Subwoofer issues during Audyssey Calibration?

[famasfilms]

I tried to do a new Audyssey calibration via the android multeq app. I have a legacy Arendal 1723 sub (one of the original models) and a 5m x 3.7m room - so the sub is probably overkill for this size room, and usually audyssey calibrations get me to turn the volume dial down to minimum and that is STILL above the green zone slightly.

The first issue I noticed with todays attempt was during the sub volume check because it didn't tell me to lower the volume. I then kept getting multiple "too much background noise" errors even though everything else was turned off etc. I also noticed the sub sweeps were much quieter than usual.

After eventually completing a calibration at 6 positions I checked the room correction results and saw the subwoofer measurements were noticeably degraded compared to previous calibrations

I then tried a different RCA cable but the results were identical.


I've ordered an XLR cable to see if that fixes it but not sure if this is a bug with the latest firmware, an AVR hardware issue at the RCA output, or an issue with the sub?

 

[Palmspar]

Try another Phone or tablet, maybe to old Android version.

 

[famasfilms]

Try another Phone or tablet, maybe to old Android version.

I have a Google Pixel 8 pro, trying on my pixel 6 pro

 

[Keith_W]

Problem: subwoofer sweeps sent by the AVR is much lower volume than usual, causing Audyssey calibration to fail.

Diagnostic steps: Ask yourself if there is a problem with:
- the sub? Check the volume control on the sub and make sure all the plate amp settings are correct.
- the cabling? You have already excluded this by trying another RCA cable.
- the AVR output? Try another subwoofer output on your AVR.
- Audyssey software / AVR settings? Check all the settings, make sure you did not inadvertently reduce the subwoofer output level, etc.

 

[famasfilms]

Problem: subwoofer sweeps sent by the AVR is much lower volume than usual, causing Audyssey calibration to fail.

Diagnostic steps: Ask yourself if there is a problem with:
- the sub? Check the volume control on the sub and make sure all the plate amp settings are correct.

Yep - somehow the subs low pass filter had been set to ON instead of BYPASS (Off).................

 

[raindance]

Yep - somehow the subs low pass filter had been set to ON instead of BYPASS (Off).................

Yup that was going to be my suggestion just eyeballing the graph...

 

[krabapple]

I tried to do a new Audyssey calibration via the android multeq app. I have a legacy Arendal 1723 sub (one of the original models) and a 5m x 3.7m room - so the sub is probably overkill for this size room, and usually audyssey calibrations get me to turn the volume dial down to minimum and that is STILL above the green zone slightly.

Perhaps you were measuring from a position that happens to be in a strong modal peak?

 

[famasfilms]

Perhaps you were measuring from a position that happens to be in a strong modal peak?

Nothing had changed with the way I do my calibration, as stated above a switch at the back must have been toggled by accident

 

[krabapple]

I wasn't addressing that, I was curious to read that in the normal state, your subwoofer reads as louder than green zone even with the "volume dial down to minimum" . Which seems peculiar.

 

[famasfilms]

I wasn't addressing that, I was curious to read that in the normal state, your subwoofer reads as louder than green zone even with the "volume dial down to minimum" . Which seems peculiar.

Or the sub is overkill for the size of the room. My room is a 5m x 3.7m rectangle, with the TV dead centre of the longest wall. Sofa is 55cm from back wall and MLP is middle cushion of the sofa

 

[krabapple]

well, 'overkill' usually means, 'exciting strong modes at the listening position'.

IOW, have you experimented with different placement for the sub?

Your 16x12 ft room is quite larger in square footage than mine, yet neither of my subs reads in the red when set to 'minimal volume', from the Audyssey measuring spot.
But my room is more square than yours and I sit farther away from the back wall than you do.

 

[famasfilms]

well, 'overkill' usually means, 'exciting strong modes at the listening position'.

IOW, have you experimented with different placement for the sub?

Your 16x12 ft room is quite larger in square footage than mine, yet neither of my subs reads in the red when set to 'minimal volume', from the Audyssey measuring spot.
But my room is more square than yours and I sit farther away from the back wall than you do.

I'm in a ground floor apartment with a neighbour upstairs. I also have a house on the other side of the living room wall. "Overkill" in this context means any louder than minimum on the volume dial is way too loud/floor shaking and would probably get complaints from the neighbours.

I can't really change sub position as I have to fit my home office desk in living room.


Also, because of these issues I ordered an XLR cable - and the sub feels even louder than with the RCA. During the calibration it was further above the green zone than with RCA, and just watching an episode of Homeland the soundtrack was really hitting some deep notes. I almost feel like switching back to RCA out of respect for the neighbours

I only listen to music when I know they're out, try to save action movies for when they're out too. But if "normal" tv episodes are pumping out extreme low end, and voices are boomy etc then I might have to switch back

 

[Keith_W]

Talk to your neighbours. When I moved in to my house >10 years ago, I approached my neighbours and told them I have a loud stereo system. I asked if they could help me test how loud I can go before it bothers them. I gave them my phone number, and told them I am going to increase the volume every few minutes. As soon as they can hear it, give me a call.

I found I could go to 100% without bothering them. They were grateful, and we have been on good terms since.