Output level settings

[Rob]

Hello,

Im curious as to what other MC-1 owners set their output levels at?
Mine are:
left front -1.5
center -1
Right front +.5
Right side -6
Left side -5
Right rear +3.5
Left rear +4

Using a SPL meter I calibrated everything at 71DBs, except the rears at 77DBs. I feel comfortable with the rears at 77Dbs, but does this seem to high?

My other equipment are B&W 804N, 805N, HTM1 center an 601S2 for my sides.
Thanks in advance,

Rob

[DanB]

Hi Rob...

Your settings are a little different than what I'm used to seeing. I run Paradigm Reference speakers, in a 18 by 25 foot room, and my settings are all in the +1.5 to 2.5 range. Of course, your settings will depend on your distances from your speakers, how your room is configured, amplifier output etc.
I have found, personally, that my MC-1 sounds better and more natural with everything calibrated to 75 dbs. I also saw a illustraton from Dolby Labs showing how to properly calibrate a 5.1 system. I had originally set up my system with the trusty RAT SHACK meter, sitting in my seat, meter held as directed. I found out the PROPER way is to stand BEHIND your seating position with the meter held at ear level OVER your seated position. This added anywhere from a .5 to a 1 db increase in the sound measurements.
FWIW.
Dan




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[Rob]

Thanks Dan,
I tried calibrating all speakers to 75dbs, but could not distinguish the rears from the other speakers. I guess Ill have to experiment a little.
Thanks for the advice on how to calibrate.

Rob

[Lexman]

You know, I am due a calibration, so I can't contribute except to say, all +0's, lol.

I will recalibrate this week, I hope.

Lex