I have a 990/7500, Axiom speakers (M80's-main, VP150-center, QS8-surrounds), and an Outlaw LFM-1 EX sub. I have an analog SPL meter from radio shack and I need some help. I think I must have done something wrong.

I set the volume on the 990 to 0dB and used the manual test tone option from the menu. I calibrated all the speakers to 75dB, but nearly all of my trim levels are set anywhere between -9 and -13dB, which doesn't seem right. I had to turn the sub trim level down to -15dB (it's lowest setting) just to get it to 80dB.

Does this seem right? Any suggestions for what I've done wrong? Might it have to do with the sensitivity rating of the speakers (which I don't know off the top of my head and, to be honest, what that really means anyway)? Also, should the surrounds be calibrated at 75dB as well?

On a related topic, any suggestions for crossover frequencies? I think I have the M80's set for 80Hz, the center at 120Hz, and the surrounds at 100Hz.

Any help would be appreciated.

Is the meter set for "slow" and "C-weighted"? Those are the two settings that aren't mentioned which could influence calibration. If it isn't set to those, it should be.

The M80's appear to be relatively efficient speakers (95dB in-room, 91dB anechoic), and if your room is small to medium sized it may be even easier on the speaker. The VP150 center and QS8 surrounds have the same efficiency numbers. You are also running a 7500, and I'm guessing that you're connected with balanced cables (yielding a slight increase in the level of the output signal over an unbalanced connection). That could go a long way to explaining why you are able to turn the trims down by as much as 10dB to get down to a reference level calibration. As for the sub trim, check the volume control knob on the sub itself and make sure it's not past about half-way before doing any re-calibration. You may need to dial the sub's internal amp down a bit.

What I might do in your case is calibrate for a higher reference level. In other words, do one of two things: leave the volume at 0dB and calibrate to 65dB, or turn the volume down to -10dB and calibrate to 75dB. The main goal of calibration will be achieved (all channels will be playing at the same level relative to each other), but you will typically have your volume set to a position about 10dB lower than someone else might. This will do no harm.

As for crossovers, your speakers' individual "-3dB" points are as follows:
M80 = 34Hz
VP150 = 85Hz
QS8 = 95Hz
Based on those numbers, I might actually swap your center and surround settings (go to 100Hz for center and 120Hz for surrounds) or possibly set both to 120Hz. You could probably try the M80's at 60Hz and see how you like them there.

I don't think your settings are off. I set for 80 db. I don't have Axioms but my settings are this.

FL - -9
C - -2
FR - -9
BR - 0
BL - -10
Sub - -8

(large difference in the rears is due to location relative to the sweet spot)

My fronts, center and rears are at 32Hz close to your M80's. I found I like them set at 80Hz for the crossover.

Oh and gonk are you sure about the "fast" setting. I've always heard you should use "slow" and C that is what I have been using. I'm not sure what the "fast" and "slow" refer to.

You're right, mzpro5 - it should be "slow" - not "fast." Editing previous post to fix the error...

Fredneck,
gonk is on top of it ... we would expect nothing less from him!!!!

Just turn down your volume. try -5 or -10 at 75db. This is what i do.

you should be golden.....

Thank you everyone

Oops, accidently sent the last reply before I finished. I'm glad to read I'm not necessarily doing anything wrong with the trim levels.

gonk, I did have the meter set on "C" and "slow." I'll have to play around with the sub setting.

One last question...should the surrounds also be calibrated to play at the same level as the front and center speakers?

Yes they should all read the same. Your source material or mode will decide what you hear from the surrounds.

I'm gonna have to give that a try and see how I like it.

As mzpro5 points out, all channels should be calibrated to the same level - that's why we are using the SPL meter in the first place.