DSP Settings vs. Audyssey

[emaja]

I just received my X-Ref 12 and am trying to integrate it into my system, but am having trouble wrapping my brain around using the DSP and the Audyssey MultEQ XT32 that is in my Onkyo receiver.

In the first step of running Audyssey, it asks you to set the sub level to 75dB using the controls on the sub. In order to do that, I have to set the sub to -12dB. Running the Audyssey puts the sub level at -2dB. I have the crossover in my receiver set at 60Hz. All other settings in the sub are the defaults.

It seems to me that I have practically turned the sub OFF. There is a difference, but not a huge difference in sound.

My listening mix is 90% music and the rest games and movies - mostly on weekends with the kids. I am ONLY concerned with music. I listen to a lot of jazz, R&B, and progressive rock. Not bass heavy stuff, but still enough that I feel the driver should be moving more. If I set my hand by the driver, there is not much movement at all. I am not looking for slam, but tightness accuracy.

Is this normal? It seems that I should be pushing more air. If I want more bass, should I change the settings on the sub or on the receiver? This is my first sub and I am not hearing a dramatic difference that I thought I would. Is this a case of heightened and misguided expectations or just what you get - a small, noticeable but not dramatic difference?

Eric

[geebo]

If you've got the XRef at -12, just turn it up until it sounds good to you. Try -9 and if its still not enough then go to -6. Sometimes a flat response can sound dull and lifeless so its not uncommon to have to boost the sub's output to get a result that you are happy with.

[emaja]

Is it common to have the sub set so low, or is this not low at all and just a case of "too much information that can be easily misinterpreted my boobs like me?"

Eric

[geebo]

It depends a lot on placement of the sub and room interaction as well as microphone placement. It does seem a bit on the low side to me. I don't use Audyssey but my Xref is at -6 with the flat preset and a slight (2dB) boost at the lowest setting of the XRef's PEQ.

[roadrunner]

If your listening habits are slanted so strongly toward music I wonder why you are using Audyssey. I have never liked what it does to the sound quality. If I were you, I would disable Audyssey for all your music listening. I suspect you will be much happier with your system if you do.

I use the Emotiva USP-1 for all of my 2-channel listening and I use the USP-1's excellent bass management to smoothly integrate the sub woofer into the system. I also use the HT ByPass function on the USP-1 to switch between music and movie viewing -- the best of both worlds. Whenever I have attempted to us Audyssey, I have been disappointed with the results... lack of bass, lifeless sounding, uninspiring tone and texture. As far as I am concerned, Audyssey should only be used for multi-channel music/movie soundtracks. Try it and see if you don't agree.

[emaja]

RR, good call. I misspoke when I said I use the Audyssey. I actually mean that I change the settings in the receiver manually without running Audyssey. I have disabled Audyssey for 2 channel listening for the same reason you did. No midrange at all and very "hot." I only use the manual settings in the receiver.

Eric

[emaja]

I guess I am going to chalk this one up to "to much information" and just let the sound be my guide. It is adding something to the low end, but I will tweak the sub placement and settings to get it to sound better.

Eric

[Deleted]

Feb 12, 2012 12:58:20 GMT -5 geebo said:

If you've got the XRef at -12, just turn it up until it sounds good to you. Try -9 and if its still not enough then go to -6. Sometimes a flat response can sound dull and lifeless so its not uncommon to have to boost the sub's output to get a result that you are happy with.

+1 great advice