Step 5: Adjust the sub's volume level
Fine-tune the sub's volume to eliminate boomy bass.
Precisely dialing in the proper subwoofer level takes time. Start with the subwoofer's level (volume) control set to its mid position and play some bassy CDs or DVDs (hip-hop music or an action movie, for example). Turn the sub level up or down so that the bass balance sounds right to you. What you'll soon discover is that some CDs and DVDs have a lot more bass than others. What you're shooting for is a level that sounds about right for the majority of your discs. Don't be surprised if you find yourself refining that level over the following days; it can take a long time to get it just right. You can set the level either from the receiver's setup menu or using a knob found on the subwoofer itself. Even if you have a sound pressure meter, such as RadioShack's 33-4050, don't use it to set the subwoofer's volume; it's not all that accurate in the low-frequency range in which subwoofers operate.
Tip:
Some folks like to have more subwoofer bass when watching DVDs, so you may need to turn up the sub's volume for DVDs, then crank it back down when playing music.
Step 6: Verify that the sub's operating in phase
Calibration discs are highly recommended for optimizing performance.
Fortunately, the phase switch found on most subwoofers offers an easy solution to the problem. To determine if your sub's phase is correct, play music with a lot of bass for a minute or so. Then walk over to the sub, flip the phase switch to the other position, and head back to the couch. The right (in-phase) position will yield more bass; the wrong (out-of-phase) position will actually cancel the bass where the satellites' and sub's bass overlap. In some cases, the difference between in phase and out of phase will be very obvious, and sometimes it can be fairly subtle. It's just a matter of finding the right piece of bassy music that highlights the overlap. If you have friends helping out, they can sit by the sub and flip the switch while you listen for the phase position that yields the most bass.
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