Do you have a question about the Audyssey ACM1-X and is the answer not in the manual?
ACM1-X microphones are individually calibrated against a Type I reference microphone traceable to NIST standards.
Each microphone has a unique serial number and a corresponding correction file for download within the MultEQ-X application.
Using the ACM1-X with its correction file ensures exceptional accuracy in measurements for frequency response and sensitivity.
Download and install the MultEQ-X application from the Microsoft store.
Refer to the MultEQ-X manual for signing in, purchasing a license, and connecting to an AVR.
Connect the ACM1-X microphone to the AVR Mic Input connector.
On the 'Measure' or 'Adjust Sub Levels' page, select ‘Add New Mic’.
Enter the ACM1-X serial number and click 'Download Mic File' for the calibration file.
Click the 'Add Microphone' Button to make the downloaded file available for measurements.
The Audyssey ACM1-X is a precision-calibrated measurement microphone designed for use with Audyssey's MultEQ-X measurement software and compatible AV receivers. Its primary function is to provide accurate acoustic measurements for room calibration, ensuring optimal audio performance in a given listening environment.
The core function of the ACM1-X is to capture sound within a room and provide highly accurate data to the MultEQ-X software. This data is then used to identify and correct acoustic anomalies, such as frequency response irregularities and phase issues, that can negatively impact sound quality. Each ACM1-X microphone is individually calibrated against a Type I reference microphone, ensuring a high degree of precision and reliability in its measurements. This individual calibration is a critical aspect of its design, as it allows for a tailored correction file that accounts for the unique characteristics of each microphone. The traceability to NIST standards further underscores the commitment to accuracy and scientific rigor in its design and manufacturing.
When used in conjunction with the MultEQ-X software, the ACM1-X enables a comprehensive analysis of the listening space. It helps the system understand how sound behaves within the room, taking into account factors like speaker placement, room dimensions, and reflective surfaces. By providing this detailed acoustic fingerprint, the microphone facilitates the creation of a precise equalization curve that optimizes the audio output for that specific environment. This results in a more balanced, clear, and immersive listening experience, free from the distortions and colorations that an untreated room can introduce. The microphone's ability to provide exceptional accuracy in terms of overall frequency response and sensitivity is paramount to achieving these high-fidelity results. Without such a precise measurement tool, the MultEQ-X software would lack the foundational data needed to perform its sophisticated room correction algorithms effectively.
The ACM1-X is designed for straightforward integration into the Audyssey MultEQ-X ecosystem. To begin using the microphone, users first need to download and install the MultEQ-X application from the Microsoft Store. This software serves as the central hub for the calibration process, guiding users through each step. Once the software is installed, users should refer to the MultEQ-X manual for detailed instructions on how to sign in, purchase an AVR license (if applicable), and establish a connection to their AV receiver. This initial setup ensures that the software and hardware components are properly linked and ready for operation.
Connecting the ACM1-X microphone to the AV receiver is a simple process: it plugs directly into the AVR's dedicated Mic Input connector. This physical connection allows the microphone to transmit the captured audio signals to the receiver, which then relays them to the MultEQ-X software for analysis. A key feature of the ACM1-X's usage is its reliance on individual correction files. On the 'Measure' or 'Adjust Sub Levels' page within the MultEQ-X application, users will select the 'Add New Mic' option. This prompts them to enter the unique serial number of their ACM1-X microphone into a designated box. This serial number is crucial because it allows the software to identify the specific microphone being used and download its corresponding correction file.
After entering the serial number, users click the 'Download Mic File' button. The MultEQ-X software then retrieves the specific calibration data for that microphone from Audyssey's servers. A status message will confirm the successful download of the mic file. If an error occurs, users are advised to verify that the serial number was entered correctly and that their internet connection is stable. Once the mic file is successfully downloaded, clicking the 'Add Microphone' button makes the downloaded microphone file available and selected in the microphone selection drop-down menu within the software. At this point, the ACM1-X is fully configured and ready to perform accurate measurements, leveraging its unique calibration data to ensure the highest level of precision in the room correction process. This streamlined process, from software installation to microphone recognition and calibration file integration, makes the ACM1-X a user-friendly tool for achieving professional-grade audio calibration.
The Audyssey ACM1-X calibration microphone is designed for durability and consistent performance, requiring minimal user maintenance. Its robust construction ensures that it can withstand regular use within a home audio setup or professional environment. The primary aspect of maintaining the microphone's accuracy and functionality lies in its proper handling and storage. Users should always handle the microphone with care, avoiding drops or impacts that could potentially damage the sensitive internal components or alter its calibration.
When not in use, it is recommended to store the ACM1-X in a clean, dry environment, ideally in its original packaging or a protective case. This helps to shield it from dust, moisture, and extreme temperature fluctuations, all of which can negatively affect electronic devices over time. Keeping the microphone free from dust and debris, particularly around the microphone capsule, is important to ensure unobstructed sound capture. While the manual does not specify routine cleaning procedures, a gentle wipe with a soft, dry cloth can help maintain its external appearance.
The digital nature of its calibration, through downloadable correction files, also contributes to its low maintenance profile. Unlike some traditional measurement tools that might require periodic physical recalibration, the ACM1-X's accuracy is maintained through its unique, factory-generated correction file. As long as the correct file corresponding to the microphone's serial number is used with the MultEQ-X software, its measurement precision is preserved. There are no user-serviceable parts within the microphone, and any issues beyond simple connectivity or software interaction would typically require professional assessment or replacement rather than user repair. This design philosophy emphasizes reliability and ease of use, allowing users to focus on the calibration process rather than complex device upkeep. The reliance on software-based calibration files also means that potential updates or refinements to the calibration data could be delivered digitally, further simplifying long-term maintenance from a user perspective.
| Type | Measurement Microphone |
|---|---|
| Polar Pattern | Omnidirectional |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 20 kHz |
| Impedance | 200 ohms |
| Max SPL | 120dB |
| Connector | 3.5mm TRS |
| Calibration File | Included |
| Cable Length | 2m |
| Use | Room Calibration |