Step 1 - The Acoustic Design Review (ADR)
The Acoustic Design Review (ADR) is our review of your system or room. It is a qualitative analysis of the system design as opposed to the quantitative measurements obtained by Room/System Analysis and Measurement. It is the first half of a complete system review and calibration. The ADR process begins with a site survey of your listening room in person or via detailed drawings. The process continues with a very thorough analysis of the design. We review every relevant element of your system design in the context of desired acoustical goals.
These goals include:
• Clarity: Clear understandable dialogue, low level sonic detailing.
• Focus: Localization of sounds within the front sound stage.
• Impact: Dynamics: dynamic contrast, clarity even when at peak sound levels.
• Smooth Response: Minimize the booms, ringing and shrills, correct timbre.
• Sonic Envelopment: Smooth front to back panning, swimming in sound.
• Large Sweet Spot: Each listener should hear the above qualities
Every element of your current or proposed system is reviewed for suitability. The HAA ADR is designed to be a “sanity check” to make sure your expectations of sound quality will be met for a proposed system or how to improve an existing one.
The final report is a concise list of our recommendations for proposed modifications to the overall system design. The ADR is not a guarantee of great sound, nor does completing the ADR function as a calibration of your system. Rather, it is the first step in creating the calibration plan which will result in the great sound you desire.
Step 2 - System/Room Analysis and Measurement (SAM)
The Acoustic Design Review or ADR is a qualitative analysis of a system design meanwhile the System/Room Analysis and Measurement (SAM) is a quantitative measurement of performance. The SAM is performed using our Sencore Real Time Analyzer (RTA) and Energy Time Analyzer (ETA). The SAM also involves critical listening to judge performance. The analysis is used as an objective review of the actual performance of a system and room. Used in conjunction with the ADR it is the second half of a complete system review. We will review actual measured performance and makes adjustments in the context of desired acoustical goals.
These goals include:
• Clarity: Clear understandable dialogue, low level sonic detailing.
• Focus: Localization of sounds within the front sound stage.
• Impact: Dynamics: dynamic contrast, clarity even when at peak sound levels.
• Smooth Response: Minimize the booms, ringing and shrills, correct timbre.
• Sonic Envelopment: Smooth front to back panning, swimming in sound.
• Large Sweet Spot: Each listener should hear the above qualities
A typical SAM usually includes basic calibration services but does not include more complex redesign or acoustical treatments. Depending on SAM findings, a basic calibration may not be feasible if room or equipment problems are significant. The final conclusion of the ADR/SAM process may result in the creation of an advanced calibration plan if necessary. Calibration of a system or tuning of the room is not a simplistic proposition. Each system/room is different. Equally important is the level of flexibility each client has regarding recommended layout changes or budget limitations. The SAM process is required to properly calibrate the system, providing an objective profile of the system before and after calibration.
Another element included in the SAM is a diagnostic review of system operation. Simply put, there is no point searching for acoustical problems in a design without making sure all components are functioning properly, correctly wired and installed.
Step 3 - Basic Calibration
Basic calibration services include adjustment of speaker levels, calibration of reference level, precision setting of time delay, minor speaker reorientation, subwoofer calibration, minor room furnishing movements, and response optimization. The basic calibration will typically yield significant improvements in sound quality but can be limited by room or equipment anomalies. In most cases an analysis of the system and room should be completed before or in conjunction with a basic calibration to optimize performance enhancement.
Step 4 - Advanced Calibration Plan
The Acoustic Design Review is a qualitative analysis of a system design and the System/Room Analysis and Measurement is a quantitative measurement of performance. From each, we can draw conclusions about problems or potential improvements possible in a system design. After completing these reviews, if significant improvement is possible, a further proposal can be created; the advanced calibration plan. This plan in effect becomes a new design crafted to reduce or perhaps even eliminate a sonic objection. Basic calibration involves minor adjustments and changes. Advanced calibration involves larger changes designed to correct room acoustics or equipment shortfalls. Given the client’s priorities and budget, the Advanced Calibration Plan, which is designed to tackle larger issues, specifies the requirements of any major system redesign or more sophisticated calibration procedures.
