Auto Speaker Setup - JBL SYNTHESIS SDR-38 Manual

Auto Speaker Setup

Dirac Live with Bass Management
There is a proprietary automatic loudspeaker calibration
function built into your Receiver from Dirac Reasearch.
Using a PC/MAC based application, this attempts to set the
essential speaker settings for all the speakers in your system.
It also calculates room equalization (Room EQ) filter values to
remove some of the worst effects of resonant frequencies in
the listening room.
Your Receiver package is supplied with a basic calibration
microphone, which should be inserted into a USB port
on a PC or MAC connected to the same network as the
Receiver and positioned as directed by the Dirac Live PC/
MAC application. This microphone picks up the special
calibration tones generated by the speakers when Dirac Live
application is run. Optionally, a high quality, calibrated third-
party microphone can be used for greater accuracy, such as
the miniDSP UMIK-1. The Receiver then analyzes the signal
and computes:
speaker delays,
speaker level,
problem resonant frequencies in the room which need
control by filtering.
To help the system be as accurate as possible when
performing Dirac Live setup, there are a few guidance rules
that should be followed:
Minimize any background sounds in the listening room
and other nearby rooms.
Close all windows and doors in the listening room.
Turn off all fans including air-conditioning systems.
Mount the microphone on a tripod or similar.
Position the set up microphone pointing upwards
at roughly head height when placed in the normal
listening position. It is not necessary to point the
microphone directly at the speaker generating the test
tone, the microphone should be pointing vertically
towards the ceiling. (It helps if you are able to position
the microphone exactly where your head would
normally be for listening, with the microphone in direct
unobstructed view of all speakers.) Assure all objects,
such as chair backs are at least 18 inches (46cm) away
from the microphone. Ideally, move the seating away
during measurements to prevent reflections that can
reduce the accuracy of the equalization.
If your system includes an active subwoofer, start by
setting its output level / gain control to a value roughly
matching the front speakers.
Although Dirac is designed to make the calibration process
easier, a certified JBL Synthesis Calibrator has the training
and tools to maximize performance results.
Problems
We advise you to look over the reported measurements
on the screen following Dirac Live setup for any obviously
incorrect results, in particular to ensure the reported speakers
match your configuration and that the speaker distances
to the listening position appear look roughly correct. If the
results are not what you expected re-run Dirac Live setup.
The Dirac Live setup function is normally quite accurate but
occasionally false results can be generated. Problems may be
as a result of:
external sounds or rumbling/handling noises picked up
by the microphone
sound reflections off hard surfaces (e.g. windows or walls)
close to the listening position,
very strong acoustic resonances within the room,
obstacles (such as a sofa) between speakers and the
microphone.
If you are still experiencing difficulties or you wish to have
the most accurate results for ultimate surround performance,
we recommend using the manual method of establishing
speaker distances and levels.
EN-29
Using subwoofers
If your system includes active subwoofers you may need to
set the subwoofer output level/gain control set to a higher
or lower value.
Please refer to the Dirac application and quick start guide for
full details of how to use the system with your Receiver.
Downloading the Dirac Live application
To download the Dirac Live PC/MAC application and quick
start guide, please visit: live.dirac.com
Using Dirac
You can store up to three Dirac EQ curves in the Receiver.
Each input can use a different curve, for example a "Movie"
curve on the BD input and "Music" curve on the CD input.
This can be set on a per input basis using the key on
the remote.
Alteratively use the Room EQ menu item in the Audio
settings menu to set the curve for each input. See "Room
EQ" on page EN-31.
NOTE: When Dirac is run for the first time the curve
will be applied to all inputs. Subsequent curves will
not be automatically applied; use the methods above
to choose the required curve for the input in question.
EN