Please note that this article is based on content included in Secrets of Audyssey.
Audyssey Dynamic Volume is a feature designed to maintain a consistent listening experience by controlling volume fluctuations, especially during sudden shifts in audio levels, such as commercials or action-packed scenes. While it’s an essential tool for many, using it effectively requires a nuanced approach based on your listening environment and content preferences.
Dynamic Volume OFF: The Ideal Scenario
For movie enthusiasts aiming for the purest audio experience, turning Dynamic Volume off is the ideal approach. However, this is only recommended if you’ve already addressed the five key pillars of Reference Playback, ensuring your setup is optimized for true reference-level audio.
When Dynamic Volume is off, the audio can be richer and more detailed, but this comes with a caveat. To truly appreciate the nuances in the mix, you need to listen at higher volumes, typically above -20dB on your volume dial, and preferably at -15dB or higher. Anything lower, and you risk losing the quieter details within the audio stream that contribute to a more immersive experience, as they start to fall below the human threshold of hearing – and due to auditory masking, as they are masked by louder sounds.
Dynamic Volume ON: When Adjustments Are Needed
If your system hasn’t fully addressed all five pillars of Reference Playback, or you’re dealing with content that has a wide dynamic range, you might need to turn Dynamic Volume on. For movie content:
- RLO Setting: 5 or 0
- Switch Dynamic Volume to Light (Day) mode.
Even with all pillars in place, you might still find Dynamic Volume beneficial in certain situations. However, be aware that turning it on can sometimes make the audio sound more tonally aggressive, especially at higher volumes. If this happens, consider increasing the RLO to 5, instead of leaving it at 0.
Failsafe Dynamic Volume Setting
If you prefer not to tinker with settings constantly or if you’re unsure which setting to choose, the Light (Day) setting offers a reliable, hands-off approach. This mode ensures that you won’t be caught off guard by sudden loud shifts in volume, making it ideal for action-heavy movies or content with unpredictable audio levels.
Customizing Dynamic Volume by Input
A practical approach to using Dynamic Volume is to tailor it to the type of content most often consumed on each input. Here’s a quick reference:
| Input | General Content | Recommended Dynamic Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Apple TV / Streaming Box | Movies, TV Shows, Music, YouTube | Off or Light |
| Blu-ray Player | Movie-heavy listening | Light* |
| Blu-ray Player | TV and Music heavy listening | Off or Light |
| CD Player | Modern music heavy listening | Off |
| CD Player | Classical heavy listening | Off |
| Game Consoles | Games | Off |
*Refer to the “Dynamic Volume for Movies” section in Secrets of Audyssey for more details.
Creating Day and Night Modes
Audyssey Dynamic Volume can be combined with Dynamic EQ to create distinct day and night listening modes. On older AVRs, these modes were labeled as Day, Evening, and Night, which correspond to Light, Medium, and Heavy settings on newer AVRs and processors, respectively.
For night or evening listening, when noise might be of concern, a more aggressive Dynamic Volume mode might be required. TV shows, which typically have less dynamic impact than movies, will work with a less aggressive Dynamic Volume mode. Movies, on the other hand, may require a more robust setting to achieve the desired audio effect, in which case Medium or Heavy Dynamic Volume settings can be used.
Music Listening: A Matter of Preference
When it comes to music, your choice of Dynamic Volume setting largely depends on the genre. Here’s a quick guide:
- Pop, Rock, and House Music: These genres typically have less dynamic range, so a less aggressive Dynamic Volume setting is usually adequate. My recommendation is for it to be OFF.
- Classical Music (e.g., Opera, Orchestra): This genre has a really large dynamic range. So if you aren’t able to listen to it at higher volumes, or in a completely quiet environment, it might be a good idea to turn Dynamic Volume on. Otherwise, you might miss the quieter sections. It’s also a good idea to turn Dynamic Volume on for night listening when family is sleeping.
Conclusion
Audyssey Dynamic Volume is a versatile tool that, when used thoughtfully, can greatly enhance your listening experience. Whether you’re a movie buff aiming for the perfect cinematic sound or a music lover listening late at night, understanding when and how to use Dynamic Volume will help you get the most out of your Audyssey setup.
Remember, the key is balance—knowing when to let Dynamic Volume take the reins and when to trust your finely-tuned system to deliver audio just as it was meant to be heard.
Please note that this article is based on content included in Secrets of Audyssey. Get your copy today if you’d like to know more.
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