There are more modern tools you can use to improve your listening experience regardless of the room size. One of them is Audyssey, a software specially designed to improve the audio response of a room. If you are familiar with Audyssey, then probably you’ve heard of Audyssey MultEQ. In this article, we look at Audyssey MultEQ.
What Is Audyssey MultEQ
Audyssey MultEQ is an acoustical correction technology that calibrates a Denon receiver so that every listener in a large listening area gets an optimum listening experience.
Also, it is the standard resolution room correction solution that utilizes mid-level resolution filters for satellites and subwoofers. Audyssey is, therefore, purely for acoustical correction. There are two components to MultEQ XT: -Automatic Setup (Auto Setup) -Multi-listener equalization.
Why Use Audyssey MultEQ
Generally, setting up the sound system depends on several factors, including the choice of systems. However, the room where the system is to be set is more often a detriment. Even the best and most expensive equipment will not perform perfectly well in a challenging environment.
The good news, there are several ways you can address the negative aspects of a room – from the correct subwoofer and speaker placement to using diffusers, bass traps, and absorption panels.
We cannot overemphasize the benefits you can bring to your home listening experience by carefully installing speakers and subwoofers in the best locations. However, using diffusers and panels can be very expensive and intrusive.
Fortunately, most modern AV receivers and processors integrate some form of automated room correction technologies that help reduce the effect of egregious acoustic incongruities. Audyssey is one of the earliest of these technologies developed by several high-profile acoustic experts to enhance room correction in budget AV receivers and processors.
Several audio manufacturers use the technology. However, today it is majorly associated with Denon and Marantz.
Audyssey MultEQ And MultEQ XT Modes
In the recent development of Audyssey technology, Audyssey has come up with proprietary technologies that include Audyssey DSX, Dynamic Volume, Dynamic EQ, and MultEQ. Audyssey MultEQ is the standard resolution room correction solution that uses mid-level resolution filters for satellites and subwoofers.
On the other hand, MultEQ XT is a more advanced room correction solution with high-resolution equalization for satellites and subwoofers.
Audyssey MultEQ XT
This acoustic correction technology calibrates a Denon A/V Receiver to deliver optimum performance for every listener in a large listening area.
It has two components – Automatic Setup (Auto Setup) and Multi-listener equalization.
During the auto-setup process, MultEQ XT begins by finding the number of loudspeakers connected to the system. It then determines whether the loudspeaker is a satellite or woofer, checks the absolute polarity of each channel, and finally identifies the optimum crossover frequency for each loudspeaker and sub in the system.
In addition, the software calculates the actual distance between each loudspeaker and the first microphone position to set appropriate delays automatically. It then identifies any level differences among the loudspeakers and automatically sets the trims.
Therefore, the multi-listener equalization process combines the measurements from several locations within the listening area to create filters that address the acoustical problems arising from the interaction of the sound within the environment.
Audyssey MultEQ And Audyssey MultEQ XT Modes
Contrary to traditional belief, a target curve that flattens from 20 Hz to 20 kHz is not usually the one that will always produce the correct sound.
This is because, together with other reasons, speakers are much more directional at high frequencies than at low frequencies. As a result, the balance of room sound and direction is very different at the high and low ends of the frequency spectrum.
There are four listening target EQ modes in Denon A/V Receivers operating with MultEQ, MultEQ XT, or MultEQ XT32 software. The four EQ modes are:
1. Audyssey
This target curve setting makes the appropriate correction at high frequencies and helps restore direct and reflected sound balance.
2. Audyssey Flat
This mode similarly uses MultEQ filters as Audyssey but does not apply a high-frequency roll-off. It is most appropriate for tiny rooms where the listener is positioned closer to the loudspeakers.
You can also use the setting in rooms with THX Certified receivers utilizing the THX processing mode.
3. Audyssey Bypass L/R
This mode uses MultEQ XT filters. However, it does not apply any filtering to the front left and right speakers.
It uses the average measured response from the front left and right speakers as the target curve for the remaining speakers in the system. In this case, the sub is equalized to flat.
4. Manual
A manual setting is a traditional graphic equalizer. Although it does not use MultEQ XT filters, the “base curve” measured during the Auto Setup process can copy to the Graphic EQ, where you can then adjust to your preferences.
Audyssey MultEQ Xt32
This room correction variant offers sound correction for multiple seating positions in up to six different places. In addition, the Audyssey MultEQ XT32 allows a receiver to create independent equalization for two subwoofers to provide smooth bass response over a large portion of a living room.
Audyssey MultEQ vs. xt32
Comparing Audyssey MultEQ with XT32, the big difference is in the resolution of the filters they offer. XT32 can therefore correct more problematic rooms with a better result than MultEQ in the same room and all things being equal. Besides, it can correct bass more effectively due to the high filter resolution.
Audyssey MultEQ Reference Vs. Flat
Audyssey MultEQ delivers a more natural sound effect with less EQ than the “flat” setting. Flat, on the other hand, does not mimic what happens to sound in real life and bypasses roll-offs.
Audyssey MultEQ Editor App Compatibility
The editor app launched by Denon and Marantz makes it easier for home theater enthusiasts to refine and customize system setup.
The app is available for Android and iOS devices and allows you to adjust the settings made by Audyssey’s automated MultEQ calibration system. Some of the compatible Denon models include AVR-X6300H, AVR-X4300H, AVR-S920W, and AVR-930H. Some of the compatible Marantz AV receivers include AV7730, SR5011, and NR1607.
Audyssey MultEQ Editor App Settings
Audyssey MultEQ Editor app now allows you to view and adjust settings for more detailed tuning. This makes it easier to customize the sound to the problems in your room and precisely tailor the sound to your preferences. Some of the settings you can access with this app include:
- View speaker detection results and check the correct installation
- View calibration results
- Edit Audyssey target curve for each channel
- Switch between 2 high frequency roll-off target curves
- Enable and disable midrange compensation to make the sound smoother
- Save calibration results