Fine tuning – Acoustic Energy L3 User Manual

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Fine Tuning

The final step in the set-up and tuning process is some amplitude adjustment/equalization to

achieve the desired tonal character, as well as to help stabilize image definition. Hybrid Audio
strongly encourages the users of the Legatia L3’s to use only a minimum amount of

equalization. If you find that more than four or five decibels of equalization are needed, there
is likely another, more invasive and underlying problem with the system, such as a nodal or

phasing issue that cannot be corrected with any amount of equalization. Use the equalizer

only to cater the system to your own taste and your impression on what best represents
accurate reproduction of the original source. And the only way to know exactly what your

system should sound like is to get a musical reference.

The use of a Real Time Analyzer (RTA) is a valuable tool for learning frequency response

character of your Legatia L3’s, and should be used for nothing more than a tool, and not a
mechanism to tune your car audio system. Your ears, combined with the processor, your

brain, are the most advanced test instrument in the world. The RTA, although a valuable tool,
cannot differentiate between direct and reflected waves, and basically sums the frequency

response of the speakers and all of its reflections. At Hybrid Audio, we recommend using the

RTA for setting a “type curve” (a curve we anticipate to sound good), and the use of the
device in “active mode” to evaluate problem tones identified by ear. All intermediate and final

tuning should be done by ear with a good reference.

Listening Tests

The final stop on the path to achieving good results from your Legatia L3 midrange drivers is
to just simply listen to them with as many types of familiar media as possible. Listen for the

nuances in the music, and the passion the playback envelopes. This is by far the most

laborious part of the installation, but also by far the most rewarding! You know that you’re
approaching the high fidelity you want when you’re spending more time in your car than

anywhere else!