Center Channel Volume

Posted by: nortynorty

Center Channel Volume - 12/24/13 09:06 PM

I recently moved my rear speakers forward about 3' and added an Auralex Gramma for my LFM-1EX sub. I re-calibrated my speakers with a Radio Shack SPL meter. All worked well except for the center channel with even at -10db came in at a higher level than the other speakers. Not a huge problem, but would prefer a more equal sound level between all the speakers. Thoughts/advice are welcome.
Posted by: XenonMan

Re: Center Channel Volume - 12/25/13 05:42 PM

Is the center significantly more efficient than the others? Check your panorama setting to see if it is very narrow. Are the mains set closer to you in such a way they could be reflecting the center (tunneling effect)?
Posted by: nortynorty

Re: Center Channel Volume - 12/26/13 07:28 AM

Thanks XM, the front three speakers are all Outlaw LCRs. I will check the panorama but if I recall it is set to 4. The TV/audio is in/on a Standout Designs console. The TV and L and R speakers are about 10' from the listening area. The center channel is in an enclosure so I have that speaker pushed to the front so it is probably 6" closer than the L and R.
Posted by: XenonMan

Re: Center Channel Volume - 12/27/13 11:18 AM

The enclosure could be part of the problem due to boundary gain enhancement. Has the center channel always been in the enclosure? Usually BGE affects subs more than others but it is possible it is affecting the center channel.
Posted by: EEman

Re: Center Channel Volume - 12/29/13 10:48 PM

It's strange that the level is so much higher. Something is going on. Just a thought, is your sound pressure meter pointed directly at your center speaker? I don't know that this would make a huge difference but it's something to consider. I point mine straight up when calibrating my system.
Posted by: nortynorty

Re: Center Channel Volume - 12/30/13 07:41 AM

Thanks again XM and EE for your suggestions. EE I point the SPL meter up as well. Here's what I've done which "seems" to have made improvement. I reset several of the settings. I did not reset the distance settings for the delay when I moved so I checked them again. I moved the center channel as far forward as it can go in the enclosure to minimize any enclosure effects. I had the panorama setting to off and turned that on. I set Dimension to -2 and the center width to 2. As mentioned it seems better. I've watched several tv shows and streamed a couple of movies and the sound seems more blended. Appreciate your help and continued support and interest.