwoofer, it is important to calibrate it with
the rest of your speakers. To do this correctly you either need an AVR or pre/pro with “Auto Setup”
capability, or you will need a Sound Pressure Level (SPL) Meter (preferably with Analog display) like
those sold by Radio Shack as well as a source of test tones. It is highly unlikely the subwoofer level
can be set correctly using hearing alone due to the difference in hearing capability of individuals,
as well as the decreased level of hearing sensitivity in the lower frequencies. Therefore it is highly
discouraged to use your ears as a substitute for the SPL meter.
If you have two or more subwoofers in your system, it is important that they be level matched (set
at the same level relative to one another) before starting the calibration process. If the subs are not
level matched, there is a risk of unbalanced bass and potential subwoofer localization in your lis-
tening environment. This level matching process is best performed using a SPL meter as discussed
above.
1) AVR or pre/pro with auto setup capability. Many AVRs and pre/pros newer than 2004
to 2005 have some form of auto setup capability that does a good job of setting channel levels and
speaker distances, making calibrating your subwoofer very easy. Review the documentation that came
with your AVR or pre/pro on how to run the auto setup feature. Connect your subwoofer and set the
Gain control between 10:00 and 11:00 o’clock and run the auto setup routine.
At the completion of running the auto setup routine, there are two things you should check in your AVR
or pre/pro’s Manual Speaker Setup menu to make sure your subwoofer has been integrated properly:
a) Check to see your speakers are all set to small with a suggested crossover of no lower than 80 Hz.
If already small and the crossover is higher than 80 Hz the setting should be left as is.
b) Check to make sure your subwoofer trim value does not exceed the positive or negative limits of trim
(typically +12 dB to -12 dB but may be different based upon your equipment). A value at the negative
limit (example, -12 dB) indicates the Volume on the subwoofer was set too high. Lower the Gain on the
subwoofer and re-run the auto setup routine. If the subwoofer trim is at the positive limit, raise the
Gain on the subwoofer and re-run the auto setup routine.
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