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STA-800D/1000D Equipped Subs
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 listening environment. This
level-matching process is best performed using auto setup or 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 and after connecting your subwoofer and setting the
initial values as shown above, 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 Volume on the
subwoofer and re-run the auto setup routine. If the subwoofer trim is at the positive limit, raise the
Volume on the subwoofer and re-run the auto setup routine.
2) AVR or pre/pro without auto setup capability. Older AVRs or pre/pros may not have auto
setup capability. In that 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 recom-
mends the AVIA II Guide to Home Theater by Ovation Software 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
Setup, Calibration & Integration
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