UMC-1 Dolby Volume problem?

[dmillerc5]

Hey guys, I have not seen a lot of reviews specifically on Dolby volume and think I may have an issue with my UMC-1.

First, thanks to everyone on this forum for sharing helpful reviews, information, etc.
Second, I definitely like my UMC-1 at this point but have only been listening to 2.1 CD/Music audio. I've had the unit for one week and in the process of building a home theater (i.e. I've got an XPA-5 on order, etc.).

My UMC-1 test system is very simple at this point:

Denon DCD-2560 analog input into the UMC-1
UMC-1 input into an XPA-2
XPA-2 feeding a pair of Klipsch LaScalas and a single Polk DSW600.
Note: EQ settings on the UMC-1 are FLAT. However, I cut both Mains by -10db and CD/analog input by -10db due to the speaker sensitivity. Otherwise, increasing the volume (Dolby volume OFF) from 0.0 to 0.5 is like taking a system off mute. I would really like to have more control over the volume from 0.0 to 0.5. I realize this is a rare situation and more pronounced by using horn loaded speakers.

So here are my comments on Dolby volume - and I would really like to ask for feedback on whether my experience is NORMAL or TYPICAL by other users or does anyone think I have defective unit. Dolby volume is new to me and I've read what I can on Dolby.com.

I realize Dolby volume uses intelligent logic to adjust select frequencies for maintaining consistent volume across multiple sources but to also to provide "better" sound at lower listening levels (compensating for how we "hear" or perceive to hear at lower volumes).

Based on several tests, it sounds (on my system) like a cheap "loudness" boost. :-(
When I engage dolby volume (low, mid or high) with the volume originally set low (..let's say 10.0 on the UMC-1), the gain is instantly reduced, and the sound is (for lack of a better description) mucked up with boomy bass - and just plain doesn't sound listenable. The sound doesn't really get any better as the volume is increased.
Note: I have been extremely pleased with CD Audio/analog into the UMC-1. Running in both Stereo and Direct modes, the sound is very accurate, IMO.

I am only trying out Dolby volume because 1) this is new to me and 2) I thought perhaps late night listening (2.1), would have sounded better than non-Dolby volume. I'm okay with a little bass/treble compensation but what I am hearing doesn't sound right to me.
Note: I actually did carry my UMC-1 downstairs last night and connected to our Moto QIP6416-2 Verizon FIOS box feeding a Samsung 61-DLP (audio+video HDMI) just to try out some video. Well, engaging Dolby volume again decreased the volume and again, muddied up the sound.

Another bug (may have already been mentioned and hopefully will be corrected with the 1st firmware update) is with Dolby volume engaged and then the UMC-1 is turned off and back on (even though the menu still shows Dolby volume to be engaged) Dolby volume is NOT engaged.

I've also got "noise" with the UMC-1. I'll post another thread on that one. This unit (my unit) is not dead quiet.

Thanks.

[stustan]

I am awaiting the firmware update before I pass judgement. I do not know what might change after the update, however, your description matches my experience. Dolby volume is unlistenable at any volume or program...on my particular system. It sound like all the dynamic volume range and dynamics within sound frequencies behave as if they have been greatly compressed and then made louder. The low end is overwhelming.

I am a happy camper without Dolby volume at this time.

[bobbart]

I found the same especially with the low end it really cranks up the sub.

[orange5814]

You guys aren't alone in this one. As of right now, Dolby Volume appears to only muddle up the low end.

[red5ive]

Agreed on the muddling up, mine is also the same. However, what I've been doing is micro-managing it. In the Parameter menu there's options to lower the bass output to the individual channels. I drop the bass on the L, C, R, and surrounds by 5db and use the sub +/- on the remote to drop the sub about 8 db. It's a bit tedious, but the good thing is when you activate the Parameter menu it always starts in the same spot. So it should be easy to setup 2 separate macros on your uni remote to adjust the bass output to the channels, one to lower them and activate DV, and another to set the bass back back and turn off DV. I only use DV "Low", so I'd only need the 2 macros. Of course, it'd be nice to have the boominess fixed with the update, unless of course it's intended functionality, in which case a way to save the parameter settings when DV is activated would be nice.

[dmillerc5]

Thanks for the comments. I feel better now knowing it's not just MY unit (or my ears !!).

[stustan]

What I don't understand is that a number of posters had very positive comments regarding Dolby Volume. Do the units in the field have different firmware versions? Is the OS based on firmware subject to corruption depending on modes of operation? Who really knows.

Based upon the level of equipment owned by most posters, as evidenced in the signatures, I surmise that they are not deaf and are fairly sophisticated in their abilities to set up their systems and identify audio deficiencies as well as audio superlatives.

Anyway, I am eagerly awaiting the update...I am still happy with my UMC-1 and I am hoping it will improve with age (updates) and not be a preamp whose enjoyment is based upon work arounds.

[DYohn]

The Dolby Volume on my unit works perfectly. Yes, it emphasizes the low end at lower volume levels - which is what it's supposed to do. Here's a description of the theory behind the algorithm.

I am still interested in the differences intended by the three levels available: low, med and high, if anyone can comment on this.

[jgeiger]

Jan 25, 2010 11:35:21 GMT -5 DYohn said:

I am still interested in the differences intended by the three levels available: low, med and high, if anyone can comment on this.

I am as well.

[red5ive]

Jan 25, 2010 11:29:29 GMT -5 stustan said:

What I don't understand is that a number of posters had very positive comments regarding Dolby Volume. Do the units in the field have different firmware versions? Is the OS based on firmware subject to corruption depending on modes of operation? Who really knows.

Based upon the level of equipment owned by most posters, as evidenced in the signatures, I surmise that they are not deaf and are fairly sophisticated in their abilities to set up their systems and identify audio deficiencies as well as audio superlatives.

Anyway, I am eagerly awaiting the update...I am still happy with my UMC-1 and I am hoping it will improve with age (updates) and not be a preamp whose enjoyment is based upon work arounds.

I'd be curious to know if those that are happy with Dolby Volume have run EmoQ? I haven't due to the comments I've read about excessive volume, nor can I get the Manual EQ settings to work with the inputs. Thus, my theory is I'm getting no EQ or room correction which as a result is running Dolby Volume a little hot on the low end. Otherwise, as I mentioned, going into the Parameter menu and reducing the "Front Bass", "Center Bass", and "Surround Bass" (dropping mine 5 db ea.) has really gotten rid of the muffled sound.

[johnnyg]

I suspect that a lot of people run their subs hot to counteract the perceived reduction in bass when listening at lower volumes. Turning on Dolby Volume will boost the sub again, causing an over-correction resulting in too much bass.

Here's where I think EmoQ will help a great deal by leveling the speakers and sub at reference level, then Dolby Volume can do it's thing properly for your listening level. Given the bug reports though, I'm waiting for the firmware update before running EmoQ.

[stustan]

I have not run EmoQ but did set up levels using the Emo tones and a SPL meter. I am considering using a Bluray calibration disk for the tones and see what happens. Without Dolby volume engaged, when I playback Blurays of films that I have listened to at the actual re-recording mix the playback in my system is very close, hence my questions concerning Dolby Volume.

[orange5814]

I have a background in Pro sound... I setup my system at first with Emo Q. I was not satisfied with the results (because of the FW update needed), I went back in and set everythig with an SPL meter on a tripod in my main listening postion, using the internal (UMC-1) test tones, and test tones on the Avia Blu-Ray. My sub also has digital room correction, which I re-ran prior to hooking up the UMC-1. All channels, sub included, are running at 85 db reference. I also am using NO EQ, automatic or manual, other than the subs built in EQ. Additionally, I feel that the UMC-1 is not currently handling the sub management properly as evidenced by me running 16Hz-250Hz freq sweeps. Therefore, I have set the crossover on the sub to 80Hz with a 24 db slope (on the digital sub control itself). This has helped to tame the "boomy" low end that I was experiencing. However, I feel that when I engage Dolby Volume, the low end becomes entirely too loud. The other channels seem to benefit from Dolby Volume, but until the FW update is released, I feel the system sounds better without using Dolby Volume at any listening volume. Just my 2 cents.

Scott

[flamingeye]

Jan 25, 2010 11:35:21 GMT -5 DYohn said:

The Dolby Volume on my unit works perfectly. Yes, it emphasizes the low end at lower volume levels - which is what it's supposed to do. Here's a description of the theory behind the algorithm.

I am still interested in the differences intended by the three levels available: low, med and high, if anyone can comment on this.

I can`t seam to find the article that explained D volumes low,med high ,but in essence it`s how much D volume is applied like how much you want the volume level matched , low is very little like going from TVshow to commercial there is a sleight volume matching so the commercial still sounds louder then the TV show but not like it was and high completely volume matches the TV show and commercial so they sound the same loudness , sorry I do not know how to explain it better wish I could find that damn article it explained it in more technical terms if I find it again I will post it here

[alhull]

what menu options do you have to go through to get to DV setup?

[nashty1]

Alhull,
I had this same question. It took a while to find as DV is buried as the last item in the parmeters menu.