Phonic PCR2213, User Manual

18

5.0  HOW TO SET UP A MULTI-WAY SPEAKER SYSTEM

5.1  EQUIPMENT AND INSTRUMENTS

Properly prepare all necessary equipment and instruments before hand will help you fluently do the job, here
are the list we suggested:

5.1.1  Measurement Microphone (Calibrated and matched with RTA or ETF/TEF)

Alignment should be carried out with a good quality microphone, with a flat response at least from 50 Hz to
about 16 kHz. Placed no less than 1 m (prefer at listening position, multiple measurements required for larger
venue) in front of the speaker system being set-up, and at a vertical position between the drivers covering the
two or more bands of the system. Only one speaker system at one time, never turn on multiple speaker system
at the same time, you will never properly tune the system!

5.1.2  Real Time Analyzer (RTA), Energy-Time-Frequency (ETF or TEF), FFT,

          or MLSSA including a Sound Pressure Level Meter

RTA is a popular device that shows the frequency response directly on the display. ETF or TEF, FFT, even
MLSSA instruments don’t show the frequency response directly, but after the instrument taking enough samples
and finished the calculation.
Precision measurement cannot be done by ordinary RTA, but it is a handy tool to do some quick job and in near
field measurement. For more precision alignment, ETF/TEF or MLSSA is recommended.
Please refer to the user guides of the instrument you are using for proper measurements.

5.1.3  Function Generator with frequency display

This is a sine and square wave generator capable of variable frequency in the range of audio band. You need
to have the frequency digital display or you need a external counter for the frequency reading purpose.
This unit is needed to send out the precision frequency signal to the system.

5.1.4   AC voltmeter

A good AC voltmeter (2 channel preferred) that reads in dB as well as volts is recommended for measuring the
input and output level of each band.

5.1.5  Your familiar CDs

Prepare some of your most familiar music CDs covering low to high frequency. Vocal singing and speaking
shall be always included as this is most sensible to human ears. Experienced user put together frequent test
reference sound tracks and standard signal such as pink/white noise into one CD or DAT for convenient trial
listening.
The instrument assist alignment will mean nothing without good listening experience. If you found problem
while listening, don’t try to adjust the system without instrument. In stead, you shall make use of the instrument
to find out the problem, there must be something missing!