M-Audio warranty Placing the Speakers LX4-5.1 Expander

Placing the Speakers - LX4-5.1 Expander

Placing the speakers is one of the most important procedures in order to monitor sound accurately. To monitor with the LX4s performing to their maximum capability, an appropriate listening environment and correct placement are required. Please refer to the following for correct LX4-5.1 placement.

1.The Center Speaker - For best directional effect, try to have the center speaker at the same height as the L & R speakers.The front of the center speaker should also be aligned with, or slightly behind the L & R speakers.Avoid having it forward of the left and right speakers.

2.The SL & SR Speakers - Properly conveying both directional effects and diffuse ambience requires an evenly distributed surround sound field comprising both directional and reflected sound.This is achieved in movie theatres by means of many direct-radiating surround speakers (typically ten of twenty) along the sides and rear of the auditorium. Listening tests have also confirmed that it is the side speakers that contribute the spaciousness or “openness” associated with good surround sound. Theatres use speakers at the rear only because without them, the surround sound field would appear to be in front of, rather than around, those seated in the back rows. In monitoring environments, just two surround speakers, one to each side, are usually enough to achieve proper results. Too much direct sound from the surround speakers can make their location too obvious, or create an earphone-like,“in-the-head” sound image. On the other hand, too much diffusion may disperse the image such that it utterly directionless seemingly everywhere at once. Finding the right balance of direct and reflected sound means considering speaker placement, room design, and the acoustics characteristics of both.

•Location - If it is possible, place surround speakers to either side of sitting position.

•Height - If space permits, install surrounds 2-3 feet above sitting position. This helps to minimize localization effects.

•Aiming - Aiming surround straight across the room, not down at sitting position, helps create a more open, spacious surround sound field.

Experiment with placement until surround sounds seem to envelop you, rather than coming from behind. As a general rule, do not aim the surround speakers directly at the sitting position.

Remarks: DO NOT place any obstacles that may block the flow of air in front or between the LX4s monitors. Also remove reflective materials such as glass, mirrors or metal from the monitoring environment. PLACE THOSE MATERIALS AWAY FROM THE PATH OF THE SOUND FROM THE LX4s.

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