NOTE: If any of the amplifiers in your system have output level con- trols, their settings will affect the balance of the DC-1 outputs. Gen- erally, the gain controls of these amps should be set prior to DC-1 Output Level calibration. You should record the values of these controls for later reference.
Note on External Noise Calibration
Select INTERNAL NOISE TEST or EXTERNAL NOISE TEST from the Output Levels menu.
The INTERNAL NOISE TEST automatically disconnects all audio and video inputs, disables any EQ functions, centers the Balance controls, and sets the system volume to +00dB. The test signal circles the room according to the speaker configuration you have defined in the Speaker Configuration menu. For a full complement of speakers, the order is: Left Front, Center, Right Front, Right Side, Left Side, Subwoofer, Right Rear, Left Rear.
The EXTERNAL NOISE TEST loads the Pro Logic, Dolby Digital or DTS Music effect and uses the signal from the currently selected input for calibration.
Once a test source is selected, a sub-menu showing each output level is displayed. Use the ▲ and ▼ buttons to highlight an output for adjustment. Press SELECT to stop the cycling of the noise signal, then use ▲ and ▼ to adjust the selected output level in precise 0.5dB increments from -10dB to +10dB.
Using a Sound Pressure Level Meter such as Radio Shack model 33-2050 or 33-2055, set the weighting to C and the response to Slow. Adjust all output levels to achieve 75dB at the listening position.
In the absence of an SPL meter, it is possible to set the output level by ear. Use the internal noise generator in the DC-1 to adjust all volumes to be the same as they cycle around the various speakers. Depending on timbre variations between your speakers, this may be difficult to judge — get as close as you can. The system should be reasonably well balanced, although not actually calibrated for precise playback and level matching. With the system volume at 0dB, the internal noise source should be at the same level at which film dialog sounds comfortable.
When using the external noise calibration, the DC-1 will load the factory default effect for the format of the incoming signal. In other words, if a PCM signal is coming into the DC-1 when external noise is engaged, the DC-1 will load the PRO LOGIC effect with the factory preset settings. If a Dolby
