How to Configure Channel Levels
Channel levels refer to the individual volume setting (measured in decibels, dB) for each speaker in your sound system — front, centre, surround, height, and subwoofer.
Why Are Channel Levels Important?
Every speaker is placed at a different distance from the listening position and may have different characteristics (size, power, placement).
Channel levels let you:
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Correct for distance differences (e.g. rear speakers being farther away)
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Balance louder/quieter speakers
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Ensure seamless audio movement (like in a movie where sound pans from left to right)
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Align Atmos height channels to feel immersive, not detached
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Match subwoofer level so bass is present but not overpowering
Recommended Channel Levels (Baseline)
(All values in decibels – dB)
| Channel | Recommended Starting Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front Left (FL) | 0.0 dB | Reference anchor |
| Front Right (FR) | 0.0 dB | Match FL for stereo balance |
| Centre | +1.5 dB | Slight boost improves dialogue clarity |
| Surround Left (SL) | +1.0 dB | Compensate for distance/angle |
| Surround Right (SR) | +1.0 dB | Should match SL for rear balance |
| Height Left (HL) | +2.0 dB | Boost helps Atmos effects stand out |
| Height Right (HR) | +2.0 dB | Match HL to maintain vertical panning |
| Subwoofer (LFE) | +3.0 dB | Strong low-end presence (adjust to taste) |
How it Works in Cinema App
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Each speaker in your layout is shown.
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Tap the centre listening position to begin a test tone from each speaker.
Adjust each speaker's Level (dB) using + / − buttons:
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+ dB = Increase volume for quieter speakers
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− dB = Decrease volume for louder/closer speakers
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Example Scenarios
| Situation | Solution with Channel Level |
|---|---|
| Rear speakers sound too quiet | Increase SR/SL dB |
| Subwoofer is overpowering the mix | Decrease Sub/LFE dB |
| Dialogue feels too loud or too soft | Adjust Centre dB |
| Ceiling (Atmos) channels barely audible | Boost HL/HR dB |
Why These Values?
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Centre +1.5 dB: Dialogue is often mixed too low — this boost ensures speech clarity.
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Surrounds +1.0 dB: Rear channels are often farther from listeners; this compensates for distance.
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Heights +2.0 dB: Atmos effects can be subtle; boosting makes them more immersive.
-
Subwoofer +3.0 dB: Provides cinematic impact; can be reduced for music or late-night listening.
✅ Summary
| Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Channel Levels | Match the loudness of all speakers at the listener's position |
| Why it matters | Creates accurate surround staging and immersive sound |
| When to adjust | After setting layout and speaker distances |
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