Cambridge Audio 540R V3 User Manual

The 540R v3 allows level calibration to match the acoustic level

between different types/sizes or even manufacturers of speaker that

may be being used for each channel. This is achieved by adjusting the

relative level of each speaker through the ‘Level Calibration’ menu in the

OSD.

The basic process is to listen to or measure with an SPL meter (more

accurate and recommended but not essential) the level of sound

produced by each speaker and set relative levels for each speaker so

that they all sound the same loudness at the normal listening position.

The 540R v3 incorporates a Test Signal Generator (broad-band white

noise) to facilitate this.

Set the unit to a normal listening level or half maximum volume

approximately. Press the OSD button on the remote control then select

the ‘Level Calibration’ menu. Now turn on the test signal by highlighting

this item and pressing the Left or Right arrows:

A “rushing” or “hissy” sound should be heard, initially through the Front

Left Speaker.

You can now move up and down the channels using Volume Up/Down

on the remote. Each time a new channel is selected the test signal will

be heard to move to that channel. Compare the loudness of all channels

as heard at the listening position.

Now adjust the channels so they all sound the same (in terms of

loudness only, channels of different frequency responses can sound

different in terms of the “tone” of the sound i.e. more or less hissy).

Pick the channel that sounds most different and select it to listen to the

test signal. Now adjust the relative level in dB (using Arrow left/right on

the remote) and continue comparing it to other channels until it is of

equal loudness. The level can be adjusted up to + or - 10dB in 1dB

steps. Repeat the process with the next loudest channel etc. Once all

channels sound the same in terms of loudness, press the OSD button

again to save the settings and exit the menu.

3. Level calibration

Level Calibration

Test Signal : On
Front L : 0dB
Front R : 0dB
Surround L : 0dB
Surround R : 0dB
Center : 0dB
Subwoofer : 0dB
Surr. Back : 0dB

Return to Menu : [OSD]

The next step is to select each source input in turn on the 540R v3 and

tell the unit the type of audio connection you want to use for that source

(Analog or Digital input).

The 540R v3 remembers this setting individually for every source input

and automatically recalls it as and when you change source input.

Select the ‘Input Setup’ menu. Highlight each source in turn and select

either analog or digital input types (use the Left and Right arrows):

Analog inputs will require a stereo phono/RCA to phono/RCA cable

connection to the 540R v3. Digital inputs will require either a 75ohm

digital type phono/RCA to phono/RCA co-axial cable (SPDIF) or an

optical fibre cable (TOSLINK). The 540R v3 will automatically use

whichever is connected. Do not make connections to both the Optical

and Co-axial inputs for a source.

Note: Video 3, Tuner, Tape and 6.1 Direct only have analog connections

and so are not selectable in this menu.

Once you have set the audio types exit the OSD to save.

This setting can also be changed at any time without using the OSD by

pressing the Input Mode button on the front panel (or Audio In Type

button on the remote). This will then cycle between analog or digital

input types for the currently selected source; as usual they will then be

remembered the next time you return to that source.

4. Source setup

Input Setup Menu

DVD : Digital
Video1 : Analog
Video2 : Analog
Video3 : Analog
Tuner : Analog
Tape : Analog
CD/Aux : Analog
6.1 Direct : Analog

Return to Menu : [OSD]