How to Manually Setup your AV Receiver for your Subwoofer

Subwoofer on carpet

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In our previous article, we’ve talked about Placement and Position, Connectivity & fine-tuning, and the Auto setup of the AV receiver. If you have missed that you can check out it here

Now let’s talk about the manual setup of your AV receiver. If your subwoofer doesn’t have any auto-setup program installed or if you’re not satisfied with the sound, you can try using the receiver’s manual speaker setup. To do the setup perfectly follow the guide. 

distance
Measuring and setting the distance

First of All, you need to measure the distance between your sitting position and your speaker. Remember the number.

  • Go to Speaker Settings> Distance> enter the figure.

Secondly, tell your AV receiver the size of your speakers.

size
Adjusting the speaker size
  • Go to Speaker Settings> Size
  • By default, it should be preselected as “small“.
  • But if you have large floor-standing speakers with 8-inch or larger woofers, you may select the size as “large” speakers. But the center and surround speakers may still likely work best run as “small” speakers as this will send any low frequency audio to your LFE channel.

Thirdly, set up the crossover point in order to send the bass away from your speaker and to your sub. 

crossover
Adjusting Crossover Frequency
  • Go to Speaker Settings> Crossover Frequency
  • By default, it should be 80 Hz.
  • Based on the size of your speaker it can be 60-200 Hz or more.
  • Your speakers’ or subwoofer’s user manual may offer specific guidance in this area. 
  • If you don’t have a manual, try these settings. For small speakers with 2- or 3-inch woofers, try settings between 150 and 200Hz; for midsize speakers with 4- or 5-inch woofers, use 80 or 100Hz; and with large bookshelf speakers or skinny floor-standing speakers, use  60 or 80Hz crossover. 
  • If you have doubts about the speakers’ sizes, always select “small” on the setup menu.

Lastly, adjust the subwoofer volume. To do this,

level
Adjusting the volume
  • Use a decibel meter or you can also Install decibel meter app in your mobile.
  • Go to Speaker Settings> Level
  • Measure the level of your speakers and the sub. Adjust the level with initial measuring.

And by doing all these set up your AV receiver’s setting is completed. Now enjoy the content in your home theatre. Note that you can always play with the numbers until you are satisfied. Have a good time!

Check out a few other suggestions on making a perfect home theatre.
Best Home Theatre Speakers for Small Rooms – Maximising Space

A passion for writing and ongoing research projects gives Catherine an incredibly broad knowledge of all things. She has authored an incredible number of articles and can be found in the wilderness when not attached to technology or listening to podcasts.


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