Pardon the slow response, several projects going on, in catchup mode, etc., and some of this has probably been answered...
I used the 101 diagram mic positions with minor adjustments to positions 1-4 due to my particular set up and I'm very happy with the sound. Coherent, lively and effective. I'm sure a real pro or someone with much more Audyssey experience could squeeze a little more performance out of my system but I'm happy.
Watched portions of two different concert blu rays and they both sounded fantastic. Individual instruments were easy to discern and the music sounded full and fun.
I then watched the opening battle scene from Master and Commander on blu ray at reference level (0 db) and HOLEEEEEEE!! It sounded (how it was meant to sound) like splintered wood and debris was flying around my living room and the booms from the canons were tight, punchy and most importantly completely gratifying in the most entertaining HD sense.
I hope everyone else that comes here looking for help with Audyssey and mic positions achieves similarly great results by whatever method (Audyssey's or the ones outlined here).
Wonderful! Great movie sound really is delightful. Thanks for the feedback.
Hi guys, first post here. I can't wait to get home to try the close mic pattern from this guide as I have been using the Auddessey one with my Denon X4000. One question: if I have 4 seat HT recliners and usually watching a movie with my seat reclined for comfort zone, does that mean my PLP for the first mic postion is where my head is when the seat is reclined (I assume but thought I would ask here). if so, does that mean it will not sound as good when I watch a movie with my seat upright which is about at least a two feet swing from reclined? What do you suggest as far as the first mic positioning with recliners?
Again a big THANKS to Audiocrave for taking lots of time experimenting and writing up such a wonderful guide. :hissyfit:
Using the recliner-up mic positions while running Audyssey MultEQ setup will give a result that should work well for the recliner either up or down while listening. The result should be more friendly to surrounding LP's also. That is how I would do it.
Another tip, take a soft, fleecy blanket, fold in fourths, lay it over the back of the chair while Audyssey setup is being run and leave it while you use the chair. It will cut down reflections and improve imaging & soundstage even more.
Make it my second post here. In addition to what mentioned, don't you need to place all of your subs at the same exact location one by one with spl meter at the exact distance to each sub to ensure a proper gain match due to room acoustic? after obtaining this 90dbs for each sub at this same location (in the middle of the room may be), then move them back to their final positions.
One question on gain match: What if the final level set by XT32 is sub 1=-1db and sub 2=-9db (due to it being nearfield as compare to sub 1 sitting way upfront)? Does this mean even though both subs are gain matched originally, sub 1 will have to work a lot harder as it is set 8db louder than sub2 to deliver the same spl to PLP which is kind of defeating the gain match? What if I want to run both sub 6dbs hotter? Raise sub 1 to 5db and sub 2 to -3db? If so, I am actually now pushing sub1 even more. I am trying to understand the logic here. Thanks.
Setting up subs is not my strongest area. Your logic looks sound through this process, setting sub volume control first, then AVR/Audyssey MultEQ gain to compensate for distance. Yes, the subs that are farther away have to work harder. Running sub level hotter can push the hottest one pretty hard.
EDIT Just caught myself not being thorough. Reading AustinJerry's post completely that you were referring to, it looks like your process is the same as his with a step added that is basically overkill. Theoretically your added step adds some refinement that could make that level matching a little more accurate. But the benefit is probably small enough to not be worth moving the subs around. I am going to defer to AustinJerry on this one, he is highly knowledgeable and experienced with subs and Audyssey both. I am sure his method is as thorough as it needs to be.
END OF EDIT
Per #7:...plus points for 2 other LPs. In my case, it will be 4 feet away from position 1 PLP center. Is that okay?
Yes if the variation at that point relative to the PLP is minimal. If the sound is very different, move it closer to the PLP.
Audiocrave, do you happen to have any graph comparing placing mic at the center point to front LR speakers versus placing it at my seat which is off center? I know you recommend center point to front LR which means my first mic will be on my right armrest between seats.
Anyone here with similar seat positioning (off center to front LR) plays with placing mic at the center point to front LR speakers versus placing it at your seat which is off center? what do you find?
I am sure I will try both to hear it for myself but want to hear your thought on this. Thanks.
No comparison graph, only listening experience. With the even number of seats, either setup mic pattern position is a compromise. If you strongly prioritize sound at the PLP, and two-channel listening, try the setup mic pattern at the listener's head location. It might or might not give satisfactory results at that offset position. My honest thoughts? Re-do that row of seating to an odd number of seats with the PLP in the center. Seriously. You asked.:huh:
For cinema only, pattern 101B as shown will give good results.