Pioneer Surround Calibration Microphone and VSX-516 Setup Guide

03Quick surround sound setup

Chapter 3:

Quick surround sound setup

VSX-516 model only

Automatically setting up for surround sound (MCACC)

The Auto Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration (MCACC) setup measures the acoustic characteristics of your listening area, taking into account ambient noise, speaker size and distance, and tests for both channel delay and channel level. After you have set up the microphone provided with your system, the receiver uses the information from a series of test tones to optimize the speaker settings and equalization for your particular room.

Important

•The Auto MCACC Setup will overwrite any existing speaker settings you’ve made.

•Make sure the headphones are unplugged.

Caution

•The test tones used in the Auto MCACC Setup are output at high volume.

				STANDARD ADV.SURR STEREO	MIDNIGHT/
				STANDARD ADV.SURR STEREO	LOUDNESS
				TOP MENU	MENU
RECEIVER SLEEP		DIMMER ANALOG ATT		SETUP	DIALOG E
				SETUP	DIALOG E
	INPUT SELECTOR			ENTER	ONE
DVD 5.1	INPUT SELECTOR				TOUCH
DVD 5.1				TUNER EDIT	COPY
				TUNER EDIT	COPY
DVD	TV	DVR	RECEIVER
USB				S.RETRIEVER	RETURN
CD	CD-R	FM	AM	VOLUME

1Connect the microphone to the MCACC SETUP MIC jack on the front panel.

Make sure there are no obstacles between the speakers and the microphone.

MASTER

VOLUME

USB MCACC

SETUP MIC

DOWN

If you have a tripod, use it to place the microphone so that it’s about ear level at your normal listening position. Otherwise, place the microphone at ear level using a table or a chair.

2 If the receiver is off, press RECEIVER to turn the power on.

3If you have a subwoofer, turn it on.

4Press RECEIVER on the remote control, then press the SETUP button.

•Press SETUP again at any time to exit the System Setup menu.1

5Select ‘A. MCACC’ from the System Setup menu then press ENTER.

Try to be as quiet as possible after pressing ENTER. The system outputs a series of test tones to establish the ambient noise level.

If the noise level is too high, NOISY! blinks in the display for five seconds. To exit and check the noise levels again, press SETUP (see the notes about ambient noise below) or press ENTER when you’re prompted to RETRY?.

•Do not adjust the volume during the test tones. This may result in incorrect speaker settings.

The system now checks the microphone and your speaker setup.

Note

1The receiver will automatically exit the current menu after three minutes of inactivity. If you cancel the Auto MCACC Setup at any time, the receiver automatically exits and no settings will be made.

VSX-416-K, VSX-516-S, VSX-516-K specifications

The Pioneer VSX-516-S, VSX-516-K, and VSX-416-K are a series of AV receivers that showcase Pioneer's commitment to delivering high-quality home entertainment experiences. These models are designed to cater to both audiophiles and casual listeners, offering a range of features and technologies that enhance audio and video playback.

One of the standout features of the VSX-516 series is its multi-channel amplification, providing robust power for various speaker configurations. Both the VSX-516-S and VSX-516-K boast a 7.1 channel setup while the VSX-416-K offers a 5.1 channel configuration. This allows users to create immersive surround sound environments ideal for movies, music, and video games. The receivers support various audio formats including Dolby Digital and DTS, ensuring high fidelity sound reproduction.

In terms of technologies, these receivers incorporate Advanced Sound Retriever technology. This feature enhances compressed audio files by restoring lost details, making even standard MP3 files sound closer to their original recordings. Additionally, the receivers come equipped with a variety of DSP (Digital Signal Processing) modes, allowing users to select from multiple presets that tailor sound characteristics for different types of content, from concert performances to gaming.

Connectivity is also a significant aspect of the VSX series. The VSX-516-S and VSX-516-K offer multiple HDMI inputs, enabling seamless connection to various high-definition devices such as Blu-ray players and gaming consoles. All models support 1080p video upscaling, providing users with an enhanced visual experience by improving lower resolution content to near HD quality.

The user-friendly interface is another noteworthy characteristic. The on-screen display simplifies navigation through settings and features, making it accessible for users of all technical levels. Each model also includes a remote control for convenient operation, along with a manual setup process for optimizing speaker placement and audio performance.

In conclusion, the Pioneer VSX-516-S, VSX-516-K, and VSX-416-K are versatile AV receivers loaded with features that enhance both audio and visual quality. With their powerful amplification, advanced sound technologies, extensive connectivity options, and user-friendly design, these models are excellent choices for anyone looking to elevate their home entertainment experience. Whether for movies, music, or gaming, these receivers deliver robust performance, making them a valuable addition to any home theater setup.

Pioneer Ultimate Guide to Surround Calibration Microphone and VSX-516 Setup

Models: VSX-416-K VSX-516-S VSX-516-K