Audyssey MultEQ FAQ and Setup Guide - Frequently Asked Questions and General Information
2 - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and General Information about Audyssey MultEQ
Subsections:
What is Audyssey MultEQ and where do I find it?
Audyssey MultEQ (AMEQ) is Digital Room Correction (DRC) software that comes built into many audio-video receivers (AVRs) for Home Theater and Stereo audio systems. Its purpose is to make frequency response and time delay adjustments to optimize the performance of the sound system. The software is designed and supplied by Audyssey Laboratories, a California-based U.S. company.
How does Audyssey MultEQ work?
MultEQ plays a series of sounds through each speaker and measures the result at your listening position(s) using a special microphone supplied with your receiver. It then calculates and stores frequency-dependent correction factors to optimize the frequency response of your system. It also stores timing correction factors so signals traveling from speakers different distances away all reach the listening position at the same time. Plus it manages crossover frequencies for your subwoofer and for bi-amplified speaker systems.
While the exact algorithms are proprietary, in principle AMEQ goes through a process of averaging the measurements for each speaker and determining the frequency and time response adjustments that will optimize audio system performance based on that average. Those settings are stored in the AVR's memory and are always at the ready when the AVR is turned on for use.
Is Audyssey MultEQ easy to use?
Because it is built into the AVR, there is no need to make any connections to run Audyssey MultEQ other than plugging in the Setup Mic, a single connection into the front of the AVR. All controls are menu driven, selected by operating five buttons on the AVR remote.
How do I know if my system will benefit from using Audyssey MultEQ?
Most audio systems will benefit from AMEQ, some more than others. Exceptions are top-performance systems made up of high-end speakers in rooms with excellent acoustics needing little or no correction. At the other end of the scale are systems with poor speakers and/or poor acoustics. The best candidates for benefiting from Audyssey MultEQ are systems with good speakers in rooms with fairly good acoustics, needing a moderate amount of fine tuning.
Can Audyssey MultEQ correct the acoustical shortcomings of my room?
AMEQ can not change the acoustical properties of a room, nor can any DRC program. It can attempt to compensate for some types of acoustical shortcomings, sometimes very effectively. Highly reflective rooms or rooms with irregular layouts are often beyond being helped substantially by any DRC software, including Audyssey MultEQ. This is not to say that the software lacks in capability, but rather that the complexities of many room acoustical problems simply cannot be addressed in this way. Where serious acoustical problems exist, it is always best to address them with acoustical treatments before attempting to correct with AMEQ.
Can Audyssey MultEQ correct the shortcomings of my speakers?
Where moderate frequency and/or phase response irregularities in speakers are the main problems being addressed, Audyssey MultEQ can be very effective in providing correction.
Does Audyssey MultEQ (like other DRC systems) accomplish its correction primarily through attenuation with minimal frequency band amplification?
Yes. There are two reasons. Human hearing is less sensitive to dips in frequency response than to peaks. And dips in response are often due to acoustical wave cancellation, uncorrectable by any kind of equalization boost.
Don't some audio experts say that "Equalizing speakers above 250 Hz is a bad idea?"
Yes, there are those who make blanket statements like that. In my view, it is a matter of relativity. If you were to compare your Audyssey-MultEQ-corrected system to one where acoustics were treated and the room and speakers (probably more expensive than what you have now) were carefully matched, you would probably agree that the "other" setup sounds better. For "everyday people," AND for many fairly serious audiophiles who want an easy way to tune their system a bit without going overboard, Audyssey MultEQ can give very satisfying improvement. (Watch out for absolute blanket statements like the one above. Blanket statements tend to be smothering. And tend to ignore the fact that there are tradeoffs in every set of decisions.)
Just what is Audyssey MultEQ adjusting for?
There are many factors that contribute to the sound of a Home Theater or Stereo sound system. No speaker or room is perfect, and every combination of speakers, room, and layout will sound different. DRC software attempts to overcome these combined imperfections for the listener. The goal of DRC software like Audyssey MultEQ is to make the frequency response, and - with some DRC solutions, including AMEQ - the time/phase response at the Listening Position (LP) match what it would be if the speaker and room imperfectons did not exist. Of course, this can never be accomplished perfectly.
What types of speakers work best with Audyssey MultEQ?
It is recommended that the front and surround speakers have matched characteristics and that all have well-controlled frequency response down to 80 Hz, the recommended LFE crossover frequency for the Dolby Digital and DTS families of surround processors.
Can I choose a powered or unpowered subwoofer to use with MultEQ?
You may use either a powered (active, with its own built-in power amp) sub or an unpowered (passive, powered by the AVR's power amp) sub. Active subwoofers are by far the most common, as the amplifier characteristics can be matched to the transducer's. It is recommended that the subwoofer have well-controlled frequency response up to 80 Hz, the recommended LFE crossover frequency for the Dolby Digital and DTS families of surround processors.
I am thinking about purchasing a new AVR. What is the advantage of purchasing one with Audyssey MultEQ included?
DRC capability with low cost and high ease of use.
Which version of Audyssey MultEQ should I look for?
At least MultEQ XT, and get MultEQ XT32 if you can possibly afford to. As the table below shows, XT32 has 4x the number of filter points for subwoofer frequencies as XT, and 32x the number of filter points for frequencies above that. When you see an equalized AMEQ plot that is really flattened out, it is usually from a system with XT32. My measurements for this study were all done on an Onkyo TX-NR1009 with Audyssey MultEQ XT, and it was easy to see at times that some extra "flattening power" would have given better subwoofer results (more filter points will not change the effects of relative acoustical values, discussed in the How Audyssey MultEQ Works section below).
If Audyssey MultEQ is not built into my AVR, can it be added? Or can I run it on a computer or some other audio processing hardware external to my AVR?
No. AMEQ is only available built into AVRs as sold, it cannot be added later or run on any kind of external hardware.
Will Audyssey MultEQ make an AVR more expensive?
Yes, there are licensing fees that must be paid by the AVR manufacturer to Audyssey Labs. Audyssey MultEQ technology is an advanced feature and, like all features, will add to the cost of an AVR. AMEQ usually comes on more capable AVR models, so it is difficult to separate out its cost. An educated guess would be $30 to $50 added to the price of receivers costing $500 and up.
Does Audyssey MultEQ add distortion or negatively affect the sound performance or power consumption or heat dissipation or reliability of the AVR in any way?
In pure theoretical terms, yes, but probably not in any measurable way. The perfectionist Audiophile will sometimes insist on an absolute minimum of circuitry and no digital processing in the signal chain to keep the signal unchanged from the source signal. AMEQ can always be deactivated if needed and turned back on again at will, although the modern AVR usually has some digital signal processing at work. Distortion added by the DSP calculations involved is kept extremely low - well below the limits of audibility according to blind listening tests, although some discerning listeners will claim otherwise, and we will not get into those arguments here. The additional power consumption and heat dissipation from running with AMEQ active will be negligible compared to that from other circuits in a modern AVR. Today's AVRs are also extremely reliable. Adding AMEQ will make use of circuitry and processors that already exist and will not measurably affect AVR reliability.
Can Audyssey MultEQ be used with surround processors like Dolby Digital or DTS?
Yes, AMEQ is compatible with all surround processors.
What if I add more satellite speakers or an additional sub in the future?
Then you must re-run the Room EQ process. Each time it is run, it checks all the outputs on the receiver for available speakers and includes all that are connected.
What if I change the speaker position or rearrange furniture or add curtains or a throw rug?
It is recommended that MultEQ be re-run when any significant change is made to the layout of the room or furnishings, including carpeting, rugs, drapes, blinds, windows, tapestries, and wall hangings, especially if the acoustical "hardness" of a surface area changes (hanging a picture with a glass covering on a painted plaster wall is probably OK, but hanging a large, thick tapestry on that wall would warrant re-running AMEQ). Small knick knacks are OK. If it is the size of a lamp or bigger, re-run AMEQ.
Some of your recommendations are different from what I have seen on other web sites. Why is that, and why should I trust your recommendations over others?
There are a few differences, yes. The reasons for them are well explained and are backed up with data and listening tests. If someone can prove any of these findings incorrect, I will gladly make the appropriate changes.
It has been suggested that this Guide puts too much emphasis on Setup Mic Patterns. If you get good results using the guidelines given elsewhere, then you fall into that group that does not need to emphasize them further. But if you are having trouble getting good results with AMEQ, or would like to try to get better results than you have, then the Setup Mic Pattern is the one and only variable you have to work with to influence the result of AMEQ's tuning, other than treating or re-arranging your room, and focusing on it amounts to emphasizing precisely that which you must in order to get acceptable results.
What accessories or other equipment will I need before I can start running Audyssey MultEQ?
Here are some items that will come in handy. Click on the links to see representative items.
What is special about the Audyssey MultEQ Setup Mic?
Every AVR that comes with Audyssey MultEQ build in has a Setup Microphone supplied. This is the microphone to use for all Audyssey MultEQ Analysis and Setup Sequence runs with that AVR. That microphone has been selected for its frequency response characteristics, and there is a complementary correction curve programmed into the AVR for that microphone model.
Over the years, there have been several models of the AMEQ Setup Mic supplied with AVRs that contain AMEQ technology. The different Setup Mic models have different frequency response characteristics, so the Setup Mic supplied with one AVR might or might not work properly with another model AVR, even from the same manufacturer.
There are no model numbers or serial numbers or markings to differentiate these Setup Mic models, and different models sometimes look exactly the same in design and color. Some AMEQ-capable AVRs had the Setup Mics produced by the AVR manufacturer and some have been made by Audyssey Labs. Audyssey Labs has produced two different Setup Mic models, identical in appearance but with different frequency response characteristics. Since 2007, all AMEQ Setup Mics from Audyssey Labs have been the second of these two models, all with the same frequency response. Each microphone is tested by Audyssey Labs to match the reference curve within +/- 2 dB over the usable frequency range.
What this boils down to is: only use the Audyssey MultEQ Setup Mic that was supplied with your AVR. Don't borrow one from a buddy unless it came with an identical model AVR. If you have to replace your Setup Mic, only use one that comes either from the AVR manufacturer or from Audyssey Labs specifically for that model AVR.
There are other sources on the web that sell AMEQ Setup Mics. It is not recommended that you trust them. Counterfeit Setup Mics have been identified that look perfect but perform horribly. Bottom line, only use the Setup Mic that came with the AVR or a replacement from the manufacturer or from Audyssey specifically for your AVR model.
If you have two different AVRs with AMEQ Setup Mics, better mark them first thing so you do not mix them up. They might be different models.
The Audyssey MultEQ Setup Mic is also unique in that it has a 2-conductor 1/8 inch connector (tip, sleeve) rather than the typical 3-conductor 1/8 inch connector (tip, ring, sleeve) like most computer microphones.
Audyssey MultEQ Setup Mic Models:
Should I run the standard receiver setup process first?
There is no reason to do so, as Audyssey MultEQ replaces those values with its own. The AMEQ-calculated values should always be used, with a few exceptions that follow.
What is the purpose of the MultEQ Quick Start sequence?
This routine calculates speaker frequency ranges, the crossover frequencies for transitioning from each speaker to the LFE channel, the distances from each speaker to the Primary Listening Position (PLP), and the channel levels. Then those values are stored in your AVR's speaker setup settings for use by other AVR programs. If you are getting ready to run the complete MultEQ correction process, this will all be done anyway, so there is no reason to run MultEQ Quick Start first.
Is it possible that running MultEQ could damage my speakers?
No, even though the levels may seem loud, they are low enough in power that your speakers are completely safe, less than one watt.
How many listening positions will MultEQ allow to be analyzed?
This depends on the version. See the comparison chart below.
What is the advantage of analyzing multiple listening positions?
Especially in home theater settings, where a number of viewers may be watching together, the MultEQ averaging process finds a "happy medium" setting that allows all viewers to benefit from the equalization process to some extent (see the next topic).
Is there any disadvantage to averaging multiple viewer locations?
The process determines an equalization setting that is a compromise across the listening locations. As a compromise, no averaged location will sound as good as one location will with an "ideal" setting. The exception would be a well-treated room with minimum variation across the listening positions. I suggest that you first run MultEQ for a single ideal listening location to hear it "the best it can be," then determine the amount of averaging that is right for your room. A detailed process follows.
Can any of Audyssey MultEQ's frequency response tuning settings be adjusted or fine-tuned by hand?
Only with the Pro Installation Kit using an external computer.
What is the difference between the target curves that can be selected at the end of the Analysis and Setup Sequence?
The Music, or Flat, target curve has a very flat frequency response. The Movie, or Reference, target curve has attenuated high frequencies for the reverberant characteristics of typical rooms. The Music target curve usually works best in highly-treated rooms.
Can Audyssey MultEQ be used in a way that improves Image Clarity, or imaging, at the same time that it is improving frequency response, or are the two goals mutually exclusive?
It is possible to achieve both good Image Clarity and good frequency response using AMEQ. This will be discussed in later sections.
Is Image Clarity worth even considering in a Home Theater system?
As long as there are sounds that come from in between pairs of speakers, yes it is.
All this sounds way too complex for me. Can I just hire someone to do the room tuning for me?
Yes, there are many Audyssey MultEQ Authorized Installers around the U.S. and around the world. Visit the Audyssey Labs web site to locate one.
I tried Audyssey MultEQ when I first set up my AVR and it did not help. What did I do wrong?
There are many possible reasons a user might get results that do not seem to help or that might even sound worse than without, especially after a quickly done setup by a first-time user. Do not assume that AMEQ is a lost cause without reading through our Usage Guidelines and following our Room EQ Process in the following sections. Even Audyssey MultEQ's advanced design can be easily undone through simple user errors or oversights. Attention to surprisingly small details can make a huge difference in your results.
What are the most common reasons for an Audyssey MultEQ user to get unsatisfactory results?
In order of most to least likely:
MultEQ can easily be switched off or on using your remote.
Can I change the speaker setup values after the Audyssey MultEQ Analysis and Setup Sequence has been run?
A number of AVR values can be changed. Speaker Size and Speaker Crossover values affect the way that low frequencies are handled by your system. Level settings for each speaker can be adjusted. This is discussed in Section 7. Subwoofer distance setting can be changed if it is found to fix a frequency response smoothness problem at the LFE crossover frequency.
One value that is occasionally incorrect is the distance setting for the left- or right-front speaker or for the center channel speaker - they are set in 1/2 foot increments and I found that one front speaker setting might be off by 1/2 foot every 5th or 6th time through. The L, C, R settings might be 8 ft, 8 ft, and 7.5 ft, for example, or 8 ft, 7.5 ft, and 7.5 ft (C slightly closer than L & R is fairly common, but L and R should always match). When this happens, the Image Clarity is totally non-existent. These values should be checked every time AMEQ is run, and if one of the values is not correct, AMEQ should be run again.
Can I use Audyssey MultEQ with other types of equalization?
You always have the option to tailor the sound to your liking after completing the Room EQ Process. You may like more bass or less treble and you can use other AVR controls along with AMEQ or an external equalization processor. Be sure that other filters and equalization are turned off when running the Analysis and Setup Sequence, because it may not automatically deactivate them (depending on the AVR model). You can turn them back on later. There is an exception to this guideline for advanced users where an external notch filter is used to tame one or two particularly annoying frequency response peaks that AMEQ has trouble controlling on its own - that filtering is left active through the Room EQ Process. This is a useful technique with low-frequency peaks from room modes and requires precision measurement equipment to do properly.
Is it possible to store multiple versions of Audyssey MultEQ's settings for comparison or for different listening situations?
Only with the Audyssey MultEQ Professional Installation Kit, which will work with either MultEQ XT32 or MultEQ XT. Also, some advanced AVR models allow configuration to be done from a computer over one's local network. Those configuration options often allow for saving and re-loading AMEQ settings - this is a feature worth watching for if you think you might end up playing with AMEQ very much. Otherwise, only the last stored set of values is available. The complete Setup Sequence must be run any time a change is desired, and previous results are lost. Because of this, it is wise to carefully measure and write down your speaker locations and angles, your furniture locations, and the Setup Mic Pattern positions used each time you run an AMEQ Analysis and Setup Sequence, so you can repeat those results in the future.
Is it true that in order to get really great performance with Audyssey MultEQ the user needs to be able to make precision audio system measurements with a calibrated microphone and computer?
This is always an option, but AMEQ was designed to make it unneccessary. The majority of "fairly picky" users probably do this and will insist that it is necessary. But good performance is possible without it. Subwoofer frequencies can be a bit problematic. See the following topic...
Is it true that it can be difficult to get the subwoofer bass levels right with Audyssey MultEQ, and get the low-frequency response sounding even?
This is often the case. One challenge that Audyssey MultEQ has difficulty with is "notching out" sharp low-frequency peaks effectively. MultEQ XT32 has greater filter resolution for subwoofer frequencies, but can still have this problem. These sharp low-frequency peaks result from standing waves between parallel walls or between floor and ceiling. The type of filtering used simply does not handle sharp low-frequency peaks that well, so those peaks might only be partially corrected by AMEQ and the resulting sound can be boomy at one or two frequencies while the overall level for the bass seems low. What is called for here is a high-Q parametric band-attenuating filter carefully tuned to each of those frequency peaks. This requires additional filtering hardware or software in the signal chain before AMEQ is applied. Further explanation of this phenomenon can be found in this Denon receiver review, in the paragraph Is Audyssey all you need in your system for equalization?
Getting even bass response is a difficult task in setting up an audio system, even for a powerful program like AMEQ. The first challenge is placement of the subwoofer(s) in the room for good response at the PLP and hopefully as many other Listening Positions as possible. Even after achieving that through trial and error with detailed measurements (special equipment is required for this), including smooth integration with my left, right, and center speakers, AMEQ sometimes managed to turn that into a more uneven result with a serious dip at the LFE crossover frequency, requiring subwoofer distance (delay) or phase setting adjustment to compensate. In my experience, getting really even subwoofer response through the crossover frequency without some way of measuring the result is next to impossible. But - in keeping with the pushbutton simplicity approach that many users insist upon - following setup guidelines and letting AMEQ do the rest will usually give pretty good results.
How do I get started making precision audio measurements so I can optimize my sound even further?
You will need a calibrated microphone, possibly an audio interface (depending on the microphone), a computer, and an audio analysis software package. Plus a lot of time and patience if this is all new to you. This is a big step involving expense and a learning curve. The Audyssey MultEQ Pro Installation Kit is one way to get the calibrated mic and audio interface covered, along with access to AMEQ's inner workings that cannot be achieved otherwise. Other mic and interface options abound. Either way, you will need a good audio analysis package. Home Theater Shack offers one of the best audio analysis software packages available - Room EQ Wizard (REW) - at no charge - simply by registering as a forum user - also at no charge. The Room EQ Wizard Forum and the built-in Help files give the guidance you need to get set up and started, all beyond the scope of these articles.
What are the differences between the versions of Audyssey MultEQ?
The exact number of filter points available is not published by Audyssey. The Filter Resolution numbers in this table are multipliers, giving only relative indications of filter points available.
2 - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and General Information about Audyssey MultEQ
Subsections:
- General FAQ
- Accessories You Will Need
- The Setup Mic
- Running the Audyssey MultEQ Analysis and Setup Sequence
- Getting Results
- Audyssey MultEQ Versions
- Time/Phase Correction
General FAQ
What is Audyssey MultEQ and where do I find it?
Audyssey MultEQ (AMEQ) is Digital Room Correction (DRC) software that comes built into many audio-video receivers (AVRs) for Home Theater and Stereo audio systems. Its purpose is to make frequency response and time delay adjustments to optimize the performance of the sound system. The software is designed and supplied by Audyssey Laboratories, a California-based U.S. company.
How does Audyssey MultEQ work?
MultEQ plays a series of sounds through each speaker and measures the result at your listening position(s) using a special microphone supplied with your receiver. It then calculates and stores frequency-dependent correction factors to optimize the frequency response of your system. It also stores timing correction factors so signals traveling from speakers different distances away all reach the listening position at the same time. Plus it manages crossover frequencies for your subwoofer and for bi-amplified speaker systems.
While the exact algorithms are proprietary, in principle AMEQ goes through a process of averaging the measurements for each speaker and determining the frequency and time response adjustments that will optimize audio system performance based on that average. Those settings are stored in the AVR's memory and are always at the ready when the AVR is turned on for use.
Is Audyssey MultEQ easy to use?
Because it is built into the AVR, there is no need to make any connections to run Audyssey MultEQ other than plugging in the Setup Mic, a single connection into the front of the AVR. All controls are menu driven, selected by operating five buttons on the AVR remote.
How do I know if my system will benefit from using Audyssey MultEQ?
Most audio systems will benefit from AMEQ, some more than others. Exceptions are top-performance systems made up of high-end speakers in rooms with excellent acoustics needing little or no correction. At the other end of the scale are systems with poor speakers and/or poor acoustics. The best candidates for benefiting from Audyssey MultEQ are systems with good speakers in rooms with fairly good acoustics, needing a moderate amount of fine tuning.
Can Audyssey MultEQ correct the acoustical shortcomings of my room?
AMEQ can not change the acoustical properties of a room, nor can any DRC program. It can attempt to compensate for some types of acoustical shortcomings, sometimes very effectively. Highly reflective rooms or rooms with irregular layouts are often beyond being helped substantially by any DRC software, including Audyssey MultEQ. This is not to say that the software lacks in capability, but rather that the complexities of many room acoustical problems simply cannot be addressed in this way. Where serious acoustical problems exist, it is always best to address them with acoustical treatments before attempting to correct with AMEQ.
Can Audyssey MultEQ correct the shortcomings of my speakers?
Where moderate frequency and/or phase response irregularities in speakers are the main problems being addressed, Audyssey MultEQ can be very effective in providing correction.
Does Audyssey MultEQ (like other DRC systems) accomplish its correction primarily through attenuation with minimal frequency band amplification?
Yes. There are two reasons. Human hearing is less sensitive to dips in frequency response than to peaks. And dips in response are often due to acoustical wave cancellation, uncorrectable by any kind of equalization boost.
Don't some audio experts say that "Equalizing speakers above 250 Hz is a bad idea?"
Yes, there are those who make blanket statements like that. In my view, it is a matter of relativity. If you were to compare your Audyssey-MultEQ-corrected system to one where acoustics were treated and the room and speakers (probably more expensive than what you have now) were carefully matched, you would probably agree that the "other" setup sounds better. For "everyday people," AND for many fairly serious audiophiles who want an easy way to tune their system a bit without going overboard, Audyssey MultEQ can give very satisfying improvement. (Watch out for absolute blanket statements like the one above. Blanket statements tend to be smothering. And tend to ignore the fact that there are tradeoffs in every set of decisions.)
Just what is Audyssey MultEQ adjusting for?
There are many factors that contribute to the sound of a Home Theater or Stereo sound system. No speaker or room is perfect, and every combination of speakers, room, and layout will sound different. DRC software attempts to overcome these combined imperfections for the listener. The goal of DRC software like Audyssey MultEQ is to make the frequency response, and - with some DRC solutions, including AMEQ - the time/phase response at the Listening Position (LP) match what it would be if the speaker and room imperfectons did not exist. Of course, this can never be accomplished perfectly.
What types of speakers work best with Audyssey MultEQ?
It is recommended that the front and surround speakers have matched characteristics and that all have well-controlled frequency response down to 80 Hz, the recommended LFE crossover frequency for the Dolby Digital and DTS families of surround processors.
Can I choose a powered or unpowered subwoofer to use with MultEQ?
You may use either a powered (active, with its own built-in power amp) sub or an unpowered (passive, powered by the AVR's power amp) sub. Active subwoofers are by far the most common, as the amplifier characteristics can be matched to the transducer's. It is recommended that the subwoofer have well-controlled frequency response up to 80 Hz, the recommended LFE crossover frequency for the Dolby Digital and DTS families of surround processors.
I am thinking about purchasing a new AVR. What is the advantage of purchasing one with Audyssey MultEQ included?
DRC capability with low cost and high ease of use.
Which version of Audyssey MultEQ should I look for?
At least MultEQ XT, and get MultEQ XT32 if you can possibly afford to. As the table below shows, XT32 has 4x the number of filter points for subwoofer frequencies as XT, and 32x the number of filter points for frequencies above that. When you see an equalized AMEQ plot that is really flattened out, it is usually from a system with XT32. My measurements for this study were all done on an Onkyo TX-NR1009 with Audyssey MultEQ XT, and it was easy to see at times that some extra "flattening power" would have given better subwoofer results (more filter points will not change the effects of relative acoustical values, discussed in the How Audyssey MultEQ Works section below).
If Audyssey MultEQ is not built into my AVR, can it be added? Or can I run it on a computer or some other audio processing hardware external to my AVR?
No. AMEQ is only available built into AVRs as sold, it cannot be added later or run on any kind of external hardware.
Will Audyssey MultEQ make an AVR more expensive?
Yes, there are licensing fees that must be paid by the AVR manufacturer to Audyssey Labs. Audyssey MultEQ technology is an advanced feature and, like all features, will add to the cost of an AVR. AMEQ usually comes on more capable AVR models, so it is difficult to separate out its cost. An educated guess would be $30 to $50 added to the price of receivers costing $500 and up.
Does Audyssey MultEQ add distortion or negatively affect the sound performance or power consumption or heat dissipation or reliability of the AVR in any way?
In pure theoretical terms, yes, but probably not in any measurable way. The perfectionist Audiophile will sometimes insist on an absolute minimum of circuitry and no digital processing in the signal chain to keep the signal unchanged from the source signal. AMEQ can always be deactivated if needed and turned back on again at will, although the modern AVR usually has some digital signal processing at work. Distortion added by the DSP calculations involved is kept extremely low - well below the limits of audibility according to blind listening tests, although some discerning listeners will claim otherwise, and we will not get into those arguments here. The additional power consumption and heat dissipation from running with AMEQ active will be negligible compared to that from other circuits in a modern AVR. Today's AVRs are also extremely reliable. Adding AMEQ will make use of circuitry and processors that already exist and will not measurably affect AVR reliability.
Can Audyssey MultEQ be used with surround processors like Dolby Digital or DTS?
Yes, AMEQ is compatible with all surround processors.
What if I add more satellite speakers or an additional sub in the future?
Then you must re-run the Room EQ process. Each time it is run, it checks all the outputs on the receiver for available speakers and includes all that are connected.
What if I change the speaker position or rearrange furniture or add curtains or a throw rug?
It is recommended that MultEQ be re-run when any significant change is made to the layout of the room or furnishings, including carpeting, rugs, drapes, blinds, windows, tapestries, and wall hangings, especially if the acoustical "hardness" of a surface area changes (hanging a picture with a glass covering on a painted plaster wall is probably OK, but hanging a large, thick tapestry on that wall would warrant re-running AMEQ). Small knick knacks are OK. If it is the size of a lamp or bigger, re-run AMEQ.
Some of your recommendations are different from what I have seen on other web sites. Why is that, and why should I trust your recommendations over others?
There are a few differences, yes. The reasons for them are well explained and are backed up with data and listening tests. If someone can prove any of these findings incorrect, I will gladly make the appropriate changes.
It has been suggested that this Guide puts too much emphasis on Setup Mic Patterns. If you get good results using the guidelines given elsewhere, then you fall into that group that does not need to emphasize them further. But if you are having trouble getting good results with AMEQ, or would like to try to get better results than you have, then the Setup Mic Pattern is the one and only variable you have to work with to influence the result of AMEQ's tuning, other than treating or re-arranging your room, and focusing on it amounts to emphasizing precisely that which you must in order to get acceptable results.
Accessories You Will Need
What accessories or other equipment will I need before I can start running Audyssey MultEQ?
Here are some items that will come in handy. Click on the links to see representative items.
- Tape Measure, 25 Feet.
- Bosch DLR130K Digital Distance Measurer - OPTIONAL. Some measurements can be a little tricky to make accurately, and a laser distance meter can make them a lot easier. If you do much with speaker setup and audio measurements, you will find one invaluable. I like this model.
- Quartet Classic Comfort MP2703GQ Laser Pointer. This can really help with speaker alignment, especially if you are trying different speaker locations or angles. Put a piece of tape or an adhesive dot on a wall or piece of furniture to line up on. Then if a speaker gets bumped or moved after you found that perfect listening angle, the laser pointer can be used for a quick alignment check and correction. Be sure you get a quality model that has the laser beam straight on the axis of the body of the pointer. Place it on a flat surface, push the on button, and roll it back and forth through 3/4 of a turn without releasing the on switch. The laser beam pointing at a distant (>10 ft) wall should not move up or down more than 1/2 inch - if it does, the beam is not aligned properly. A metal pushbutton switch is also a good feature. Switch failure is the most common failure point for laser pointers. The model listed does not have a metal switch, but I had one of these that lasted 12 years.
- Galaxy CM-140 Sound Level Meter from Cross Spectrum Labs - OPTIONAL. If you also have a calibrated measurement mic, the Verified model will be sufficient. If this will be your main frequency response measurement instrument, get the Verified+ ("Verified Plus") model with full frequency response calibration. Get this model directly trough Cross Spectrum Labs, a reputable firm with excellent customer service which works closely with Home Theater Shack forum members. The Verified+ version is not cheap at $140 plus shipping, but comes with frequency response calibration so you can verify low-frequency response through the subwoofer range using downloadable test tones. But before you buy an SPL meter, consider this:
- For less money you can buy a calibrated microphone. That along with an existing laptop and Room EQ Wizard (free) can get you into making serious measurements, but the complexity factor can be downright scary.
- The SPL meter with its calibration chart and some downloaded test tones is an extremely simple combination for taking measurements.
- On Stage Stands MS7701 Tripod Boom Microphone Stand. This is for the Audyssey MultEQ Setup Mic. The mounting thread on the microphohe is 1/4 in, made for a camera stand. I prefer the versatility of a mic stand, which requires adapters listed below. Start with a full-sized mic stand with a boom. A low-profile stand (next) can be handy as well.
- DR Pro DR256 MS1500BK Low Profile Mic Boom Stand - OPTIONAL. In tight situations, sometimes it just fits better.
- Giottos MH1004-320 Swivel-Head Adapter, 3/8 in female base, 1/4 in male head; a swivel head makes it easy to always have the ANEQ Setup Mic pointing straight up as it is supposed to; you will need the next item along with this.
- AKG KM216 Thread Adapter, 5/8 in female to 3/8 in male; you will need the previous item along with this.
- On Stage Stands QK2B Quick Release Mic Clip Adapter; if you have more than one mic stand you should have one of these per stand.
- Tape or adhesive dots.
- Favorite test tracks:
- Several music tracks that you are familiar with that are even (the same instruments, vocals, and mix throughout), full-range (includes solid bass tones, high frequencies like cymbals, all tones in between, played and mixed evenly throughout), and a single female vocalist recorded cleanly and simply.
- A favorite movie test track.
The Setup Mic
What is special about the Audyssey MultEQ Setup Mic?
Every AVR that comes with Audyssey MultEQ build in has a Setup Microphone supplied. This is the microphone to use for all Audyssey MultEQ Analysis and Setup Sequence runs with that AVR. That microphone has been selected for its frequency response characteristics, and there is a complementary correction curve programmed into the AVR for that microphone model.
Over the years, there have been several models of the AMEQ Setup Mic supplied with AVRs that contain AMEQ technology. The different Setup Mic models have different frequency response characteristics, so the Setup Mic supplied with one AVR might or might not work properly with another model AVR, even from the same manufacturer.
There are no model numbers or serial numbers or markings to differentiate these Setup Mic models, and different models sometimes look exactly the same in design and color. Some AMEQ-capable AVRs had the Setup Mics produced by the AVR manufacturer and some have been made by Audyssey Labs. Audyssey Labs has produced two different Setup Mic models, identical in appearance but with different frequency response characteristics. Since 2007, all AMEQ Setup Mics from Audyssey Labs have been the second of these two models, all with the same frequency response. Each microphone is tested by Audyssey Labs to match the reference curve within +/- 2 dB over the usable frequency range.
What this boils down to is: only use the Audyssey MultEQ Setup Mic that was supplied with your AVR. Don't borrow one from a buddy unless it came with an identical model AVR. If you have to replace your Setup Mic, only use one that comes either from the AVR manufacturer or from Audyssey Labs specifically for that model AVR.
There are other sources on the web that sell AMEQ Setup Mics. It is not recommended that you trust them. Counterfeit Setup Mics have been identified that look perfect but perform horribly. Bottom line, only use the Setup Mic that came with the AVR or a replacement from the manufacturer or from Audyssey specifically for your AVR model.
If you have two different AVRs with AMEQ Setup Mics, better mark them first thing so you do not mix them up. They might be different models.
The Audyssey MultEQ Setup Mic is also unique in that it has a 2-conductor 1/8 inch connector (tip, sleeve) rather than the typical 3-conductor 1/8 inch connector (tip, ring, sleeve) like most computer microphones.
Audyssey MultEQ Setup Mic Models:
- ACM1 - first by Audyssey
- ACM1H - follow-up, replaces ACM1, different calibration curve, 2007 and after
- ACM1HB - black color
- APM1 - professional model, comes with Pro Kits
Running the Audyssey MultEQ Analysis and Setup Sequence
Should I run the standard receiver setup process first?
There is no reason to do so, as Audyssey MultEQ replaces those values with its own. The AMEQ-calculated values should always be used, with a few exceptions that follow.
What is the purpose of the MultEQ Quick Start sequence?
This routine calculates speaker frequency ranges, the crossover frequencies for transitioning from each speaker to the LFE channel, the distances from each speaker to the Primary Listening Position (PLP), and the channel levels. Then those values are stored in your AVR's speaker setup settings for use by other AVR programs. If you are getting ready to run the complete MultEQ correction process, this will all be done anyway, so there is no reason to run MultEQ Quick Start first.
Is it possible that running MultEQ could damage my speakers?
No, even though the levels may seem loud, they are low enough in power that your speakers are completely safe, less than one watt.
How many listening positions will MultEQ allow to be analyzed?
This depends on the version. See the comparison chart below.
What is the advantage of analyzing multiple listening positions?
Especially in home theater settings, where a number of viewers may be watching together, the MultEQ averaging process finds a "happy medium" setting that allows all viewers to benefit from the equalization process to some extent (see the next topic).
Is there any disadvantage to averaging multiple viewer locations?
The process determines an equalization setting that is a compromise across the listening locations. As a compromise, no averaged location will sound as good as one location will with an "ideal" setting. The exception would be a well-treated room with minimum variation across the listening positions. I suggest that you first run MultEQ for a single ideal listening location to hear it "the best it can be," then determine the amount of averaging that is right for your room. A detailed process follows.
Can any of Audyssey MultEQ's frequency response tuning settings be adjusted or fine-tuned by hand?
Only with the Pro Installation Kit using an external computer.
What is the difference between the target curves that can be selected at the end of the Analysis and Setup Sequence?
The Music, or Flat, target curve has a very flat frequency response. The Movie, or Reference, target curve has attenuated high frequencies for the reverberant characteristics of typical rooms. The Music target curve usually works best in highly-treated rooms.
Can Audyssey MultEQ be used in a way that improves Image Clarity, or imaging, at the same time that it is improving frequency response, or are the two goals mutually exclusive?
It is possible to achieve both good Image Clarity and good frequency response using AMEQ. This will be discussed in later sections.
Is Image Clarity worth even considering in a Home Theater system?
As long as there are sounds that come from in between pairs of speakers, yes it is.
All this sounds way too complex for me. Can I just hire someone to do the room tuning for me?
Yes, there are many Audyssey MultEQ Authorized Installers around the U.S. and around the world. Visit the Audyssey Labs web site to locate one.
Getting Results
I tried Audyssey MultEQ when I first set up my AVR and it did not help. What did I do wrong?
There are many possible reasons a user might get results that do not seem to help or that might even sound worse than without, especially after a quickly done setup by a first-time user. Do not assume that AMEQ is a lost cause without reading through our Usage Guidelines and following our Room EQ Process in the following sections. Even Audyssey MultEQ's advanced design can be easily undone through simple user errors or oversights. Attention to surprisingly small details can make a huge difference in your results.
What are the most common reasons for an Audyssey MultEQ user to get unsatisfactory results?
In order of most to least likely:
- A poorly chosen Setup Mic Pattern.
- Imprecise Setup Mic placement.
- Poor room acoustics and/or room layout.
- Poor speakers or speakers that are a poor choice for the listening room and layout.
- Other electronic or signal processing problems.
MultEQ can easily be switched off or on using your remote.
Can I change the speaker setup values after the Audyssey MultEQ Analysis and Setup Sequence has been run?
A number of AVR values can be changed. Speaker Size and Speaker Crossover values affect the way that low frequencies are handled by your system. Level settings for each speaker can be adjusted. This is discussed in Section 7. Subwoofer distance setting can be changed if it is found to fix a frequency response smoothness problem at the LFE crossover frequency.
One value that is occasionally incorrect is the distance setting for the left- or right-front speaker or for the center channel speaker - they are set in 1/2 foot increments and I found that one front speaker setting might be off by 1/2 foot every 5th or 6th time through. The L, C, R settings might be 8 ft, 8 ft, and 7.5 ft, for example, or 8 ft, 7.5 ft, and 7.5 ft (C slightly closer than L & R is fairly common, but L and R should always match). When this happens, the Image Clarity is totally non-existent. These values should be checked every time AMEQ is run, and if one of the values is not correct, AMEQ should be run again.
Can I use Audyssey MultEQ with other types of equalization?
You always have the option to tailor the sound to your liking after completing the Room EQ Process. You may like more bass or less treble and you can use other AVR controls along with AMEQ or an external equalization processor. Be sure that other filters and equalization are turned off when running the Analysis and Setup Sequence, because it may not automatically deactivate them (depending on the AVR model). You can turn them back on later. There is an exception to this guideline for advanced users where an external notch filter is used to tame one or two particularly annoying frequency response peaks that AMEQ has trouble controlling on its own - that filtering is left active through the Room EQ Process. This is a useful technique with low-frequency peaks from room modes and requires precision measurement equipment to do properly.
Is it possible to store multiple versions of Audyssey MultEQ's settings for comparison or for different listening situations?
Only with the Audyssey MultEQ Professional Installation Kit, which will work with either MultEQ XT32 or MultEQ XT. Also, some advanced AVR models allow configuration to be done from a computer over one's local network. Those configuration options often allow for saving and re-loading AMEQ settings - this is a feature worth watching for if you think you might end up playing with AMEQ very much. Otherwise, only the last stored set of values is available. The complete Setup Sequence must be run any time a change is desired, and previous results are lost. Because of this, it is wise to carefully measure and write down your speaker locations and angles, your furniture locations, and the Setup Mic Pattern positions used each time you run an AMEQ Analysis and Setup Sequence, so you can repeat those results in the future.
Is it true that in order to get really great performance with Audyssey MultEQ the user needs to be able to make precision audio system measurements with a calibrated microphone and computer?
This is always an option, but AMEQ was designed to make it unneccessary. The majority of "fairly picky" users probably do this and will insist that it is necessary. But good performance is possible without it. Subwoofer frequencies can be a bit problematic. See the following topic...
Is it true that it can be difficult to get the subwoofer bass levels right with Audyssey MultEQ, and get the low-frequency response sounding even?
This is often the case. One challenge that Audyssey MultEQ has difficulty with is "notching out" sharp low-frequency peaks effectively. MultEQ XT32 has greater filter resolution for subwoofer frequencies, but can still have this problem. These sharp low-frequency peaks result from standing waves between parallel walls or between floor and ceiling. The type of filtering used simply does not handle sharp low-frequency peaks that well, so those peaks might only be partially corrected by AMEQ and the resulting sound can be boomy at one or two frequencies while the overall level for the bass seems low. What is called for here is a high-Q parametric band-attenuating filter carefully tuned to each of those frequency peaks. This requires additional filtering hardware or software in the signal chain before AMEQ is applied. Further explanation of this phenomenon can be found in this Denon receiver review, in the paragraph Is Audyssey all you need in your system for equalization?
Getting even bass response is a difficult task in setting up an audio system, even for a powerful program like AMEQ. The first challenge is placement of the subwoofer(s) in the room for good response at the PLP and hopefully as many other Listening Positions as possible. Even after achieving that through trial and error with detailed measurements (special equipment is required for this), including smooth integration with my left, right, and center speakers, AMEQ sometimes managed to turn that into a more uneven result with a serious dip at the LFE crossover frequency, requiring subwoofer distance (delay) or phase setting adjustment to compensate. In my experience, getting really even subwoofer response through the crossover frequency without some way of measuring the result is next to impossible. But - in keeping with the pushbutton simplicity approach that many users insist upon - following setup guidelines and letting AMEQ do the rest will usually give pretty good results.
How do I get started making precision audio measurements so I can optimize my sound even further?
You will need a calibrated microphone, possibly an audio interface (depending on the microphone), a computer, and an audio analysis software package. Plus a lot of time and patience if this is all new to you. This is a big step involving expense and a learning curve. The Audyssey MultEQ Pro Installation Kit is one way to get the calibrated mic and audio interface covered, along with access to AMEQ's inner workings that cannot be achieved otherwise. Other mic and interface options abound. Either way, you will need a good audio analysis package. Home Theater Shack offers one of the best audio analysis software packages available - Room EQ Wizard (REW) - at no charge - simply by registering as a forum user - also at no charge. The Room EQ Wizard Forum and the built-in Help files give the guidance you need to get set up and started, all beyond the scope of these articles.
Audyssey MultEQ Versions
What are the differences between the versions of Audyssey MultEQ?
No code has to be inserted here.
* Up to 32 measurement positions with MultEQ Pro.
* Up to 32 measurement positions with MultEQ Pro.
The exact number of filter points available is not published by Audyssey. The Filter Resolution numbers in this table are multipliers, giving only relative indications of filter points available.
Time/Phase Correction
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