Listening Spot feature in SoundID Reference for Multichannel

This article describes the Listening Spot feature in SoundID Reference for Multichannel. It is implied at the speaker measurement stage and shown as a feature.

Why is it necessary?

Listening Spot Feature compensates for the gain so that all speakers have the same volume and signal timing at the listening position, taking into account your room specifications, such as speaker placement, wall reflections, and other interior imperfections. 

The feature will use your front center as a reference point. If you don't use the front center with your setup, the feature will reference your front left speaker.

After the Listening spot is on, you can still control the volume of a channel group of your choice.

Keep in mind that Listening Spot in SoundID Reference for Multichannel prioritizes time alignment over volume balance correction.

In stereo setups, the Listening Spot controls both gain and timing with a combined toggle.

Unlike that, the Multichannel setup uses two:

• Adjust to Listening Spot Balance - applies the volume balance compensation
• Adjust to Listening Spot Delay -  applies the time alignment

IMPORTANT: If your workflow involves certain volume standards keep in mind, that Safe Headroom will reduce your volume. In this case, disable the Listening Spot balance option and manually adjust the volume with the help of an SPL Meter and pink noise.

Will it Sound Different?

Having your volume or time automatically balanced could seem unusual. You may be misled by unconscious brain reaction, as your hearing would automatically compensate for the image in your room. The correction will likely feel incorrect or uncomfortable at first, while your ears are adjusting to the corrected image. If in doubt, please keep in mind that the impact of the feature will be revealed by the "Simulated After" curve.

Also please mind that the Listening Spot feature will affect the Safe Headroom for some channel groups by reducing the threshold. This is also done to achieve equal loudness at the listening position. 

If the final balanced image appears completely incorrect, we suggest referring back to measuring and re-adjusting the speakers' volume manually as prompted in Speaker Volume Adjustment features in a multichannel measurement article.

If you require additional assistance you can reach out to support by submitting a support request below.