use of pink noise generator to check relative channel levels

[terry j]

This is probably a silly question, but if I play the pink noise through the system the 'image' should be dead centre, is that correct?

The reason I'm a little confused is that from memory the signal is only on one channel out (which is why we need a stereo jack to ensure correct contact), would that translate in any way to having an 'inbuilt' level difference between the channels?

If it comes out equally (poor words I suppose) then yes I'm sure it should be dead centre.

If so, then I have a problem boo hoo!

[Otto]

Hi terry,

Yeah, since it's a mono signal that you can split to both R/L of your system, it'll be the same thing through both, and if you're sitting in the sweet spot should sound like it's coming from dead center.

As long as you properly split the signal coming from the PC, there shouldn't be any level difference between the two -- electrically at least. One speaker could be slightly different than the other, and your room could contribute in weird ways, but those are other things. The signal should be identical on L and R. Since it's coming out on only one channel of the stereo cable coming from the PC, you'll need to split that to two mono jacks, which will then be connected to your receiver.

I think that'll work!

[terry j]

thanks Otto, i suspected as much.

Just thought of a variation to try, which should 'narrow' any non-centre sound to either a signal imbalance or a speaker/speaker room imbalance, reverse the left and right mono cable thingy from the pc.

If the sound imbalance moves with the swap, then for some reason the signal is not balanced, if it stays off centre in the same place then it is more likely the room or speakers doing the dirty.

[Otto]

Yeah, you could swap L/R, but there should be zero difference unless the Y-splitter cable is bad.