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Track 52 Stereo Image Evaluation Guide
Purpose
Track 52 is a powerful audio tool designed to help you accurately evaluate and optimize the imaging and alignment of your speakers. By using your ears, you can determine if your speakers are cohesively working together and if your center image is positioned correctly.
Understanding Your Soundstage
- Center Image: Ideally positioned directly between the left and right boundaries of your soundstage.
- Left & Right Boundaries: These can extend beyond or sit within the physical confines of your vehicle. Close your eyes and point toward the perceived leftmost and rightmost edges of the soundstage. The center should lie precisely midway between these two points.
Listening & Evaluation
- Begin Playback: Start Track 52 and listen carefully. The sound should appear to emanate from the center position.
- Frequency Localization: You might struggle to pinpoint exact sound positions at frequencies below approximately 100Hz—this is normal.
- Note Observations: As you listen through each frequency segment, note whether the sound image remains centered or shifts to one side. Detail how far off-center it is, if applicable.
DSP Adjustment & Optimization
- Review Your DSP Settings: Based on your listening notes, identify adjustments needed—this might involve:
- Speaker level adjustments
- Equalization (EQ) adjustments at specific frequency ranges
- Delay adjustments
- Applying an all-pass filter
- Preserve Original Settings: Before making adjustments, duplicate your existing DSP preset. This allows for easy comparison (A/B testing) between the original settings and any adjustments you make.
- Refine and Recheck: After initial adjustments, replay Track 52 using only pairs of speakers (e.g., front left and right). This step helps further refine the stereo image and achieve a stable, precise center positioning.
- Repeat these steps until you achieve an optimal and balanced audio image.
