Smart Audio Soundbar Calibration Reference Guide

The Savant Smart Audio Soundbar offers an elegant and intelligent alternative to traditional audio/video receivers, providing a wide sound stage and superior audio quality. WiSA certification enables the addition of subwoofers and surrounds with uncompressed 24-bit wireless resolution. Integrated Savant Host capability allows for whole-home control and impressive audio within a single, configurable package. This guide outlines recommended best practices for calibrating the Savant Smart Audio WiSA Soundbar with wireless surround speakers and subwoofers to ensure an optimal entertainment experience.

Required Devices

• Savant Smart Audio WiSA Soundbar [HST-STUDIO55WS-SUR]
• Savant Smart Audio WiSA Surround Speakers [SPK-SUR3WSx]
• Savant Smart Audio WiSA Sub 1 [SPK-S1WSx]
• Sound Pressure Level (SPL) meter
• Savant Development Environment (SDE)
• Network access to the Soundbar's network
• Internet access
• Login information for a preferred music application
• Phone or tablet with the Savant Pro App installed, or another Savant UI device

1. Set Up Devices

Follow the install and setup instructions provided in the guides for the specific devices being used. Below is a list of recommended documents for reference. All configuration, including physical connections and WiSA device setup, must be completed before proceeding with the calibration process.

Important Note: The Smart Audio Soundbar receives its Surround Sound signal via its TOSLink input. If multiple video sources are used, the TV's TOSLink output is the recommended method for routing audio to the Soundbar, assuming all HDMI sources are routed to the display. For optimal performance, connect the Smart Audio Soundbar to the network using its RJ45 Ethernet connection.

Recommended Documents

• Savant IP Audio Products with Integrated Host Deployment Guide [009-1839-xx]
• Savant Smart Audio WiSA Setup Guide [009-1903-xx]
• Savant Smart Audio WiSA Soundbar Quick Reference Guide [009-1878-xx]
• Savant Smart Audio WiSA Surround Speakers Quick Reference Guide [009-1883-xx]
• Savant Smart Audio WiSA Sub 1 Quick Reference Guide [009-1886-xx]

2. Speaker Placement

When placing speakers, consider factors such as room size, shape, and the location of available power outlets. The following describes an example of ideal placement for a five-channel Smart Audio Soundbar system:

• Ideal Listener Location (A): The prime listening/viewing position.
• Smart Audio WiSA Soundbar (B): Ideally mounted directly below the TV, with the middle of the center channel positioned directly in front of the listener.
• Smart Audio WiSA Sub (C): For a single subwoofer, place it in one of the front corners of the room. For two subwoofers, place them in diagonally opposed corners.
• Smart Audio WiSA Surrounds (D): Position surround speakers slightly behind and to the sides of the listener, at approximately head height.

2.1. Subwoofer Placement

Savant recommends using two subwoofers, placed in diagonally opposed corners, for the most even in-room bass response. A single subwoofer should be placed in or near a corner boundary, a technique known as "corner loading," to maximize output across the widest frequency range.

Note: When completing the calibration in the Web UI, measure distances from the subwoofer placed furthest from the ideal listening position.

Subwoofer Settings

Bass settings, including crossover and gain, are managed through the Soundbar. Configure the following settings on the subwoofer's bottom panel:

• Volume Level = Maximum
• Low-Pass Filter = 160Hz
• Phase = 0
• Crossover Slope = 12db Per Octave
• Power = Always On

2.2. Surround Placement

Optional speaker stands are recommended for Savant WiSA Surround Speakers and are available from the Savant Store. Surrounds must be connected to a power outlet and placed behind the primary seating area, as illustrated in the placement examples.

Note: Position surround speakers to the left and right rear at approximately 110° to 120° angles relative to the center channel.

3. Soundbar Web Configuration

The following subsections detail recommended settings for optimal calibration of a Smart Audio Soundbar system, including connected WiSA subwoofers and surround speakers. For comprehensive details on each setting, consult the IP Audio Products with Host Deployment Guide available on the Savant Customer Community.

3.1. Configuration Starting Point

Helpful Info: For Smart Audio Soundbars deployed with da Vinci 9.4 or higher, the settings described below are typically preconfigured by default.

1. Open the Soundbar's Web UI by entering its IP address into a web browser and logging in. The default username and password are RPM / RPM.
2. Navigate to the "Inputs and Outputs" tab and verify that the trim for "Digital In 1" and "Media Server" is set to zero.
3. Navigate to the "Calibration" tab and confirm that the delay is set to 0 ms for all channels.
4. Physically measure the distance from each speaker channel to the preferred seating position.
5. Enter these measured distances for each channel.
6. Verify that the Crossover Frequency is set to 100 Hz for all channels.
7. Verify that the Trim is set to 0 dB for all channels.
8. Verify that the Slope is set to +24 dB for all channels.

The following table illustrates the "Calibration" tab with these initial settings:

3.2. Subwoofer Phase Alignment

Phase alignment ensures the Soundbar and subwoofer play audio in sync. The 100Hz crossover setting acts as a filter, sharing audio information between the Soundbar and subwoofer in the 50Hz-100Hz range. Accurate alignment in this critical region is essential for time-sensitive audio reproduction.

Use a 100Hz test tone to phase align the subwoofer with the Soundbar. Savant recommends the album "Audio Line-Up Test Tones (Calibration Reference Check)," track 7 (100Hz, -10db). Direct links are provided:

• Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/album/29581889
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2biaLMlbvp49RqkEhKNKOw?si=a0CycfQOTzquPoJrNZFxqQ
• Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/en/album/7789589

Note: If two subwoofers are used, follow the "Two Subwoofers in Use" steps before proceeding.

Single Subwoofer Alignment Steps:

1. Open the Soundbar's Web UI in a web browser and log in.
2. Select the "Calibration" tab.
3. Use the Savant Pro App to activate a Savant Music stream playing the recommended 100 Hz track on repeat.
4. Use an SPL meter set to 'C' Weighing and 'Slow' Response.
5. In the Web UI, select the Subwoofer distance field. Adjusting this value changes the phase alignment. Limit changes to +/- 10 feet (3 m).
6. Adjust the distance until the sound is loudest within the +/- 10 ft (3 m) range.

Two Subwoofers in Use:

These steps should be completed first when using two subwoofers. This may require a second person to adjust the phase knob on the subwoofer.

1. Use the Savant Pro App to activate a Savant Music stream playing the recommended 100 Hz track on repeat.
2. Set the phase to 0 for both subwoofers.
3. Use an SPL meter set to 'C' Weighing and 'Slow' Response.
4. Slowly adjust the phase knob on the subwoofer closest to the listener to find the point of highest volume.
5. Once a peak volume is found, slowly turn the knob back to the peak.

3.3. Calibrate Trim

This process calibrates the output level for each channel to a reference point.

1. Use the Savant Pro App to activate a Savant Music service without playing any content.
2. Open the Soundbar's Web UI in a web browser and log in.
3. Select the "Calibration" tab.
4. Select "Start Test Tone".
5. Unmute the center channel.
6. Sit in the preferred seating position.
7. Using an SPL meter set to 'C' Weighing and 'Slow' Response, point the meter at the channel being calibrated.
8. Use the Savant App to adjust the service volume until the meter reads 75 dB.
9. Mute the center channel and unmute the left channel. Adjust the trim until the SPL meter reads 75 dB.
10. Mute the active channel in the Web UI.
11. Repeat steps 10 and 11 for the right channel, both surround channels, and the subwoofer. All channels should have their trim settings adjusted to a reference of 75 dB from the same seating position.
12. Once complete, select "Stop Test Tone".

The following table shows example final trim settings after calibration: