Cambridge Audio 540R V3 user manual Level calibration, Source setup

3. Level calibration

The 540R v3 allows level calibration to match the acoustic level between different types/sizes or even manufacturers of speaker that may be being used for each channel. This is achieved by adjusting the relative level of each speaker through the ‘Level Calibration’ menu in the OSD.

The basic process is to listen to or measure with an SPL meter (more accurate and recommended but not essential) the level of sound produced by each speaker and set relative levels for each speaker so that they all sound the same loudness at the normal listening position. The 540R v3 incorporates a Test Signal Generator (broad-band white noise) to facilitate this.

Set the unit to a normal listening level or half maximum volume approximately. Press the OSD button on the remote control then select the ‘Level Calibration’ menu. Now turn on the test signal by highlighting this item and pressing the Left or Right arrows:

Level Calibration
Test Signal	: On
Front L	: 0dB
Front R	: 0dB
Surround L	: 0dB
Surround R	: 0dB
Center	: 0dB
Subwoofer	: 0dB
Surr. Back	: 0dB
Return to Menu	: [OSD]

A “rushing” or “hissy” sound should be heard, initially through the Front Left Speaker.

You can now move up and down the channels using Volume Up/Down on the remote. Each time a new channel is selected the test signal will be heard to move to that channel. Compare the loudness of all channels as heard at the listening position.

Now adjust the channels so they all sound the same (in terms of loudness only, channels of different frequency responses can sound different in terms of the “tone” of the sound i.e. more or less hissy).

Pick the channel that sounds most different and select it to listen to the test signal. Now adjust the relative level in dB (using Arrow left/right on the remote) and continue comparing it to other channels until it is of equal loudness. The level can be adjusted up to + or - 10dB in 1dB steps. Repeat the process with the next loudest channel etc. Once all channels sound the same in terms of loudness, press the OSD button again to save the settings and exit the menu.

4. Source setup

The next step is to select each source input in turn on the 540R v3 and tell the unit the type of audio connection you want to use for that source (Analog or Digital input).

The 540R v3 remembers this setting individually for every source input and automatically recalls it as and when you change source input.

Select the ‘Input Setup’ menu. Highlight each source in turn and select either analog or digital input types (use the Left and Right arrows):

Input Setup Menu

DVD : Digital

Video1 : Analog

Video2 : Analog

Video3 : Analog

Tuner : Analog

Tape : Analog

CD/Aux : Analog

6.1 Direct : Analog

Return to Menu : [OSD]

Analog inputs will require a stereo phono/RCA to phono/RCA cable connection to the 540R v3. Digital inputs will require either a 75ohm digital type phono/RCA to phono/RCA co-axial cable (SPDIF) or an optical fibre cable (TOSLINK). The 540R v3 will automatically use whichever is connected. Do not make connections to both the Optical and Co-axial inputs for a source.

Note: Video 3, Tuner, Tape and 6.1 Direct only have analog connections and so are not selectable in this menu.

Once you have set the audio types exit the OSD to save.

This setting can also be changed at any time without using the OSD by pressing the Input Mode button on the front panel (or Audio In Type button on the remote). This will then cycle between analog or digital input types for the currently selected source; as usual they will then be remembered the next time you return to that source.

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