Harman-Kardon II manual Initial System-Level Setting, Setting the Subwoofer Test Level

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Initial System-Level Setting

The following steps will set the playback level of the system to the correct level for all tests that follow.

Turn the system volume to minimum.

Cue the R.A.B.O.S. Test CD to Track 2 and press Pause II. This track will produce band-limited pink noise in both the left and right channels.

Press Play . With the RSLM positioned as described above, increase the system volume until the RSLM display indicates –10dB. See Figure 14.

RSLM indicating the correct system level to begin tests (–10dB)

When you have completed this adjustment, press Pause II.

FIGURE 14

Setting the Subwoofer Test Level

Each of the following test tracks is about one minute long.This is normally much longer than required. Press Pause II or advance to the next test as soon as you are ready.

This step will set the subwoofer level for measurement purposes. The objective is to scale the subwoofer’s output to make full use of the RSLM indicator range. Scaling is optimum when a 0dB reading is observed on the highest peak without triggering the over-range indication. Later, you will rebalance the subwoofer to the main speakers.

The Modulus II subwoofer should be shipped with the three R.A.B.O.S. controls, ™, £ and ¢, set to fully clockwise positions, and all measurements should be conducted with their level controls in this position. Confirm this setting before you begin this test.The Level Control ª should be set to the mid position (5).

Cue Track 3 and Pause II. Track 3 continuously steps through all subwoofer test tones for approximately 1 minute. Each tone will play just long enough for the RSLM to give a stable reading.

To get accurate measurements, it is necessary to play the woofers quite loud. The 0dB indication is about 94dB. At this level, frequencies below 100Hz can cause doors, windows, furnishings and other objects in the room to vibrate. This frequently results in clearly audible buzzes and/or rattles that come and go as each test tone plays. Strong buzzes not only sound bad, they can cause measurement errors. If you hear a buzz or rattle during this test, it is highly recommended that you locate the source and eliminate its effects. This is actually a valuable room-diagnostic tool.

Press Play . As Track 3 plays, watch the RSLM carefully. Watch for peak readings. The peak reading may be no more than a brief flash. Readjust the subwoofer’s Level Control ª until the peak level observed is 0dB without triggering the over-range indication. See Figure 15.

Adjusting the subwoofer levels for a 0dB peak

Too Low

Correct

Too High

 

Level

 

FIGURE 15

When finished, press Pause II.

Performing Low-Frequency Measurements

Read the following instructions fully before beginning tests.

For the following steps, you will need a Measurement Template and a pencil.

R.A.B.O.S. measurement template

FIGURE 16

MODULUS II HOME THEATER SYSTEM

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Contents Modulus Home Theater System Ii Modulus II Home Theater System Read FirstModulus II Home Theater System Table of ContentsTechnology IntroductionUnpacking the System Sound-Level MeterGraph Templates Planning Your System PlacementFor Shelf Placement Installing the SatellitesFor Wall-Mounting WallTurn Off All Power SatellitesMay damage your equipment Front Panel Few Suggestions ¡ R.A.B.O.S. On/Off SwitchSubwoofer Controls Rear PanelSubwoofer Connections Set Low-Pass Filter § to OffSet Low-Pass Filter § to On Operation Performing R.A.B.O.S.Tests R.A.B.O.S. Kit Includes Following ComponentsWhat R.A.B.O.S. Does R.A.B.O.S. GoalContents of the R.A.B.O.S. Test CD Rslm PlacementR.A.B.O.S. Sound-Level Meter Rslm When finished, press Pause Initial System-Level SettingSetting the Subwoofer Test Level Adjusting the subwoofer levels for a 0dB peak Too LowIndicating an under-range test Locating a test pointThese instructions are based on the example in Figure Effect of adjustable width WidthB.O.S. Online What Does a Parametric Equalizer Do? Completing the Measurement TemplateUsing the Width Selector Level What You Measure,What To DoOur example, you would enter 9 in the attenuation field Skip to the Adjusting the R.A.B.O.S. Equalizersection on Modulus II Home Theater System Table below illustrates all switch positions Position Adjusting the R.A.B.O.S. EqualizerFinal System Balance Maintenance and ServiceModulus II Home Theater System Satellite Center Channel SpecificationsFrequency Width Modulus II Home Theater System Modulus II Home Theater System