HAA Process Defined
Step 1 Design and Layout Review:
Review and make recommendations for improvements to the layout and design of a system. (ADR)
Step 2 Equipment Evaluation:
Review the proper operation, setup and connection of all audio equipment. (SAM)
Step 3 Gather Data:
Listen to and measure all sonic parameters in order to define any opportunities for performance improvement and document current performance status. (SAM, System/Room Analysis and Measurement)
Step 4 Response Optimization:
Realignment of listening position, speaker position and electronic controls to achieve target frequency response. (SAM)
Step 5 Soundstage Optimization:
Focus speakers for best soundstage and review room for acoustical problems and solutions. (SAM)
Step 6 Document Calibration:
Provide documentation that shows improvements and shortfalls in performance. (SAM)
Step 7 Define the Next Level:
Provide an advanced plan for achieving sonic magic if necessary. (ACP)
Discussion
What does a high end home theatre system sound like? Is the quality of sound dictated by the equipment, the room acoustics or is there more? No one would think of driving their car without the engine properly tuned. Yet many folks do not realize the same requirement exists for their home theatre system.
The prospect of paying an individual to tune your sound system is relatively new to most people. Yet most consumers are quick to recognize the need for such a service. The HAA's role in this discussion is to define and reinforce the value of proper audio design and calibration. The prospect of paying an individual to optimize a sound system pivots in the minds of the value minded consumer on two points; a) the results and benefits of such a process and b) the skills and knowledge of the calibrator.
Defining the benefits of calibration for the consumer revolves around defining sound quality. One of the ways the HAA does this is by explaining the metrics of sound quality namely the familiar Clarity, Focus, Envelopment, Dynamics and Response discussion. For a proactive AV Calibrator, the demonstration of these qualities in the showroom provides a powerful incentive to the consumer not only toward the value of calibration but toward the skills and equipment lines of the company.
Adding calibration as a line item on the bill implies that one could choose to not to calibrate. Calibration is not optional; it is an integral part of the installation. Calibration begins with the proper design and setup of a system. Failing to complete this process or performing it poorly is not somehow made acceptable if you don't get charged for it. Taking the time to properly calibrate reinforces the high aim of the AV Contractor toward quality and differentiates the installation from inferior ones. It's value is reinforced by the care taken by the AV Contractor and the time and effort they expended to become a great calibrators.
Step 1: The Acoustic Design Review (ADR)
The ADR is a simple and relatively inexpensive review of a system. It is one person’s opinion of your system or room but it is based on the standards of the AV industry. The ADR process begins with a survey of the listening room in person or via detailed drawings. The calibrator reviews every relevant element of system in the context of desired acoustical goals. These goals include:
Clarity
Clear understandable dialogue, articulate reproduction of detail.
Focus
Correct localization of sounds within the 360 degree sound stage.
Dynamics
Theatrically correct loudness, articulate detailing at low sound levels.
Response
Accurate tone, deep balanced bass, realistic reproduction of sounds
Envelopment
Smooth front to rear panning, 360 degree soundstage.
The ADR is designed to make sure the clients expectations of sound quality will be met for a proposed system or how to improve the design of an existing one. The final report is a concise list of recommendations by the calibrator. Next, the the calibrator needs to listen and analyze the systems response in the room. The technician will perform a basic calibration in the process. We call this onsite procedure the Level II System Analysis or Level II; It is step two.
Step 2. The SAM
The Acoustic Design Review or ADR is a qualitative analysis of a system design meanwhile the Level II System/Room Analysis and Measurement (SAM) is a quantitative measurement of performance. The SAM is performed by the calibrator using a real time analyzer (RTA) and an Energy Time Analyzer (ETA). A SAM also involves critical listening to judge performance. The analysis is used as a objective review of the actual performance of a system and room. In conjunction with the ADR it is the second half of a complete system review.
The SAM process is required to properly calibrate the system, providing an objective profile of the system before and after calibration. A typical Level II includes basic calibration services but does not include more complex redesign or acoustical treatments. Depending on SAM findings, a basic calibration may not be enough if room or equipment problems are significant. The final conclusion of the ADR/SAM process may result in the creation of an advanced calibration plan if necessary. Each system/room is different. Equally important is the level of flexibility each client has regarding recommended layout changes or budget limitations.
Another element included in the SAM is a diagnostic review of system operation. Simply put, there is no point searching for acoustical problems in a design without making sure all components are functioning properly, correctly wired and installed.
The basic data provided by the SAM includes (description may vary from dealer to dealer):
-Measurement of individual speaker response in near field
-Measurement of system response at listening positions
-Plot of reverberation in the room (Energy Time Graph)
-Measurement of Ambient Noise
-Low frequency analysis including dimensional analysis
-Qualitative listening and pre-calibration adjustment
-Basic calibration
Once we have a good understanding of what is actually happening sonically in the room and have performed a basic calibration, the calibrator can devise a strategy to solve any remaining problems if necessary; the advanced calibration plan.
Step 3. The Advanced Calibration Plan
The Acoustic Design Review (ADR) is a qualitative analysis of a system design and the Level II System/Room Analysis and Measurement (SAM) is a quantitative measurement of performance. From each, the calibrator can draw conclusions about problems or potential improvements possible in a system design. After completing these processes, if necessary, a final proposal can be created; the advanced calibration plan. This plan in effect becomes a new design crafted to reduce or perhaps even eliminate a sonic objection. Calibration plans can have minor suggestions or require more involving solutions. More advanced improvements for a system may require flexibility in listener/speaker placement, potential modifications of wall surfaces or component changes. The success of a calibration can depend on the clients flexibility concerning these issues. This is not to say that great improvements are not possible without total flexibility. The best calibrators can achieve good results despite most common system or room limitations. Overall, the Advanced Calibration Plan will specify the cost of any system redesign or calibration or detail requirements for proposal by others.
Common Plan Proposals:
- precise positioning of listening chairs to achieve a smooth frequency response
- rearrangement of furnishing to optimize acoustical value (sometimes moving a chair or bookcase can be as effective as buying an acoustical treatment)
- redesign of wall surfaces, room dimensions, or addition of room treatments
- addition or substitution of equipment such as sub woofers, speakers, amplifiers
- proper equalization of sub woofers or in some cases all speakers
- entertainment system cabinet redesign or modification
- repair or upgrading of existing components
- changes in furniture, wall coverings, window treatments, doors, insulation etc.
- precise positioning of speakers and subwoofer(s) for best response, clarity and sound stage presentation
Conclusion
The reason anyone buys an audio system is plain enough; we love music and movies. Taking our system to the next level though, can seem like an exercise for the terminally detail oriented. The truth is, that many people are not enjoying their sound systems despite the fact that they have high quality gear. Plainly said, the systems do not sound good and in many cases are even annoying to listen to. It is easy to see that most people depend too much on the quality of their audio equipment to provide high end results without regard for the proper set-up and calibration. The Home Acoustics Alliance has a mission; it is to make every audio buyer aware that proper setup and calibration of audio equipment is essential for good results. This is true despite the perception enabled by many factions in our own AV industry that says the best way to solve a sound problem is to buy more expensive equipment. Our alliance of Dealers, Manufacturers, and Consumers is here to teach the science of good sound and to bring it home to our clients.
Keeping this service affordable is also a goal. For that reason, the ADR is designed to be a first step; allowing a quick review of your system that can be expanded to be an in depth report. If you are interested in learning more about the science of good sound contact one of our member dealers via the Dealer Locator Our members have a dual mandate: to educate and to calibrate.
#Courtesy Home Acoustics Alliance Copyright 2002-2007 Quest Convergence Systems Inc All rights reserved.
*Assuming system is in full working order and level of design flexibility