XMC-2 Center channel problem - Issue & Workaround

[jmellin]

I have just discovered a very strange issue with center channel missmatch.

I have Profile2 to support a pure manual configuration for 5.1.4.
Firmware 2.4
Trying to level speakers, first with a "radio shack" copy, later using emotiva mic & REW.

When leveling using "internal" test tones, all channels are matching perfectly, including center channel.
When watching a movie there is like -6 to -8 dB reduction on the center channel. Very obvious.
Backup conf -> factory restet -> restore does not solve issue.
Upgrading to 2.5 and another backup-restore did not solve the issue.

So then I used an old DVD cinema setup video, and could confirm center channel is very low.
Using the DVD I set the levels using the "external test tone" option.
Movie sound is suddenly outstanding, surprisingly enveloping after using external test tones.
Like a DIRAC calibration but with no "wet blanket" on speakers afterwards.

I have no idea why this is, but I'll never trust "internal" test tones again.
With everything working in Movies, the "internal" test tone in Level-setup is now super loud compared with other channels. 

My setup have an XPA Gen3 for all channels except FL&FR that use another AMP..
I don't have a tool to measure atmos channels so I can only confirm the Center channel problem.
 

 

[ttocs]

What is your EXACT Speaker Size setup in the XMC-2 Menu, including all crossovers (if any), Large, Small, the Sub channels used and configured, etc. Anything outboard won't affect anything here, just the internal setup.

Which audio mode is assigned to the input you use when watching a movie? And is this assigned audio mode the active one when you used Levels?

Was there a cold boot anywhere in your process of diagnosis? Cold boots need a few minutes of off time, no power, either using the rear power switch or pulling the power cord.

I've run across a change in levels under some certain conditions after having changed subwoofer settings and Large/Small settings, but this was cleared up with a cold boot.
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Now on to a suggestion. You should perform a Factory Reset, turn off the power for at least 3 minutes, turn back on, then run Levels without changing any speaker settings. Just run Levels for the Fronts, Center, Surrounds, and Sub.

Check the levels with your disc. If Center channel level is not within a dB or so, then turn off the power again for a few minutes, turn on and check again.