How To Calibrate Your Speakers Easily! Home Theater Setup

Today we use a sound level meter and show you how to level match your speakers in a surround sound setup for home theater.
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[@MrElchav]

I have a Yamaha Aventage 3060 connected to an external Emotiva BASX A-700 amplifier running 5.2.4 I changed all the speaker level settings to 0db after watching this video! Now I have a home CINEMA! Amazing info Shane!

[@adamtyper]

Another great enthusiastic video helping normal users get the best from their AV world.....My go to channel before I buy any new blu rays and also good for knowing if it’s worth getting a 4k version of a film I’ve already bought 4 times over! All I need to know done quickly with no trying to be funny bs! Big ups Shane keep up the good work!

[@hotmeds]

Thanks a lot, I now know how to correctly use my 17 year old RadioShack sound level meter.

[@chrisamberdiaz]

Thank you so much! I'd been looking everywhere for how to level speakers on a receiver that allows you to raise volume using the volume control while testing levels and you were the first to answer my question.

[@mafosa8519]

Good chit bro! After I ran audssey they castrated the trim. Waaaay below reference levels. I left trim alone and used the master volume buttons to realign the trim. It woke it up!! Marantz sr8012. Monolith 3 channel- 11.2 You really gotta watch audssey. Thanks for sharing by the way! Larry

[@Squishmallows24]

I’ve always used an app on my iphone to measure speaker levels. I decided to just buy a used radio shack one from eBay just to see how accurate they are. With the radio shack meter all my speakers went down -3db to hit 75db on the meter

[@stevebarnes5243]

If the 85 or 75db is too loud during your test throw in some ear buds. You don't need to listen to the pink noise, just read your meter.

[@theredon2]

Great vid this a critical step get get better experience. I love those SPL meter I have 2.

[@mitsukid82]

I just calibrated mine yesterday thanks for the video

[@calinubro]

Thanks for the video! What setting should my subwoofer be set to while running SPL meter test? LFE? And GAIN 1/2 volume?

[@babymantuck3256]

First, I ran the Auddessy on my Denon 7.2 receiver but when I tried to run the test tone and the sound meter, I am unable to hear the test tones. I have my volume up to 40%. But I am able to play 7.1 content but it sounds lower than expected. Should I reset receiver back to default and start again?

[@littlebigmarc]

thanks just bought a sound meter. i never knew this existed lol

[@RomseyReef]

Thank you for this video very helpful which I now apply to my set up

[@Seckmonious]

Thanks for this video, it was very helpful.

[@memphisreines4058]

Volume level while performing the test?

[@cj18cinema]

well done buddy 👍🏻

[@gopinath-yl3fh]

Good , very clear video :)

[@Hayatdas846]

Thanks so much for this.

[@gordthor5351]

Also, if you haven't already set speaker distances, do that as well so the timing is right.

[@joberfeld113]

1:15. Is that company still in business? 😂

[@glensome]

Yes; On line :).

[@SavageAirCinema]

I find that setting my surround and rear speaker levels 2 or 3 decibels lower than the fronts make them sound a little more realistic, and gives the impression that they are further away.

[@kidpoker9408]

problem is for some movies it works well other's it doesnt. but yea thats your best balance for the whole picture normally

[@kidpoker9408]

when i watch baseball i max out the sat's i like listening to the fan's conversation's, especially the crack of the bat hitting the ball and the catcher's mit

[@ShaileshPatel-le8cq]

Good video. I m using Yamha HTR 3072 AVR. Pl suggest what Master volume should set on AVR while using SPL meter for DB level setting. If i set MV set 0 than there is no effect on SPL meter. If i set MV 70-75 DB than only SPL Meter start working. My AVR Volume start fron 0 to 97. Pl suggest n reply.

[@thomaswu3378]

Shane, great video, helps me to learn how to use a SPL meter I just bought. Although, I do have a question if anyone wants to shed some light on it; I have a Denon X4100W, I used Audyssey to set up the initial room/sound calibration, now I can go ahead and use the SPL to fine tune the each channel. Once the SPL is setup to 75db range, do I go to the Denon Manual Config, Speaker Input, Test Tone screen, and turn the Denon volume knob up to 0db for the output level, and see if the Front Left speaker is at 75db on the SPL meter? And then adjust accordingly to all other speakers from this point forward. Please advise!! Thanks!!

[@akasinned52]

hey shane, regarding the volume control on the receiver. assume i have to put it at its loudest which in my receiver is not 0 but 74, correct? and then just adjust the levels to reach 75db?

[@asprogers]

Hi Shane, I know many people already asked you this question and I seen your video too but I am still confused on what exactly need to to do in the beginning? for example to start using SPL meter (Real meter or Cell phone app) first step is to use master volume and rev it up to read 0.0 dB on AV Receiver and on TV. is this correct as this is too loud? and then use Speaker level Trim to read from. 0.0 dB (Not using Master Volume know) and keep going to next speaker and keep adjusting to read 75 dB on SPL meter... are these correct steps? Thank you in anticipation and apology if it's a repeat question.

[@gp2922]

Thanks, that was made simple.

[@badboygto]

i have a pioneer sclx87 and a 7.0 set up i have 6 matching tower speakers and the matching center speaker ..i have set correct distance and set at 75db ...however i have uneaven sound still ..suround left ,suround back left are queter still...roughly same front left and right....the right side suround is realy bassy and back right is less bassy... pritty wierd to say my room is almost a perfect square ..any help would be greatly apreciated

[@avtechman77]

Sparechange.. Wow.. I just got my sound meter delivered 10 minutes ago from Amazon.

[@littlebigmarc]

Can you do one for digital one as well? Mine is going for 74.5 to 75.6 in and out. I wanna see how you start. Do you put the receiver as 0 db? That's what I did. But Idk if the digital meter needs to be slow or fast. I'm so confused. I bought the one you posted.

[@2010klaudio]

Great video! One question, I tried to calibrate my Yamaha Home Theatre System with a SPL Meter at 75. What should be the volume on the receiver or main knob?

[@Bryan-hd7nm]

Claudio Martinez-Valle 0db

[@exovitae]

@@Bryan-hd7nm hey, at 0db the receiver will be at 75 db or 80db? My denon begins from -80db to +18db so 0 should be then 80db?

[@stephenhowarth173]

Have to agree with most of ur reviews but u should have inc the dark tower it was amazing looking film especially with Dolby vision added to it.just my thoughts anyway.👍👍

[@MrElchav]

I recognize that calibration menu. Its an Onkyo!

[@davethestalker]

It’s kinda nuts to have to wear headphones to do this when starting first by going up to zero on the master volume on my x7200wa, lol. Some app have A, C, Z, NR, and NC.

[@Bryan-hd7nm]

Great video! The sub output has a different tone how do I calibrate that? Thanks

[@littlebigmarc]

What volume does the receiver needs to be? Does everything needs to start at 0 dB?

[@number1pappy]

Yeah I feel your frustration! There are several videos on this and no one tells you what to set the master volume at before you begin! Anyways the answer is once your in speaker levels and you have a test tone go to "front left" and set the db at "0" and then set your master volume to 75 db according to your sound meter. Once you have your volume at 75 db proceed to adjust your db levels to 75 db as well. Then you are done! Hope this helps!....p.s. I watched this video again and he did mention this ,however it was a really quick reference and it's easily missed!

[@therealshanelee]

Yes I mention that towards the end how to have every channel at zero to start.

[@NewPSCity]

Hello, I am confused. Before I test the tone levels, will I need to raise the master volume on my Denon to 0 dB ??? That's really loud lol 😅 and then once my master volume is at reference point at 0dB I begin the test tone? Thanks.

[@nestorsandoval939]

I have the same question

[@NewPSCity]

@@nestorsandoval939 I eventually figured it out. Yes, you need to raise the volume to 0dB on your receiver. Then adjust the tone levels with your sound level meter until all the speakers are at the same level. It will get loud so I recommend some ear plugs lol 😅

[@reviewgodusa9613]

@@NewPSCity so you need earplugs to listen at reference level 75db?

[@compingnick]

I found i have to really crank the volume up to get the tone to hit 75db. Only last week did i try levelling at just above my max listening level which is roughly 62db. Very different results. My amp plays the tones at different levels depending on it main volume. Its not faulty thats just something i noticed. 75db i find is so loud its crazy. Levelling has so many different methods. The sub is just a mystery and when levelled is way to strong.

[@therealshanelee]

I never listen at reference it's way too loud.

[@compingnick]

@@therealshanelee me too, i know right. thats something i never understood. surely levelling at closer to listening volume will give a more accurate reading based on the equipment output, or are we levelling at 75db because were told thats what we're told to do by the men in black suits. lol. I was trained to level at 75db in the late 90s but im the sort of person that would ask why 75db. try levelling at 75db then turn the volume to listening level and check if the readings are still equal to eachother. im using a yamaha aventage and the're way off when at listening volume.

[@romanlewandowski9616]

Hi Shane I have a SR8012 do I set the master volume to 0db on the Marantz before I start my readings?

[@Bryan-hd7nm]

Roman Lewandowski yes 0 dB

[@akasinned]

can I use a soundmeter with a soundbar ? i have the Sony Z9F with the rear surrounds. there are no dedicated test tones for front right, front left and center, only front. it does have test tones for right and left rear surrounds and subwoofer.

[@therealshanelee]

Yes you can

[@Einsteintse]

@SpareChange I have a question for you regarding to my receiver. I have a Pioneer LX501 receiver. It was working fine. After I switch to other HDMI channel, I suddenly got no audio from it. I unplug the main power for 30 min and plug it back, No sound at all. At this moment, I still have the video but no audio via my receiver. Then , I tried to play USB music via my receiver with headphone plug in. It still doesn't have any sound. My question is, Is it dead?

[@therealshanelee]

You HDMI input maybe bad. I know they have been known to have bad boards. Try your other HDMI inputs as well too.

[@Einsteintse]

@@therealshanelee I actually switch all the other HDMI inputs, XBox, PS4, Oppo 203. All ports got no sound, even USB, Chromecast, etc. I am planning to replace it with Sony STRDN1080 due to can't afford more than 500 dollars at the moment.

[@trans1231000]

Surorschach I have that Receiver It’s a Great AV Receiver and it’s Super Loud. 😁👌🔊

[@Einsteintse]

Thanks. You mean the Sony one, right?

[@trans1231000]

Surorschach Yup I got it on Sale for $400 last Year

[@hectorbarriga4368]

I usually point the microphone towards each speaker and then angle it so it points towards the ceiling of the respective speaker. Obviously all from the listening position. Shane, have yuo tried this method or always point the mic upwards?

[@therealshanelee]

Point it up to measure all of them and not point source.

[@hectorbarriga4368]

SpareChange ok now that you said it that way makes sense, will re-measure :)

[@macsan1234]

Hi Where can I get a budget spl meter with A and C waiting for my onkyo r558 receiver

[@exovitae]

Amazon

[@kidpoker9408]

i find the biggest challenge for satellites is that your quiet ambient sounds are to quiet and your louder thunder like sounds are to loud especially with different content and not all movies are mixed optimally or the same

[@MichaelGreco]

Hey Shane, after running auto calibrate, do you reset everything to zero and start from scratch?

[@MC-jb9uf]

I'm wondering the same thing. Great video/info

[@therealshanelee]

You could reset everything or you could just use the db meter to double check what autocal did. You could then raise or lower as need be.

[@francisorig1767]

I have a question for you Shane,I have svs prime elevation speakers so do I do the same 75db level calibration also for the elevation speakers?

[@therealshanelee]

Yes you do.

[@francisorig1767]

Thanks Shane love this video it’s really very helpful

[@francisorig1767]

Hey Shane,I have a denon 6400h,so is it normal then to have the levels on the plus side

[@therealshanelee]

If you start of with your left channel at 0 then some will be in the plus range I'm sure

[@avtechman77]

Sparechange.. Big difference when I set all the speakers to the same decibel level. I was only able to set my front let and right to 65 max. I need to invest in a better 2 channel amp

[@therealshanelee]

Odd you can't reach 75.

[@avtechman77]

SpareChange I could be doing something wrong. I have a Yamaha RX-A3070 and a Audiosource 2 channel 150 watt per. And the speakers are Klipsch RP-160M

[@nuclearcrypto7743]

What level should the bass level be at? I have a denon 4300 and when I measure the level it says about 45db. Should I set that to 75db also?

[@therealshanelee]

Yes 75

[@Bonze661]

What about the height channels. Do you recommend setting those to 75 db also or should those be a little higher.

[@therealshanelee]

Ideally they should all be the same.

[@exovitae]

I set mine way higher because some Atmos/DTS X effects are so god damn shy, you can barely hear that something is coming from above, i dont care is not right, is the way i like it. They mix poorly audio tracks, the technology can do wonders but no movie take full advantage of object based audio.

[@digitalmediaproductions7976]

This is the exact demo from audioholics!

[@JunkerDC]

I wish they did this on the pro level you never go in to a theater that is set correct last week I was in a theater and all the center information was in the right Chanel and the sound was real low plus no base

[@derrickmcpherson44]

If I set my speakers to 75 dB what should I I set my crossover too I think my have 60, 70 and 80 I think

[@sanjeevmail]

You did not specify how much volume do I need to keep on the receiver?? Can you please specify the same Thanks

[@therealshanelee]

It’s all in the video. Keep it at 75db.

[@sanjeevmail]

@@therealshanelee Thanks

[@ericimi]

I like how that shirt fits I may order one of they are for sale.

[@therealshanelee]

😮

[@ericimi]

just did this the other day lol.

[@BobaDominasian]

Wait, I've got the Denon x2300w AVR, which allows me adjust the master volume. After running Audyssey, what I did was turn the MV to 75db and then adjusted the FL speaker with my meter. I left the MV at 75db for the rest of the speakers as well. Was that correct?

[@therealshanelee]

As long as your hitting 75db for all your good to go.

[@BobaDominasian]

@@therealshanelee Got it. Thanks!

[@PROUD_CANADIAN78]

What level decibel would the Subwoofer need to be at? I've seen a video from Audioholics saying the Subwoofer should be at the same trim level as all the other speakers. Is this the case for the Subwoofer as well?

[@therealshanelee]

Yes but most people run it hot.

[@alexanderangulo3157]

If you're ever in miami let me know, so you can help me with my setup, ill order pizza or whatever you want. Would love to do this with my system

[@aaron0089]

😅😅😆😆... I think majority of the people will have the same wish...

[@slottygw2wvw842]

S0 75 db at max volume ?!

[@Squishmallows24]

Been looking to get an spl meter. All you tubers suggest getting one at RadioShack lol. Best Buy has one for $130..hell no! Amazon sells $20-$50 but don’t do C weight. Only ones that do are like $80+, hell no! Lol :/

[@donlew8222]

dB meter app

[@andynonimuss6298]

• First off, you should mix and master at 83 dB or less and not at 85 dB. After only 8 hours, 85 dB can cause permanent damage to the hair cells in the inner ear, leading to hearing loss. • Second, never ever use any smartphone as an SPL metering device. Depending on the phone model, they can be off by as much as +/- 10 dB! • Third, to protect your ears and prevent hearing loss, get a quality Class 1 ( +/-1.0 dB accuracy) or Class 2 ( +/-1.5 dB accuracy) SPL meter. I personally use a Testo 815 Class 1 SPL meter. • Fourth, the SPL meter itself needs the ability to be adjustable for calibration. You can calibrate your SPL meter with something like a CEM SC-05 calibrator ( +/-0.5 dB accuracy) or a Reed Instruments R8090 calibrator ( +/-0.5 dB accuracy). • Fifth, using a Class 2 SPL meter with a ( +/-1.5 dB) margin of error plus the margin of error in the calibrator device ( +/-0.5 dB) is a total of ( +/-2 dB). A Class 2 meter showing 83 dB could actually be 85 dB and the same Class 2 meter showing 85 dB could actually be 87 dB! So that's the reason for using 83 dB as the maximum safe listening level. • Sixth, the overall lesson is to stop listening to this age-old advice of monitoring at 85 dB (and using a highly inferior cell phone as a metering device) to protect your ears from permanent hearing loss!

[@zecapereira1286]

perfect analysis accuracy is achieved with a laboratory certificate values can be corrected through the certificate these 83 would be due to the variation that the equipment can present

[@kidpoker9408]

problem is there's to many variables, your best bet is using your ears and what sound's best to you unless you really want to slay the dragon which you know you never will