System Calibration

Overview

System calibration refers to the process of maximizing system sound quality through a rigorous process of setting:

• Speaker positions
• Subwoofer positions
• Subwoofer polarity, phase, crossover frequency and slope
• Seating positions
• Room correction / parametric EQ
• Acoustic treatment placement
• Individual speaker levels and delays

When we calibrate we are aiming to get a system's acoustic measurements and settings within quantifiable targets. Our Home Theater targets are derived from industry best practices from the Home Acoustics Alliance and our Stereo targets from our groundbreaking white paper.

Process

The calibration process is divided into two parts:

1. Bass Calibration

Getting a flat bass response with even decay is critical to sound quality. It is very difficult and time consuming to optimize bass response using music or hi-fi test discs. We rely on high resolution frequency response and energy decay measurements to find the best location for speakers, subwoofers and listeners within the room. Measurements cannot tell us everything, however, and the ears are a useful tool to fine tune system setup.

"The subs are integrated perfectly and have illuminated the pace and rhythmic quality of the music" Cesar Rubio, San Francisco, CA.

2. Soundstage Calibration

Setting up the system to optimize soundstage focus and envelopment is done after bass calibration. Whilst the movements of speaker and listener to optimize bass response are large, getting the best soundstaging often requires movements of under 1". We rely on critical listening during this step, as we have found that the ears are the best judge of an optimized soundstage.

"The end result of Nyal's analysis and implemented strategies is a much cleaner, more focused and enveloping musical presentation" Don Jackson, Corte Madera, CA.

For more details on our process download our Home Theater and Stereo calibration process checklists.

Deliverable

An Acoustic Calibration Report containing:

• Completed calibration checklist
• Before and after acoustic measurements
• After calibration critical listening scores
• Drawing showing location of speakers, subwoofers and listening seat
• Suggestions for further sound quality improvement

Pricing

Acoustic calibration is charged at our standard hourly rate of $125 - for more information see our pricing policies.

• 8-12 hours are required for a Home Theater calibration.
• 4-8 hours are required for a Stereo calibration.
• The number of hours varies due to system complexity - things like setting up multiple subwoofers, configuring room correction and optimizing multiple seats increase the time required.