HAA Process Defined

1) Acoustic Design Review (ADR):

Design and Layout Review: Review and make recommendations for improvements to the layout and design of a system.

Equipment Evaluation: Review the proper operation, setup and connection of all audio equipment.

2) Advanced Calibration Plan (ACP):

Design Changes: Based upon the ADR, identify and cost out specific changes suggested to optimize acoustic calibration that require more than easy changes: speaker reinstallation, equipment repairs, adding acoustical treatment, added/new components, additional subwoofer, equipment upgrade, etc.

Install Changes: Install and implement design changes based upon calibration plan

3) Acoustic Calibration Review (ACR):

Gather Data: Listen to and measure all sonic parameters in order to define any opportunities for performance improvement and document current performance status. (ACR)

Response Optimization: Realignment of listening position, speaker position and electronic controls to achieve target frequency response. (ACR)

Soundstage Optimization: Focus speakers for best soundstage and review room for acoustical problems and solutions. (ACR)

Document Calibration: Provide documentation that shows improvements and shortfalls in performance. (ACR)

Discussion

What does a high end home theater system sound like? Is the quality of sound dictated by the equipment, the room acoustics or is there more? No one would think of driving their car without the engine properly tuned. Yet many folks do not realize the same requirement exists for their home theater system.

The prospect of paying an individual to tune your sound system is relatively new to most people. Yet most consumers are quick to recognize the need for such a service. The HAA's role in this discussion is to define and reinforce the value of proper audio design and calibration. The prospect of paying an individual to optimize a sound system pivots in the minds of the value minded consumer on two points; a) the results and benefits of such a process and b) the skills and knowledge of the calibrator.

Defining the benefits of calibration for the consumer revolves around defining sound quality. One of the ways the HAA does this is by explaining the metrics of sound quality namely the familiar Clarity, Focus, Envelopment, Dynamics and Response discussion. For a proactive AV Calibrator, the demonstration of these qualities in the showroom provides a powerful incentive to the consumer not only toward the value of calibration but toward the skills and equipment lines of the company.

Adding calibration as a line item on the bill implies that one could choose to not to calibrate. Calibration is not optional; it is an integral part of the installation. Calibration begins with the proper design and setup of a system. Failing to complete this process or performing it poorly is not somehow made acceptable if you don't get charged for it. Taking the time to properly calibrate reinforces the high aim of the AV Contractor toward quality and differentiates the installation from inferior ones. It's value is reinforced by the care taken by the AV Contractor and the time and effort they expended to become a great calibrators.

Step 1: The Acoustic Design Review (ADR)

The ADR is a simple and relatively inexpensive review of a system. It is one person’s opinion of your system or room but it is based on the standards of the AV industry. The ADR process begins with a survey of the listening room in person or via detailed drawings. The calibrator reviews every relevant element of system in the context of desired acoustical goals. These goals include:

• Clarity: Clear understandable dialogue, articulate reproduction of detail.
• Focus: Correct localization of sounds within the 360 degree sound stage.
• Dynamics: Theatrically correct loudness, articulate detailing at low sound levels.
• Response: Accurate tone, deep balanced bass, realistic reproduction of sounds
• Envelopment: Smooth front to rear panning, 360 degree soundstage.

The ADR is designed to make sure the clients expectations of sound quality will be met for a proposed system or how to improve the design of an existing one. The final report is a concise list of recommendations by the calibrator. Next, the the calibrator needs to listen and analyze the systems response in the room. The technician will perform a basic calibration in the process. We call this onsite procedure the Level II System Analysis or Level II; It is step two.

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