Home Theatre Topics
LEFT
SURR
LEFT
BACK LEFT
Above is the Dolby Labs recommended layout for 7.1systems.
The 6.1 layout is the same except a single central speaker replaces
the two back units. The 5.1 layout has no back speakers
CENTRE
SUB
RIGHT
0º
BACK RIGHT
Placement: The Front and Centre speakers should be in line. If this is not
possible, consult your processor manual for guidance on adjusting
relative centre/front delay times. If you have a 5.1 system, the listening
seat can be closer to the rear wall. As always, be prepared to experiment.
Bass Management: AV processors offer the choice of 'Large' or 'Small'
for the speakers. If you choose 'Large' the speaker receives the full
frequency. Choose 'Small' and the bass is sent to the Subwoofer. We
recommend you choose 'Small' for the 1000Ci and the 1010i and 1020i
wherever they are used in the system. The 1050i should be set to 'Large'.
The 1030i would normally be set to 'Large' but you may set it to 'Small'
The subwoofer option should be enabled (set to 'ON' or 'YES')
Levels: When the basic system parameters have been established, put
your processor into the 'setup' routine. Set up each individual speaker so
that the level is the same at the listening position as all the others. If your
processor enables you to adjust the delay times, follow the instructions
closely as this will profoundly affect the final result. When you play a
movie you may think the rear channels are too soft - they aren't! You may
however have to adjust the subwoofer level both at the processor and at
the subwoofer. Once set, do not re-adjust these levels.
SURR
LFE: The LFE channel sends all the bass sound effects to the subwoofer.
RIGHT
If speakers are set to 'Small' , system bass from those channels is also
sent to the subwoofer. If you play the system at extreme levels and/or
have the subwoofer level set too high you may overdrive the subwoofer
with unpleasant sonic results. If this occurs, reduce the level
immediately.
Phase: If your speakers are incorrectly wired the bass will be blurred and
thin. In this case, check the wiring carefully. If your speaker wire has a
tracer along one core, consistently use the striped core to connect all the
positive (RED) terminals. In this way the system will always be in phase.
Always follow the instructions in your AV processor manual!