Setting the Best Home Theater Crossover Frequency for your Speakers a Tutorial | SACT

[@TechnoDad]

Get Your Spatial Audio Calibration Toolkit Today and Stay Tuned! SpatialCD.com Join the SACT Owner's Discord Group for Tips, Tricks, & Advice: discord.gg/exSvPERuQK SACT Tutorials Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLLo6DbkjBoKbmccA7sKPGLci1SCM_unYW Disclosure: The Affiliate links above earn me a commission if you purchase using those links. This is at no additional cost to you. I am a co-owner of the Spatial Audio Calibration Toolkit.

[@christopherwashington2334]

Does this provide calibration for your subs as well?

[@t-rex1480]

I think it's important to note that just because a speaker can play lower frequencies at a similar spl to the higher frequencies, doesn't mean it should. If you went through and calibrated your subs, allowing any other speakers to play lower frequencies will throw the sub calibration out of wack. Also, a speaker may be able to play 50hz but it doesn't mean it will handle these lower frequencies well, especially as spl increases. Unless a person is using large L/R, a speaker should not be crossed over below 80hz is a good rule of thumb. In many cases they could benefit from being crossed over even higher. Lastly, even if a person has large front L/R speakers, it is still generally excepted they should be crossed at 80hz as to not interfere with the sub calibration as noted above. I understand this calibration disk (which I purchased) is intended for people to be able to calibrate their system without measuring equipment, but that's even more of a reason to stick with 80hz or higher for the crossovers. It takes a person with alot of knowhow to correctly integrate large fronts with their subs, so it's better to stick with the general rule in this case, imo of course. Not hating, just making an important observation

[@joentell]

I agree with most of what you said. I recommend for people to listen for distortion when it plays those lower octaves. Play it loud-"ish". This is something auto-calibration does not do. People may want to use this to ensure that auto-calibration didn't set crossover points too low. This has happened to me numerous times. It takes the room gain into account and sets a really low x-over. Most room correction attempts to flatten the bass response prior to choosing the crossover point which means you should theoretically get good summation at numerous x-over points from 40hz-120hz. Whether it will or not is a different story. Auto-cal doesn't do post calibration checks, but it should. There are times when the sub can have a null at a certain frequency, so lowering the crossover can sometimes allow the main speakers to handle that duty if they don't also have that null.

[@canweshoot]

Except for MultEQ-X identifying the cutoff frequency for each speaker, right?

[@TheReverendSlim]

The only thing I would add here is that you should re-run these tones after setting your crossover points to make sure you are getting good integration with the sub(s). Phase and timing can make it so you get better results at a different point, so you want to re-check with bass management in play to make sure you're getting a smooth transition of the tones after adjusting the crossovers.

[@randelldavis578]

Hey Reverend slim, I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on the disc version and it seems that you have used this. My question is, is it worth it. I have Klipsch RP 8000f, RP 404c center channel, RP 600m and RP 502 for surrounds and 4 RP 500sa for Atmos. SVS pb 3000 subwoofer, marantz sr 6015 AVR with the emotiva basX 3 for the front stage and a Sony 4k 700m blu ray player. But I read in the description that you'd need the 800m disc player. Just wanted to find out if I had the right equipment since it looks like you've used it. Thanks.

[@TechnoDad]

Yes! 100%! Turn the subwoofer back on and listen to how well the subwoofer integrates with each speaker.

[@TechnoDad]

Randell, with the disc, you also get access to our Discord group where myself and Joe try to answer questions as best we can. Slim is pretty active in the discord and also helps out when we cannot.

[@John-ok8ts]

​@@randelldavis578 you would think this is all easily downloaded of the internet or easy to do with a computer. It's not and to do it yourself you need to buy the atmos renderer. As good as.something like dirac is there's nothing that is as simple as just playing a sweep or tone to a channel.

[@TheReverendSlim]

@@randelldavis578 The Blu-ray will work in any blu-ray player. As for whether it's worth it, I can't answer that for you because it depends. If you're happy with the way your system sounds and are not much of a tweaker, then maybe it isn't for you. BUT if you think you may have a weakness in your system that needs to be addressed or want to eke out that last little bit of performance (or just make sure things are working as they're supposed to), I highly recommend it. I like to get very hands-on with my system and tweak things to wring out the most performance possible, and SACT has all of the tests I need to check level-matching, crossovers, cross-channel imaging, etc. And most of the tests can be done with your ears and a SPL meter (or even a SPL meter app on your phone, if you don't need precision), but it also has tests for those who use REW and a calibrated mic. For you, given the equipment you listed, I think it would be a pretty small investment to make sure you're getting the most out of your gear, which is where I think its primary value is. Even with a modest system, a tweaker can get fantastic sound if they have the tests to work with. SACT isn't going to hold your hand and guide you through it all... but there is online documentation outlining how to use each of the tests, and a robust community on the SACT Discord channel that can answer any questions you have.

[@irish7460]

1:21 lol gotta love how this whole line is more of a challenge than a disclimer lol. Masterfuly done Channa.

[@TechnoDad]

Thank you!

[@ramonrios6]

Thank you for the information I checked out a couple of your videos and now my home theater sounds great Keep up the good work

[@johnsagraves14]

Would love if you had instruction videos like this on all sections of the disc. Sometimes I need spoon fed with step-by-step instructions... well, probably more than sometimes, like always.

[@joentell]

More instructional videos on their way! Stay Tuned!

[@Rebel6274]

Went to the website to see about purchasing the disk .. And I see y'all are extremely proud of it .. .$$$

[@joentell]

Were you looking at the bundle or just the physical disc?

[@Rebel6274]

I thought it was the disk . $150.00

[@TechnoDad]

@@Rebel6274 The disc only version is $99 - technodad.biz/SpatialDiscOnly

[@Rebel6274]

No sir .. not for me .. too expensive. Us people on budgets never catch a break ..

[@tomconnell7154]

Ayyooo.....technolicious out here givin the world them Ricardo "Rico" Tubbs vibes !!

[@TechnoDad]

Woot woot!!!

[@ramonrios6]

Thank you for your information my home now sounds great

[@R3LAPS3productions]

Every time I watch calibration tutorial I'm always under the impression that the speaker distance is crucial for a great sound but rarely any of the tutorials ever mention the distance. Not all of our rooms are the same distances as the tutorials. Is speaker distance not important?

[@canweshoot]

Is this test not essentially seeking the "cutoff" frequency of the speaker...as MultEQ-X does and indicates it?

[@TechnoDad]

You’re doing the same thing by ear with this test.

[@canweshoot]

@@TechnoDad I suppose that will make an interesting comparison...or perhaps "calibration" of my ears.

[@cgm246]

Awaiting my disc now....eager to test it out!

[@TechnoDad]

Nice!

[@FredrikiLund]

Thanks Techno Dad - I got my Spatial disk today in Sweden 😀 Waiting for the new Onkyo RZ50 - coming to Sweden any day soon!!!

[@TechnoDad]

Sweden!! Woot woot!!

[@akshayphate3260]

Onkyo Rz 50 has a Dirac Live calibration licence do calibration of the Dirac Live from avr it's awesome 👍🏻

[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

Excellent explanation and tutorial for testing crossover frequencies

[@TechnoDad]

Thank you, Jonesy!

[@paranormalhappenings3988]

Do I need to run Audyssey before calibrating with this software?

[@audiodynamicsmaxsolutions]

That would be better. But REW verification is good way

[@garryhammond3117]

Thanks for sharing Dude! - My package just arrived today, - I'm very anxious to plug 'er in and do some testing. Love the personalized message on the package! - Cheers.

[@TechnoDad]

Right on, Garry!

[@RaleighUFO]

Maybe a stupid question but how does this CD work with the Denon software for X2700?

[@azwan1927]

How much is the best Crossover Cinema for me to set on the Pioneer 12-inch Active Subwoofer in my house? Is it 80Hz, 90Hz, 100Hz and 120Hz?

[@akshayphate3260]

120 HZ Crossover Is The Best For The Subs

[@kevinsheehan8202]

Channa I bought the spacial Audio Calibration Toolkit. I have a question. Can I receive Dolby ATMOS with just 2 Middle height soeakers or do I need front and Rear Height speaker setup. Thanks Kevin Sheehan

[@TechnoDad]

Hi! You will have all the height information coming out of those overheard speakers you have.

[@Thug2u]

I have 110hz speakers and my avr only has 100hz or 120hz selections is it ok to set avr to 100hz for my 110hz speakers or is it best to keep them at 120hz? Any help would be appreciated thank you....

[@audiodynamicsmaxsolutions]

120hz is the right option

[@briankrohn7482]

Do I need a computer to run your tool kit? Do I just use the 4k player and processor?

[@TechnoDad]

Hello! Blu Ray player or 4K Blu Ray player and your home theater - spatialcd.com/products/spatial-audio-calibration-toolkit-disc

[@abrarahmed8360]

Hey @technodad, I've purchased the digital version of spatial calibration, just wanted to check if it would be possible for you to share the iso file of the disc, I can write it on a Blu-ray disc?

[@delacosta78]

The best setting lies in the size of the speaker cone (not the speaker size) so in my case for example, all my speakers have the cone with a size of 2.7 inches so the recommended crossover is 150Hz, in the past I used to use 120Hz but I couldn't hear too much of detail in the sound until I changed the crossover frequency on the receiver to 150hz and I can't be more happy with the result, the sound is more crisp and detailed.

[@scottybjorlin3821]

Hey Mr. Techno Dad, I watched this video and redid my crossovers. What is the advantage of setting them lower if my LCR's can go lower? My LCRs go to 40-50 so I set the crossover at 60. My question is, what does this buy me? Thanks in advance and I'm enjoying using the SACT!!

[@audiodynamicsmaxsolutions]

You are basically trying to produce bass from your LCR. 60hz and above. But doing this taxes up power. (If using avr this crossover isn't right needed higher). Every room has different crossover points.as It needs to be for better integrating of LCR to sub. REW. Will help us determine the right crossover for your room for you speakers at your seated position. Which also offload the avr strain and let the subwoofer (highly capable to produce bass louder than speakers ) Is right way.

[@PR1NCEM1]

Hello my friend.. been watching you for some years now, Am a little confused.. what setting should I be playing my subwoofer? I have the 15inch from klispch 400RMS 800 peak, i tried the LFE switch on the subwoofer an it also has from 40hz up to 120hz, for some strange reason it’s Sounds better on 40HZ instead of it being on LFE.. also in my setting am rocking the Denon 11 channel amplifier but I have the bad set to 120HZ for the mains plus LFE.. is that correct?? The Denon I have is the X6400H

[@TechnoDad]

Yes, you have everything setup on the Denon correctly. It’s a funny thing about the LFE channel. It’s not really bass per se, more like low rumbles and things of that nature. Usually, in music, good bass will be around the 40Hz - 60Hz range.

[@PR1NCEM1]

@@TechnoDad so shall I keep the sun on the LFE or on 40HZ?? When I set to LFE I have to set the gain really High or play at high level to get decent bass…

[@ants9574]

I'm a little confused. Are we just listening for when the tone becomes barely audible and thats what our crossover should be set at ?

[@audiodynamicsmaxsolutions]

Yes but this method isn't reliable REW is always the right way to get better idea of how to integrate. I can help.

[@ronalddecelis1944]

Hi on what blu ray player can I play the disk?I have Phillips blu ray player which is a couple of years old.

[@TechnoDad]

Hello! Yes, you can play the disc with any standard 1080p Blu Ray Player - spatialcd.com/products/spatial-audio-calibration-toolkit-disc

[@hikerrepalda9526]

Hi! How to order the CD? I live in Philippines.

[@TechnoDad]

SpatialCD.com - we also have a digital version to save on shipping if you can play the digital files.

[@graemacinnis1202]

Hey Channa, I just ordered the bundle, and really looking forward to giving this a run. You guys have really hit a home run with this. Since I'm my friends and co workers resident Home theater guy and "consultant", I expect to get a lot of use from both formats. My question, I have an 7.1.4 setup using an Anthem MRX 1120. You know how good their room correction is. What's more beneficial, running the RC first, then the calibration, or the other way around? Thanks again for all the work you do for the community.

[@TechnoDad]

Hi! Thank you for buying our disc! You could do a few things. One would be to use the disc to verify that the ARC has set up everything properly. Level matching, crossover points, timing, and of course, the torture test section. I’m pretty sure ARC Genesis allows multiple presets. You could start fresh and try a fully manual calibration and set it to a different preset. Then A/B the presets with your favorite content.

[@Mr.HotRod]

Hi Channa: I have the new Naka Dragon coming in a couple weeks. Do you think any of the features / settings would help me if I order your Disc. I know your a little familiar with the Dragon so what would be your basic opinion. Thanks Hot Rod

[@TechnoDad]

Caleb from Digital Trends just did a review of the Naka Dragon and used our disc to dial it in - kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2KUqohpq5amp5I

[@moveezy5591]

I'm thinking about purchasing the is this something I do with diraclive or instead

[@TechnoDad]

Instead of Dirac. It's for manual calibration.

[@sjsphotog]

Channa - why would getting the disk be better if you can't update it after purchase it becomes obsolete and missing the new stuff (i assume u add bug fixes or new things) and only the actual files will be kept up to date?

[@TechnoDad]

So the disc is actually version 3. We launched the digital in December and made two more updates with additions and fixes. Then, I sent the disc off to be authored end of January, after the update on the 19th. So the disc is SACT 3.0 if that makes sense. No more updates needed.

[@sjsphotog]

@TechnoDad - so if you use this method then you have to not have Audysey enabled? Do your keep Audysey on saved preset 1 and this SACT on preset 2? I have a Denon 4700h. Are the new Blurays containing the latest updates or do you still have old stock with old files and getting the downloads is better for up to date? Thnx

[@TechnoDad]

Hi! You can use this part of the disc with Audyssey to fine tune your crossover points per speaker.

[@midbass.maestro]

I just payed for toolkit. Can I download fine or do I have to wait

[@TechnoDad]

Shoot me an email so I can check on this - technodad55 at gmail dot com

[@mikedinno8413]

By setting the cross at 60hz aren't you tossing the entire LFE, from 60 to 120, out the window? Thats leaving bass on the table. Thoughts?

[@TechnoDad]

120Hz and below go to the subwoofer and the speaker stops around 60Hz

[@praveenkumaralex3026]

Hi can I use Parasound 2350 amp use for Denon AV receiver as a 2 channel front L/R speakers. Please suggest.

[@TechnoDad]

Yes, you should be able to!

[@ArkenShromAbuser]

I did an auto calibration my fronts audio pro avantek six when down too 40HZ. My center too 100HZ. My surround 120hz. LFE 120hz . Is this a good setup ? or should i bump up my mains too 80 hz ?

[@TechnoDad]

Depends on the speakers performance

[@midbass.maestro]

Can I download sact right after I pay for it?

[@TechnoDad]

Hi! If you get the bundle, you will get access to the download right away and the disc will be shipped to you.

[@stevelepley3149]

How does this relate to AVR ? Does this merge with AVR. How does this change settings in AVR? I have a Pioneer Lx 703.

[@audiodynamicsmaxsolutions]

Just need to use crossover menu to adjust and perform the steps. But REW is superior to setup the system much better as there's a point of validation to be made.

[@mkhaudio]

How accurate is this? Every time you said 50hz and then you choose either 60hz or 80hz? If it's try and error, i can just listen and change by listening to different crossover point !

[@TechnoDad]

The test is very accurate, however, the Denon doesn't offer a 50Hz option, it has 120, 100, 90, 80, 60, or 40Hz. So you have to play within the confines of your AVR. Some do have more options for crossover points, but the Denon X3800H does not have a 50Hz option, or a 70Hz option, which I could have used with these specific speakers.

[@mattgiunt]

Did fine with this section using disc however with this video the only tone I heard was when you played LFE. Was hoping to hear tones down to where you considered to place crossover but it was all silence.( could just be my ears but I heard tones when I used the disc)

[@TechnoDad]

The mic can’t pic those tones up, that’s why I sped it up.

[@mattgiunt]

@@TechnoDad thought I was heading for major hearing issues--Thanks

[@xanderx9988]

I’ve never manually done a crossover test before, so if I understand this correctly, I’m supposed to select the lowest number that I can hear?

[@TechnoDad]

Yes

[@uceddiemo]

Thanks for another Video, Keep them coming

[@Rob_James]

Love these videos. Def helps me use the disk correctly. Lfe made the shelf in my oven rattle 😂

[@TechnoDad]

Lol! Nice, Rob! Don’t forget to join the Discord, share pics of your setup and ask questions.

[@Rob_James]

@@TechnoDad would I need social media like Facebook for the discord? I currently don’t have any social media

[@TechnoDad]

@@Rob_James No, Discord is it's own thing.

[@Rob_James]

@@TechnoDad oh nice. Will def look into it. Thanks for letting me know about it 👍👍👍

[@Kev-O33]

lol it sounded like glass rattling at 35hz! wow

[@rodgerkempisty4721]

Just ordered mine can't wait

[@TechnoDad]

Awesome! Thank you so much!

[@craigosterberg5045]

Thanks for sharing

[@TechnoDad]

You’re welcome!

[@Coffeedad]

Safari says the discord address is invalid

[@ReesesCupsAreGood]

Sorry off topic. Do you have any videos on how to soundproof a movie room so your neighbors aren't disturbed by your sound system?

[@TechnoDad]

Hi Derek! Unfortunately, no, I do not have a video about that.

[@RahzAlGhul]

If you had to pick between the x4700 and x3800 which one would you get? Only going to do 4 height channels. Also what you think about Dirac

[@TechnoDad]

I would go with the newer X3800H - amzn.to/3GW1pTM

[@demigodmac]

Just from earballing regular content, what are some telltale signs of speaker crossover settings being too high or too low and needing a calibration done?

[@TechnoDad]

That's hard to say as most standard or regular content has too much fast action for you to notice. Let alone, how are you to tell by ear what frequencies are being played. You could try some sort of spectrum analyzer but it's still hard to hear when using standard content.

[@midbass.maestro]

Do you think my gf will enjoy listening to the sact for 6 hours when it shows up❤

[@TechnoDad]

LOL! Maybe after you do the calibration she will!

[@sjsphotog]

Send her on a shopping date trip out of the house with her g/fs while you do it. ;)

[@michaelcarver540]

I noticed when I did it the sound had more detail

[@TechnoDad]

Nice!

[@byronquinley1400]

Interesting. Didn't think crossover should be set to less than 80hz even if the speaker could handle it.

[@TechnoDad]

It definitely depends on the speaker, but if you have large towers, you could get away with 60 Hz or something like that.

[@BEEFTEEF4]

My dude looks faded af. But I have mad respect RIP. I just covered this song on 5 string bass guitar tonight in memoriam.

[@TechnoDad]

I’m not sure what to make of this…

[@BEEFTEEF4]

@@TechnoDad wrong video! Hahaha. WOW I wondered what happened to this comment.

[@TechnoDad]

Hah! Okay, makes a lot of sense now…

[@seantong6105]

Audyssey already does a good job of setting the crossovers ...

[@joentell]

Most of the time, yes. I've had it set them too low before. Dirac has also. Too low and the speakers distort when played near reference volume.

[@TechnoDad]

I’ve reviewed about 10 AVRs from Denon and Marantz. The crossovers are all over the place. Set too high and set too low. It’s a crap shoot. I always go in and adjust. Now you don’t have to rely on a system that gets it wrong 80% of the time.

[@seantong6105]

@@TechnoDad it usually sets my mains too low at 40hz but I just adjust to 80hz which is always a good starting point to work from, it can also be subjective to where you set it, some people can localise 80hz and above more than others

[@seantong6105]

@@joentell That's why you also use REW ...

[@seantong6105]

@@TechnoDad Or you could use Audyssey and REW ...

[@michaelwyckoff7593]

Yo Channa D.

[@TechnoDad]

Yo Yo Yo!!

[@richardmyers7181]

Channa how mytch is the disks in euros

[@sjsphotog]

Google USD to Euro converter :)

[@danemoreno88]

I don’t think this will work that great as everyone has different levels of hearing and people have hearing loss as well that’s why the microphone and audessey or Dirac is what is the standard

[@TechnoDad]

You can definitely use a dB meter to see what the level of each frequency for each speaker is, and then judge for yourself which is the best crossover if you feel your hearing is not the greatest. I have had mixed results with Audyssey choosing crossovers and Dirac is not the best either. You will gain performance moving to manual calibration, but you will need to take the time to learn how to do it and have the right tools to do it, like our disc.

[@TheReverendSlim]

To be fair, hearing loss like you're referring to tends to be more in the high frequencies and midrange, well above the frequencies we're talking about when setting system crossovers. You're correct that a SPL meter or calibrated mic is the more accurate method, but that doesn't mean that you can't get good results just using your ears if you don't have those other tools available. That's why there are tones on the disc that can be used with any of these methods.

[@joentell]

It's very easy for us to hear a 10dB drop in sound. That's what we perceive as something being half as loud. This is a simplified method for checking crossover points. It's also a good way to check if Audyssey or Dirac did a good job picking the crossover point. I've had issues with them setting the point too low since they don't check for distortion at higher levels. This is something I recommend everyone do. Just turn off your sub and play low frequency content at near reference volume and make sure your speakers aren't hitting any physical limits.

[@mcarr416ix]

​@@TechnoDad there's zero chance this disc is giving you a more accurate result that Audyssey and Dirac, come on. The disc is just playing a tone and allowing you to choose what you feel sounds best. Nothing wrong with that, I don't use conventional settings myself a lot of the time....but in terms of accuracy...nah.

[@santiagoezquerrocordon1470]

Well, doing that test by ear, doesn't. Make any sense. Maybe you can hear 60hz in your speakers, but it's 10db lower level than the rest. So it wouldn't make sense to set the crossover al 60Hz and you should go to 80Hz. This test MUST be done with microphone 🎤.

[@TechnoDad]

There's nothing stopping anyone from using a mic.

[@santiagoezquerrocordon1470]

@@TechnoDad yeah, I know. Thanks for answering.

[@jeffbongos3796]

Oh I’m guessing this is not technoblade s dads channel lol just a hunch

[@TechnoDad]

Hi Jeff! You are correct. I am not technoblade's dad.

[@avtechman77]

I think I heard your shower doors rattle

[@TechnoDad]

Yeah, that was NUTS!