Anthem STR Operating Manual

STR PREAMPLIFIER

Operating Manual

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).

NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL

THE LIGHTNING FLASH WITH ARROWHEAD
SYMBOL WITHIN AN EQUILATERAL
TRIANGLE IS INTENDED TO ALERT THE
USER TO THE PRESENCE OF UNINSULATED
“DANGEROUS VOLTAGE” WITHIN THE
PRODUCT’S ENCLOSURE THAT MAY BE OF
SUFFICIENT MAGNITUDE TO CONSTITUTE A
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK TO PERSONS.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE, AND OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS
VASES, SHOULD NOT BE PLACED ON THIS APPARATUS.

CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE
BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with a dry cloth.

7. Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat

registers, stoves or other apparatus (including ampliers)

that produce heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or
grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with
one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two
blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the
third prong is provided for your safety. When the provided

plug does not t into your outlet, consult an electrician for

replacement of the obsolete outlet.

THE EXCLAMATION POINT WITHIN
AN EQUILATERAL TRIANGLE IS
INTENDED TO ALERT THE USER TO THE
PRESENCE OF IMPORTANT OPERATING
AND MAINTENANCE (SERVICING)
INSTRUCTIONS IN THE LITERATURE
ACCOMPANYING THE APPLIANCE.

CAUTION: FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST RISK OF
FIRE, REPLACE THE FUSE ONLY WITH THE SAME AMPERAGE
AND VOLTAGE TYPE. REFER REPLACEMENT TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.

WARNING: UNIT MAY BECOME HOT. ALWAYS PROVIDE
ADEQUATE VENTILATION TO ALLOW FOR COOLING. DO
NOT PLACE NEAR A HEAT SOURCE, OR IN SPACES THAT
CAN RESTRICT VENTILATION.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched,
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles and the
point where they exit from the apparatus.

11. Only use the attachments/accessories specied by the

manufacturer.

12. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table
specied by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus.
When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/
apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when
unused for long periods of time.

14. Refer all servicing to qualied service personnel. Servicing

is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any
way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid
has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus,
the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does
not operate normally, or has been dropped.

030718 REV2

i

WARNING: To reduce the risk of re or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. Avoid

installing this unit where foreign objects may fall onto this unit and/or this unit may be exposed to liquid dripping or
splashing. On the top of this unit, do not place:

• Burning objects (i.e. candles), as they may cause re, damage to this unit, and/or personal injury.

• Containers with liquid in them, as they may fall and liquid may cause electrical shock to the user and/or
damage to this unit.

Apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects lled with liquids, such as vases, shall be

placed on the apparatus.

Do not install this equipment in a conned space such as a case or similar. Install it away from direct sunlight, heat

sources, vibration, dust, moisture, and/or cold.

Do not cover this unit with a newspaper, tablecloth, curtain, etc. in order not to obstruct heat radiation. If the

temperature inside this unit rises, it may cause re, damage to this unit, and/or personal injury.

Install this unit near the AC outlet and where the AC power plug can be reached easily.

This unit is not disconnected from the AC power source when it is turned o. This state is called the standby mode.

In this state, this unit is designed to consume a very small quantity of power.

CAUTION: Top surface can become hot.

CAUTION: These servicing instructions are for use by qualied service personnel only. To reduce the risk of electric

shock, do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the operating instructions, unless you are qualied
to do so.

CAUTION: Changes or modications to this equipment not expressly approved by Paradigm Electronics for

compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

FCC WARNING: Changes or modications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void

the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device, pursuant to part

15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful

interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment o and on, the user

is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and unit.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit dierent from that to which the unit is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio / TV technician for help.

ii

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR UK CUSTOMERS: DO NOT cut o the mains plug from this equipment. If the plug
tted is not suitable for the power points in your home or the cable is too short to reach a power point, then obtain an
appropriate safety approved extension lead or consult your dealer. If, nonetheless, the mains plug is cut o, REMOVE THE
FUSE and dispose of the PLUG immediately, to avoid possible shock hazard by inadvertent connection to the mains supply.
If this product is not provided with a mains plug, or one has to be tted, then follow the instructions given below:

IMPORTANT: DO NOT make any connection to the larger terminal which is marked with the letter “E” or by the safety
earth symbol or colored GREEN or GREEN AND YELLOW.

The wires in the mains lead on this product are colored in accordance with the following code:

BLUE – NEUTRAL
BROWN – LIVE

As these colors may not correspond with the colored markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:

The BLUE wire must be connected to the terminal marked with the letter “N” or colored BLACK.
The BROWN wire must be connected to the terminal marked with the letter “L” or colored RED.

When replacing the fuse, only a correctly rated and approved type should be used, and be sure to re-t the fuse cover. If in

doubt consult a competent electrician.

iii

NOTES ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

At the end of its useful life, this product must not be disposed of with regular household waste but must be returned to
a collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. The symbol on the product, user’s manual and
packaging, point this out. The materials can be reused in accordance with their markings. Through re-use, recycling of
raw materials or other forms of recycling of old products, you are making an important contribution to the protection of

our environment. Your local administrative oce can advise you of the responsible waste disposal point.

RECYCLING AND REUSE GUIDELINES (Europe)

In accordance with the European Union WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive eective August 13,

2005, we would like to notify you that this product may contain regulated materials which, upon disposal, require special
reuse and recycling processing. For this reason Paradigm Electronics Inc. (the manufacturer of Paradigm speakers and

Anthem electronic products) has arranged with its distributors in European Union member nations to collect and recycle
this product at no cost to you. To nd your local distributor please contact the dealer from whom you purchased this

product or go to our website at www.paradigm.com.

Please note that only the product falls under the WEEE directive. When disposing of packaging and other shipping
material we encourage you to recycle through the normal channels.

INFORMATION ABOUT COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL OF WASTE BATTERIES (DIRECTIVE 2006/66/EC OF THE
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN UNION) (for European customers only)

Batteries bearing any of these symbols indicate that they should be treated as “separate collection” and not as municipal

waste. It is encouraged that necessary measures are implemented to maximize the separate collection of waste
batteries and to minimize the disposal of batteries as mixed municipal waste. End-users are exhorted not to dispose
waste batteries as unsorted municipal waste. In order to achieve a high level of recycling waste batteries, discard waste
batteries separately and properly through an accessible collection point in your vicinity. For more information about
collection and recycling of waste batteries, please contact your local municipality, your waste disposal service or the point
of sale where you purchased the items.

By ensuring compliance and conformance to proper disposal of waste batteries, potential hazardous eects on human

health is prevented and the negative impact of batteries and waste batteries on the environment is minimized, thus
contributing to the protection, preservation and quality improvement of the environment.

CdHgPb

Anthem and any related party assume no liability for the user’s failure to comply with any requirements.

Anthem, AnthemLogic, ARC, Sonic Frontiers, and Paradigm are trademarks or registered trademarks of Paradigm

Electronics Inc. © Paradigm Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. The information contained herein may not be reproduced

in whole or in part without our express written permission. We reserve the right to change specications or features

without notice as design improvements are incorporated.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Before Making Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

1.2 In-Use Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

1.3 Front Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1.4 Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

1.5 Remote Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

1.6 Firmware Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

CONNECTIONS AND OPERATION

2.1 Digital Input Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2.2 Analog Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2.3 Local Area Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2.4 12 Volt Trigger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2.5 Infra Red . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2.6 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

SETUP

3.1 Speaker setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

3.2 Bass Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

3.3 Listener Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

3.4 Level Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

3.5 Input Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

3.6 Analog Input Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

3.7 Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

3.8 Network / Remote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

3.9 Save / Load Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

3.10 System Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

3.11 USB Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

ANTHEM ROOM CORRECTION (ARC™)

4.1 Before Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

4.2 ARC Software Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

4.3 Microphone Stand Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

4.4 Microphone Positioning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

4.5 Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

4.6 Manual Mode and Targets . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

4.7 Advanced Subwoofer Targets . . . . . . . . . . . 30

4.8 Printing a Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

OPERATION

5.1 Power On/O and Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

5.2 Input Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

5.3 Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

5.4 Listening Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

5.5 Info Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

BIG PICTURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

LIMITED WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

v

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the Anthem STR Preamplier.

All Anthem products are engineered to recreate the passion of a live musical performance and emotional involvement
experienced in the best movie theaters by utilizing the highest level of circuit design, superior parts and manufacturing

techniques, innovative features, and intuitive ergonomics. We are condent that their inclusion in your system will
signicantly enhance your enjoyment of recordings for years to come.

1.1 BEFORE MAKING CONNECTIONS

Check that you have received all items listed below and report discrepancies to your dealer as soon as possible. In case
the unit needs to be transported in the future, keep the packing materials.

Retain the invoice that you received from your authorized Anthem dealer at time of purchase – without it,
service will not be provided under warranty.

Packing List:

• Preamplier

• Operating manual

• Remote control

• 2 AAA batteries

• USB type B cable for the USB audio input

• USB mini B cable for software updates and ARC (PC version)

• Dual-jack microphone

• 3.5mm microphone cable for ARC (mobile app version)

• IEC power cord (US / UK / EU / CN types are supplied by the factory, other types are normally provided
by the local distributor)

Additional items in Anthem Room Correction (ARC™) kit:

• USB Microphone

• Microphone clip

• Telescopic stand with boom

• USB mini B cable for the microphone

• CAT5 cable for connection to a router or network

1.2 IN-USE NOTICES

• Disconnect the power cord before connecting or disconnecting any components.

• If the unit was transported or stored in the cold, let it reach room temperature before use.

• Do not remove the top cover.

• Do not modify the product.

• Due to continuing advances, operational characteristics may change. If this manual contains discrepancies
please check www.anthemAV.com for the latest manual.

1

1.3 FRONT PANEL

1

1

Display

2

Setup menu access and selection conrmation

3

Previous input or item

4

Volume control and menu navigation

5

Next input or item

6

Mute

7

Power

2 3

4

5 6 7

2

1.4 REAR PANEL

1

20

19

Power cord inlet (IEC C18 type)

1

2

USB DAC input (Windows PCs need to have XMOS driver installed)

3

AES/EBU digital audio input

4

Coaxial digital audio inputs

5

Optical digital audio inputs

6

Factory use

2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9

10

11

12

131415161718

7

ARC and rmware upgrades via PC

8

ARC, rmware upgrades, and control via Ethernet

9

RS-232 (serial) connection for control

10

12V DC / 50 mA trigger output

11

IR input

12

Phono ground terminal

13

Moving coil phono input

14

Moving magnet phono input

15

Analog RCA inputs (RCA 3 and RCA 4 can be congured for Home Theater Bypass)

16

Balanced XLR inputs (also congurable for Home Theater Bypass)

17

Balanced XLR outputs (fronts and 2 subs in mono or stereo)

18

Line outputs (xed-level, suitable for a headphone amp or recording device)

19

Subwoofer outputs (2, mono or stereo)

20

Left/Right RCA outputs

3

1.5 REMOTE CONTROL

Power – On

1

Setup menu

2

3

Power – Standby

4

Navigation

5

Input

6

Info (pertaining to input and output)

7

Listening Modes (mono/stereo)

8

Levels (sub, bass, treble, balance)

9

Mute

10

Volume

1 2 3

4

7

5

6

8

10

9

11

4

1.6 FIRMWARE UPDATES

The STR series supports software updates via network or mini-USB cable through the ARC (Anthem Room Correction) software.

For more information on downloading this software please see section 4.1 of this manual.

STR rmware updates will help keep your products up to date as Anthem introduces new features and performance

enhancements over the lifecycle of the product.

In order to initiate a rmware update open “ARC-2 Manual Mode” in the start menu.

To begin select “Tools->Firmware Update” from the taskbar.

A dialog window will open asking you to select the device you wish to update.

5

A dialog will open asking you whether you would like to manually select an update le.

NO - Automatic Updates (Network Only)

For automatic network updates your STR will need to be connected to a router with an internet connection.

If you have an active internet connection you may select “No” and the STR will search online for the latest version of rmware.

The update will begin and the unit will restart once complete.

YES - Manual Updates (Network or mini-USB)

For manual updates by network or mini-USB cable you will need to download the rmware le from anthemav.com.

Go to https://www.anthemav.com/support/latest-software.php and scroll to the STR product. Click download. The le
will download as a .zip le and must be extracted. Once extracted you may nish the update process.

After selecting “Yes” you must browse to the folder you have saved the rmware (.upd extension) le and select it. The update

will begin and the unit will restart once complete.

6

CONNECTIONS

2.1 DIGITAL INPUT CONNECTIONS

Stereo digital audio sources can be connected using AES/EBU, coaxial or optical cable. The PCM stereo format up to
24-bit / 192 kHz is supported by all digital inputs. If using sources that have an option for selecting between PCM and

Bitstream or Dolby Digital audio output, select PCM.

A personal computer can also be connected to the asynchronous USB DAC input. Stereo PCM up to 32-bit / 384 kHz, and
DSD format up to 5.6 MHz are supported through this connection. Simply connect your computer and use media playing
software on it to have music playing through your system. If using a Windows PC, the USB DAC driver must rst
be downloaded from our web site and installed. With Mac OS, just plug and play.

2.2 ANALOG CONNECTIONS

Balanced XLR connection oers the highest analog transmission quality, particularly over long cable lengths because it
rejects noise and hum pickup. Two such inputs are provided using the conventional pin-2 positive conguration. There are

also four RCA line inputs.

For phono, there are two inputs. Be sure to use the correct one otherwise level will be aected and treble response may
be altered. The MM input is suitable for turntables using moving-magnet and high-output moving-coil phono cartridges.
The MC input uses input impedance and gain tailored to low-output moving-coil cartridges. As well, connect the ground
wire from the turntable to the screw terminal next to the phono inputs to prevent excessive hum.

The subwoofer jacks are labelled “L” and “R” but if the system uses one subwoofer, it can be connected to any subwoofer

output jack.

2.3 LOCAL AREA NETWORK

A local network connection is required for IP control. Simply connect your router using CAT5 cable. Anthem Room
Correction can be congured using the network or USB-connected personal computer.

2.4 12 VOLT TRIGGER

If another system component has a trigger input it can be activated by the STR Preamplier. Connect the trigger output using a
cable with 3.5mm mini plugs. The STR Preamplier provides exible trigger options. Through the setup menu, you can specify

the conditions for enabling triggers.

2.5 INFRA RED

An external IR receiver allows the remote control to be used from another location in your home – connect the STR Preamplier
from an external IR hub to the IR IN jack. Most standard IR repeater kits can be used but to avoid problems test compatibility

before installing permanently.

2.6 POWER

Connect the power cord to the STR Preamplier and the power source. After connecting power, wait at least 5 seconds before

pressing the power button.

7

SETUP

For optimum performance and enjoyment, your STR Preamplier should be properly set up. This might seem like a
lot of work at rst because of the number of menu options, but most settings do not need to be changed from the

defaults. The important ones relate to your input connections and speakers. If you’re using a subwoofer or subwoofers,
Anthem Room Correction will set crossovers and levels for a perfect blend with the main speakers. The rest of the
settings mostly relate to your preferences.

HOW TO NAVIGATE IN THE SETUP MENU

Remote Control

Front Panel

• Press Setup to enter or exit

• Press Up and Down arrows to move up and down on a list or to modify a selected item

• Press Right arrow or Select to select an item or to save a modication

• Press Left arrow to move up one menu level or to cancel a modication

TIP – modifying items which have many options, especially the alphanumeric characters

and symbols when renaming an input, is faster using the front panel volume control.

• Press Menu/Select two times to enter and
once to exit

• Use the Volume control to move up and down on a
list or to modify a selected item

• Press Next to select an item or to save

a modication

• Press Prev to move up one menu level or

to cancel a modication

The help line at the bottom of the display will also guide you through various menu levels.

The display shows up to four menu selections at once, though in this section of the manual all menu items are shown
together for simplicity. The top menu contains these items:

Setup Menu

Speaker Setup
Bass Management
Listener Position
Level Calibration
Input Setup
Analog Input Levels
Preferences
Network/Remote
Save/Load Settings
System Info

8

3.1 SPEAKER SETUP

Normally only one speaker conguration is needed but more are provided for instant recall of stored subwoofer
or Anthem Room Correction settings.

If you will be using the personal computer version of ARC, you can skip this menu since it will be set while the program
is running. Before using the mobile version, ensure that Prole1 is congured in this menu.

Speaker Setup

Prole1
Prole2
Prole3
Prole4

Each conguration contains this submenu:

Speaker Edit

Name   Prole1

Subwoofers Off

PROFILE NAME

Using the navigation keys and volume knob each prole can be renamed, up to 10 characters long. Note that the prole
name is best set in Anthem Room Correction (Targets panel) because during le upload the name in the menu is overwritten

by the one in ARC.

SUBWOOFERS

The STR Preamplier allows one or more subwoofers to be connected.

Although subwoofers are often thought of as something for home theater systems, their use is recommended for music
as well. A subwoofer normally plays bass that is louder, deeper, and less distorted than that of a full-range speaker, and it
can be positioned anywhere in the room to help cure resonances that otherwise make the bass sound bloated and lacking

denition. Anthem Room Correction quickly and easily creates precise calibration and seamless integration with the main

speakers, eliminating unnatural sounding transitions which often made subwoofers and main speakers sound disconnected
from one another regardless of the amount of time spent on tweaking.

The setting options are:

- O – select this if there is no subwoofer in the system or speaker prole.

- 1 Mono – a mono music signal gets sent to all subwoofer jacks. ARC will measure and correct all the subwoofers as a

group. This is the generally recommended setting whether using one or more subs.

- 2 Mono – a mono music signal gets sent to all subwoofers but ARC will measure and correct them separately for the
L and R output jacks. Select this if you intend to control the delay (distance) and level separately for each subwoofer

channel.

- 2 Stereo – the bass from the music source’s left channel will be sent to the L subwoofer output and the bass from the
right channel will go to the R output. ARC will measure and correct the L and R subs individually. Select this if you have

a subwoofer next to each main speaker and would like for them to use a stereo bass signal, especially if the crossover
frequency will be set closer to upper bass where the sound becomes directional.

9

3.2 BASS MANAGEMENT

In this menu, information about your speakers is used to optimize bass performance.

First, set your subwoofer’s frequency control to its highest frequency since the bass manager will determine how much upper

bass is sent. If your subwoofer has a contour control, set it to at if you will be using Anthem Room Correction. If it has a
phase control, set it to 0 and if it has a polarity switch, set it to Normal as you’ll be able to control phase and polarity from

your listening chair and hear changes instantly.

The bass manager divides the audio range into two bands suitable for subwoofer/satellite speaker systems. The result is

that the main speakers don’t need to play bass as loudly or as deeply since it gets picked up by the subwoofer. Note that a
crossover does not suddenly cut frequencies in a cli-like prole, but rolls them o according to a slope. If set to 80 Hz, for

example, frequencies lower than 80 Hz are still played by the main speaker while transitioning them to the subwoofer.

Highlighting Bass Management then pressing Select displays this menu:

Bass Management

Prole1
Prole2
Prole3
Prole4

Four congurations may be set up. Each contains the following:

Bass Management Edit

Crossover Off
Sub L Polarity Normal
Sub R Polarity Normal
Sub L Phase 0
Sub R Phase 0

CROSSOVER FREQUENCY

The range is 20 to 160 Hz in 5 Hz steps, or O which disables the crossover.

Setting the crossover to the lowest number on your speaker’s specication page is unlikely to provide the best result.

Instead, setting it to twice this frequency or thereabout, which is an octave higher, ensures that the speaker’s woofer will still
play to its low frequency limit but at levels that present less of a struggle for it.

If you will be using ARC, you do not need to select a crossover frequency since it will be set by the program.

SUBWOOFER POLARITY AND PHASE

Certain subwoofer positions can cause bass frequency cancellation. When the front speakers and subwoofer are out of
phase or misaligned, they work against each other resulting in weak and dislocated sounding bass. This can be corrected by
adjusting Phase and Polarity.

As a general guide, set Polarity to Normal if the subwoofer is near the front speakers and to Inverted if the subwoofer is near
the back of the room. Compare Normal to Inverted and use the setting that provides louder bass. Continue ne-tuning the

crossover region using the Phase control which provides adjustment from 0 to 180 degrees in 5 degree increments.

10

3.3 LISTENER POSITION

Through these settings, sound coming from all speakers is coordinated to reach the listening area at the same time. This
way, proper imaging is achieved. The channel with the greatest distance setting will have no delay while channels with
shorter distance settings will be delayed accordingly.

Distances may be set before or after running ARC (ARC does not set distances).

Listener Position

Prole1
Prole2
Prole3
Prole4

These settings are displayed for each conguration:

Listener Position Edit

Units Feet

SubLeft 12’0”
SubRight 12’0”
FrontLeft 12’0”
FrontRight 12’0”

For measurement units, select feet or metres and enter the distance between your primary listening area and each speaker.

Range is 0 to 29’ 6” in 2-inch increments or 0.00 to 9.00 m in 5 cm increments.

11

3.4 LEVEL CALIBRATION

Level Calibration uses internally generated test noises to match speaker output levels at the listening position, if using an
SPL meter for calibration.

If using Anthem Room Correction, you can usually skip this menu because levels will be calibrated during measurement. The
level of the test tones that play during ARC measurement can be adjusted here if necessary.

Level Calibration

Prole1
Prole2
Prole3
Prole4

These settings are displayed for each conguration:

Level Calibration Edit

Test Noise Off
Test Level 0.0dB
Sub Left 0.0dB
Sub Right 0.0dB
Front Left 0.0dB
Front Right 0.0dB

To play the test noise, set it to “On” then highlight a speaker.

A sound pressure level (SPL) meter with C-weighting is recommended if not using ARC, especially to set the subwoofer

level because it is often set too high when calibrating by ear. Measure the sound pressure from the listening position while

pointing the meter up. Hold it away from your body to prevent reections. Adjust each channel’s level so the meter has the

same reading with all speakers.

The level adjustment range is -12.0 to 12.0 dB in 0.5 dB increments. You may need to adjust your subwoofer’s input level

dial as a rough adjustment.

TEST LEVEL

This controls the level of the tones that play during ARC measurement as well as the level of this menu’s test noises. The

adjustment range is from -20 to +10 dB.

During ARC measurement, if the test tones sound too loud, cancel measurement and lower Test Level before starting a new
measurement. If they’re not loud enough and a “too much background noise” message appears often, cancel measurement
and raise Test Level before starting a new measurement.

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3.5 INPUT SETUP

Inputs and listening mode presets are congured in this section. From the factory, all input jacks are congured and named
accordingly but you may change this to anything from 1 to 30 input congurations.

Input Setup

Coaxial1
Coaxial2
Optical1
Optical2

AES/EBU
USB

RCA1
RCA2
RCA3
RCA4

Phono MM
Phono MC

XLR1
XLR2

Add Input
Insert Input
Delete Input

CongureHTBypass

To add an input at the end of the list, highlight Add Input and press Next.

To insert an input in the middle of the list, highlight Insert Input and press Next. The display will guide you through the

remaining steps.

To delete an input, highlight Delete Input and press Next. The display will guide you through the remaining steps.

CONFIGURE HOME THEATER BYPASS

The STR Preamplier allows shared use of the front L/R speakers and amplier, as well as two subwoofer channels, between
a music and movie system. To use it this way, instead of connecting the front L/R and subwoofer outputs from the surround
processor directly to the front L/R amp and the subwoofer, connect the front outputs to the RCA3 or XLR1 inputs of the STR
Preamplier, and one or two subwoofers using the RCA4 or XLR2 inputs.

With the STR Preamplier connected between the home theater preamplier and the front left/right amplier and congured
accordingly, the surround-sound preamplier is automatically connected to the power amplier while the home theater
system is in use. HT Bypass mode engages while the preamp is in standby so you don’t have to turn it on when watching

movies, and it employs relays to hard-wire the input jacks to the outputs for the purest signal path.

In the setup menu, select RCA3 or XLR1 for the fronts according to the connection that’s being used, and for the subwoofer(s)
select RCA4 or XLR2. During power on/o there will be an additional mechanical sound from the relays inside the unit.

NOTE: Sources using RCA as inputs will be output through the corresponding RCA outputs. Sources using XLR as inputs will
be output through the corresponding XLR outputs. The STR will not convert between RCA-XLR or XLR-RCA when in standby

mode.

CAUTION: When using the HT Bypass function, only connect devices which have their own volume control, because once the
STR Preamplier is turned o, they will be connected directly to the power amp and subwoofers. If there is nothing to control

the volume, they will play extremely loudly.

13

These settings are displayed for each conguration, though a phono input is shown here because it uses all menu items:

Input Edit

Name Phono MC
Input Jack Phono MC

ConvertAnalog 32/192
SpeakerProle Prole1
FrontRight 12’0”

ARC Yes
Mode Preset Stereo

RumbleFilter 35Hz

Phono EQ RIAA
Bass Turnover
Bass Shelf

10kDe-Emphasis

NAME

Each input can be renamed, up to 10 characters long. To begin editing, press Next. The volume knob is the fastest means
of changing characters. Use the Next button to move to the next character, and when nished renaming, select the green
checkmark. To cancel editing, press Prev to select the red X.

Example – Rename “Optical 1” to “Server”:

• Highlight “Name” and press Next. The rst character will have a box around it.

• Use the up/down buttons or volume knob to change “O” to “S”.

• Use the Prev/Next buttons to move to each remaining character and complete the renaming.

• Move the box to the green checkmark to save the changes.

INPUT JACK

Select the connection to be used – Coaxial 1, Coaxial 2, Optical 1, Optical 2, AES/EBU, USB, RCA 1, RCA 2, RCA 3, RCA 4, Phono MM,
Phono MC, XLR.

CONVERT ANALOG

By default, analog inputs are converted to 32-bit / 192 kHz using a high-quality A/D converter to allow Anthem Room Correction,
bass management, distance calibration, bass/treble controls, listening modes, and rumble lter. If this setting is changed to No,

signal processing is bypassed and only level adjustment remains.

SPEAKER PROFILE

Select the prole to use with this input.

ANTHEM ROOM CORRECTION (ARC™)

The ARC measurement process, described later, will turn this on. To disable room equalization afterward, change this to “No”.
If a measurement le isn’t loaded, this menu item is grayed.

MODE PRESET

By default, the output is in stereo but one of the other settings may improve the sound of old records. The mode can be changed
on the y but in this menu you can assign a preset according to input conguration.

- Stereo – this is the default and does not alter the channel mix.

- Mono – this blends the left and right channels and can be useful when playing mono records with a stereo cartridge.

Without this, stereo noise anking mono music can be distracting.

- Both = Left – this sends the left input to both channels and can be useful when playing a mono record with a stereo
cartridge when the left groove wall has less wear and sounds better than the right groove wall. This is also useful with
sources that have only one output connector.

- Both = Right – like above but for the right channel.

- Last Used – select this to disable presets and make selections entirely on the y.

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RUMBLE FILTER

Use this with a turntable to reduce or eliminate low-frequency noise below the music spectrum. Rather than rolling o all
content including the music, the lter acts only on vertical stylus motions that are inherently not part of the music signal. This
is especially eective with warped records that cause excessive or non-musical woofer motion. Select a frequency from 10 to
60 Hz in 1 Hz increments. To disable the lter, select O.

PHONO EQ

The Phono EQ, Bass Turnover, Bass Shelf, and 10k De-Emphasis controls allow the proper equalization of records that

predate the RIAA equalization standard. If no records in your collection were manufactured before the 1960s, you can skip
the rest of this section.

To make record grooves manageable, bass is reduced when records are manufactured, while the treble is emphasized. The
main function of a phono preamp is to reverse this equalization upon playback, restoring the intended frequency response.
The problem is that before the record industry settled on an equalization standard, resulting in the RIAA curve during the
1950s, the amount of reduction and emphasis varied requiring multi-curve phono preamps for proper playback. Today, such
phono stages are rare. This means that if a phono stage that was designed for only one kind of record is used to play older
mono records, there will be too much treble, midrange, or bass, or not enough of it.

These menu settings give you the ability to play all old records with their intended frequency response:

BASS TURNOVER – the frequency at which 3 dB boost occurs. In this example, it is 500 Hz:

10K DE-EMPHASIS – the attenuation at 10 kHz. In this example, it is -13.7 dB:

15

The following curve combines the two above and adds BASS SHELF or boost limit at 20 Hz, which is 20 dB in this example:

The graph above represents the RIAA playback curve. Older phono curves use other amounts of bass boost, bass shelf, and
treble cut, often expressed in this format:

500R-13.7

where 500 is the bass turnover in Hz, -13.7 is the 10 kHz de-emphasis in dB, and R is the bass shelf according to: N (None),
R (20dB), B (18dB), A (16dB), C (14dB), X (12dB).

When Convert Analog is set to 32/192, the following Phono EQ options become available:

500R-13.7 (RIAA)
400N-12.3 (AES)
350N-10.5 (CCIR)
500B-16 (NAB)
400N-12.7 (Capitol LP)
500C-16 (Columbia LP)
500C-10.5 (London LP)

User

Select according to the record that you are playing. For pre-RIAA long-playing records, check whether the jacket indicates
“AES”, “CCIR”, “NAB”, etc. You can also check one of several web sites which provide code lists according to record label and

year. They can be found by searching the web for 500R-13.7 or playback equalization for 78 rpm shellacs and early
33-1/3 LPs – don’t forget to use a properly sized 78 rpm stylus if playing 78 rpm records.

To create or ne-tune any curve, select User and enter Bass Turnover, Bass Shelf, and 10k De-Emphasis according to the code
list, or adjust by ear – it’s like using bass/treble controls except that these are specially made ones for phono.

BASS TURNOVER options are None, 150, 180, 200, 250, 280, 300, 350, 375, 400, 450, 500, 600, 629, 700, 750, 800, and 1000 Hz.

The 10K DE-EMPHASIS adjustment range is from -25.5 dB to None in 0.1 dB increments.

Although the purpose of these controls is to provide the correct response with old records, you might nd similar uses, for
example to brighten a mued-sounding stereo LP, or to add weight to a thin-sounding one. This is ne as long as extreme

settings that would result in overload or a distorted sound are avoided.

Each virtual input stores its own curve settings. This way, you can create multiple proles for your turntable input, each using a
dierent curve according to the records in your collection.

16

3.6 ANALOG INPUT LEVELS

Through this menu, unwanted changes in volume when switching to or from an analog source can be prevented. This is

especially useful for some XLR sources that produce higher than typical output level, and for the phono inputs since cartridge

output levels vary considrerably between models.

Analog Input Levels

RCA1 0.0dB
RCA2 0.0dB
RCA3 0.0dB
RCA4 0.0dB

Phono MM 0.0dB
Phono MC 0.0dB

XLR1 0.0dB
XLR2 0.0dB

The adjustment range for raising or lowering the input level is -20 to 20 dB in 0.5 dB increments.

3.7 PREFERENCES

Here you can set preferences as listed.

Preferences

AutoOff 20Minutes

Display Brightness 60

DisplayWakeup 100

Displayed Info Volume
Mute Level Muted
Max Volume 6.0dB

Power-OnVolume -35.0dB
Power-OnInput LastUsed

Mute Line Out None

AUTO OFF

When there is no input signal the unit will turn o after the selected time: 5, 10, or 20 minutes, 1, 2, or 6 hours, or Never.

DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS

Set preferred front panel brightness between 0 and 100.

DISPLAY WAKEUP

To make the display brighter for 5 seconds when a button is pressed, set a number higher than Display Brightness.

DISPLAYED INFO

By default, only the volume is displayed. Select “All” to add the input, input format, mode, and ARC status to the display.

MUTE LEVEL

When Mute is pressed, sound can be muted or lowered to background level. Select from Muted, -30 dB, -20 dB, or -10 dB.

MAXIMUM VOLUME

This setting allows you to limit the volume to avoid damaging equipment and/or hearing.

POWER-ON VOLUME

The volume will be at this level when the unit is turned on. To power-on at the last used volume, set the volume preset

below -96.0 to make Last Used appear.

POWER-ON INPUT

The input will be the assigned one or Last Used when the unit is turned on.

MUTE LINE OUT

If using a recording device, select the input that the recorder’s output is connected to. This prevents the recorder’s
output from being fed back to its input, which can result in a loud noise.

17

3.8 NETWORK / REMOTE

Network / Remote

Status
Device Name STR Pre

IPConguration
RS-232Conguration

Trigger Control
Rear IR Off
Front IR On

NETWORK STATUS

This displays the unit’s IP address once connected to the local area network.

DEVICE NAME

This is the name that the unit broadcasts, and can be changed using up to 10 characters.

IP CONFIGURATION

Settings in this submenu should only be changed by a network administrator.

IP Conguration

Mode DHCP

IP
Subnet Mask

MODE

Manually entered IP and Subnet Mask settings take eect once Mode is changed to Static.

RS-232 CONFIGURATION

For serial control, select baud rate from 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200 (default), 38400, 57600, 115200 and set
ow control on or o (default).

TRIGGER CONTROL

When the 12 VDC (max 50 mA) trigger output is connected to the trigger input of another component such as a power
amplier, the component can be turned on/o according to the trigger’s setup:

- Trigger Control – select Menu to congure the trigger via the setup menu, or RS-232/IP to control the trigger output

through serial or IP commands.

- Power – when set to Yes, the trigger activates when the unit’s power is turned on. When set to No, the input list appears

and the trigger can be congured to activate through any combination of input selection.

REAR AND FRONT IR

This allows you to disable each of the infra-red inputs, which can be useful when the unit is connected to an IR repeater and
is receiving too many signals.

Note that the moment that you disable the front IR input, you will not be able to control the unit the traditional way from the

remote control. Re-enable it using the front panel buttons. If your remote control appears to not be working and you have
checked the batteries, check this menu next before contacting technical support.

18

3.9 SAVE/LOAD SETTINGS

Save / Load Settings

Save User Settings
Save Installer Settings
Load User Settings
Load Installer Settings

ResetOn-The-FlySettings

Load Defaults

SAVE/LOAD USER AND INSTALLER SETTINGS

After selecting Save User Settings and conrming, all menu settings will be stored. If you change settings later and want to
recall the saved settings, select Load User Settings and conrm. The same applies to saving and recalling installer settings.

RESET ON-THE-FLY SETTINGS

After selecting and conrming, all non-menu settings such as level and bass/treble will be reset.

LOAD DEFAULTS

After selecting and conrming, all menu settings will be reset.

FACTORY RESET

Use this only as a last resort if the unit becomes inoperable. Disconnect the power cord, wait at least 30 seconds, and re­connect it while holding the front panel power button. Do not let go of the button until something appears on the display.
The unit will revert to the software it was manufactured with and all settings will be reset.

19

3.10 SYSTEM INFORMATION

System Info

FirmwareVersion 1.4.6340
FWDate 01/27/1714:38

ARC Name
ARC Date

MAC 00:04:A3:93:FA:62

FIRMWARE VERSION AND UPDATES

The operational characteristics of the STR Preamplier are controlled by rmware. For best performance and latest features,

ensure that your unit has the latest version installed. This gets installed through Anthem Room Correction which

is fully explained in the next section. In this section only the STR software update is explained.

If your STR is connected to your network with internet access, you do not need to manually download the update from our
web site. Alternatively, the update can be downloaded from our web site rst and installed afterwards.

Without network connection:

• On www.anthemAV.com locate the software pertaining to your model. Proceed only if your version number is lower,

indicating that it is older.

• You will be asked where to save a .zip le – save it to Desktop.

• When the .zip le download is complete, extract it to Desktop.

• See Read Me.txt for the change history.

• Connect your computer to the STR rear panel USB jack labeled PC UPDATE using the supplied USB cable or similar one.

Alternatively, connect your computer and the STR to the same local network.

• Using ARC software, select Tools at the top of the window, then Firmware Update, and follow its instructions to manually

update using the le on Desktop.

With network connection:

• Ensure that your STR is on the same network as your computer, and that the network has Internet access.

• Using ARC software, select Tools at the top of the window, then Firmware Update. When it asks whether you would like to

update manually, select “No” and it will check our web site for updates.

Installation takes less than 10 minutes and the display will indicate progress. Do not interfere by pressing buttons or

turning power o – the unit will turn on and o by itself a few times. At the end it will remain on with the normal volume

info on the display.

ARC NAME

This is the name that you gave to your measurement le.

ARC UPLOAD TIME

This is the date and time that your ARC le was uploaded.

MAC ADDRESS

This is the unit’s unique identier for network communication.

20

3.11 USB AUDIO

Your computer can be used as a music source by connecting its USB port to the USB DAC input on the STR Preamplifer
and running the media player on your computer that you normally use for playing music.

Mac does not require setup for this purpose - just plug and play (OS 10.6.4 and higher supports USB Audio Class 2.0).

For PC, a driver needs to be installed to add USB audio functionality:

- Download the XMOS driver from www.anthemav.com.

- Extract XMOS-Stereo-USB-Audio-Class2-Driver.exe to Desktop and double-click it.

- Run the installation. It will ask whether you’d like to connect the device later. If selecting No, rst connect a USB port on

your PC to the USB DAC input on the STR Preamplifer and turn it on.

Once driver installation is complete the installer may be deleted. Your PC, through its music playing software, will be ready to
stream music to the STR Preamplifer.

DSD PLAYBACK

If you’re planning to play DSD audio les, ensure that your computer’s software supports the format.

Optional - For PC, a popular and free program is called Foobar. This can be set up for DSD as follows*:

1. Install the Foobar2000 music player which is available from this web page:

http://www.foobar2000.org/download

2. Install the SACD (DSD) decoder:

- Download foo_input_sacd-1.0.x.zip from:

https://sourceforge.net/projects/sacddecoder/les/latest/download

- From the zip le, copy foo_input_sacd.fb2k-component to this directory:

(Computer, OS) C:\Program Files (x86)\foobar2000\components

- Run Foobar2000 and go to File / Preferences / Components.

- Select Install and browse to the foobar2000\components directory.

- Select foo_input_sacd.fb2k-component then click Open.

- Select Apply to complete this installation.

3. Install the ASIO driver:

- Download foo_out_asio.fb2k-component from:

http://www.foobar2000.org/components/view/foo_out_asio

- Move foo_out_asio.fb2k-component to this directory:

(Computer, OS) C:\Program Files (x86)\foobar2000\components

- Run Foobar2000 and go to File / Preferences / Components.

- Select Install. Browse to the foobar2000\components directory if necessary.

- Select foo_out_asio.fb2k-component then click Open.

- Select Apply to complete this installation.

21

4. Conguring Foobar for DSD:

- Go to File / Preferences / Playback / Output.

- In the Device pull-down list, select the following then click Apply:

DSD : ASIO : XMOS USB AUDIO 2.0 ST 308F (or newer)

- Go to File / Preferences / Tools / SACD.

- Change Output Mode to DSD+PCM and click OK.

Upon completion of these steps, your PC is ready to stream music from DSD les.

If you have trouble with Foobar installation or use, please do not contact our tech support regarding it. A solution may be
available using an online search.

* These steps regarding installation and use of third party software and its components are provided for

informational purposes only.

22

ANTHEM ROOM CORRECTION (ARC

For anyone reading this, the experience of walking into a room and being struck by the dramatic change in its sound
after carpet and furnishings have been moved out is probably a familiar one. It may also bring to mind the varying sound
character from one room to the next according to its size and structural qualities.

By the same token, even when the nest speakers are optimally positioned, the room impacts sound quality
considerably. The walls, oor, ceiling, and windows add unwanted resonance and coloration making bass less
impactful, voices less natural, and dialogue less intelligible. The eect on frequency response is typically ±6 dB in
the midrange and ±10 dB at low frequencies. To compensate for this and to optimize the in-room response of your

speakers, Anthem Room Correction measures the output of each one relative to the listening area then through a
special series of calculations adjusts the output accordingly. Its target responses have a psychoacoustic basis from
research results, not just theoretically ideal curves.

While removing resonances and modal peaks common to the measurement positions, ARC also distinguishes and

preserves the positive eects imparted by the room by detecting how much the room’s boundaries and pressurization
reinforce low frequencies. This eect, known as room gain, appears as a bump in the target response. ARC does not
remove it because if attened, bass sounds thin. Our ear/brain mechanism expects to hear this characteristic when

indoors. Ideal anechoic speaker response, as measured in a special non-reverberant facility, is not the same as ideal
in-room response, which normally includes this room gain to varying degree. It is one reason that a speaker sounds

dierent outdoors when in fact it is the same speaker. If a speaker indoors was forced to sound like it’s positioned

outdoors, it just wouldn’t sound right.

Sample curves:

®

)

The red curves represent the in-room response before correction, as an average from ve measurement positions,

whereas the green ones show response with equalization applied. In this case a subwoofer and bass management are

also in use. In the subwoofer graph, which is on the left, the dierence between the level of the red and purple curves

shows the amount of room gain.

In addition, ARC senses where each speaker’s low-frequency response naturally declines, and sets the high-pass lters to

match this natural limit.

The default correction range is 5 kHz. Although it can be changed, raising it is generally not recommended. At higher

frequencies the microphone becomes directional, and this aects measurement accuracy.

Note that the subwoofer graph may imply that the subwoofer plays up to the highest frequency shown, but what it plays

depends on what the other channels send to it as determined by their crossover setting. The subwoofer graph shows the
available correction range, which is not necessarily the range that other channels send to it through bass management.

23

4.1 BEFORE STARTING

Ensure that the unit software and ARC-2 software that you will be using are compatible with one another.
Check www.anthemAV.com for latest versions.

PERSONAL COMPUTER VERSION OF ARC®:

• Your computer must be running Windows 7 or later and be connected to the same network as the unit, or directly to
the unit with the supplied USB Mini cable.

• Depending on your network’s settings, you may need to enable sharing to allow the unit to be seen by
your computer.

• If you are using a laptop computer, check its power settings and battery meter to ensure that procedures will not
be interrupted.

MOBILE APP VERSION OF ARC®:

• Congure the Speaker Setup menu before measurement if your speaker system does not correspond to the existing
menu conguration.

BOTH VERSIONS:

• If more than one unit is on your network, each may be identied by MAC address, IP address, or the Device Name

which appears in the setup menu.

• Ensure that the room will be suciently quiet during measurement. Typical background noise is detected and

rejected with no impact on measurement accuracy but if excessive noise is present, ARC will indicate that re­measurement is required.

• If using a subwoofer, ensure that its crossover frequency dial is set to its highest frequency before measurement.
ARC will manage the transition between the main speakers and subwoofer. Any adjustments to the subwoofer after
measurement would require ARC to be run again.

4.2 ARC® SOFTWARE INSTALLATION

MOBILE APP VERSION:
On the iTunes store, locate Anthem ARC Mobile and install it to your device.

PERSONAL COMPUTER VERSION:

1. Go to https://www.anthemav.com/support/latest-software.php

2. Download the software. Depending on ARC microphone model, a support le named using the microphone’s serial
number may be required. If your microphone is numbered, enter its number on the web page before downloading. Be

sure to enter the correct number otherwise the frequency response will be inaccurate.

3. Unzip the download.

4. Run setup.

To add a new numbered microphone after ARC has been installed, re-installation isn’t needed - simply copy new

calibration les to this directory:

(Computer, OS) C:\Program Files (x86)\Anthem Room Correction 2

During measurement, ARC will list the installed les and ask you to pick the one corresponding to the microphone in use.

What are the dierences between the computer and mobile versions of ARC®?

1. With the phone’s internal microphone there may be minor variations from ideal response. The
maximum equalization frequency is restricted to 2 kHz in this case. The external dual-jack microphone
using 3.5mm connection is preferred since it provides the same measurement accuracy as the main

kit’s USB microphone.

24

2. The computer version allows viewing and printing curves, target curve customization, and multiple
congurations for dierent applications that may be useful according to various sources, conditions,
and preferences.

4.3 MICROPHONE STAND ASSEMBLY

If using the mobile device’s microphone, skip this section.

1. Loosen the tripod base screw, move the base to the bottom of the telescoping tube, re-tighten the screw.

2. Screw the microphone clip to the other end of the stand. Position the clip vertically.

3. Connect the USB microphone cable to the microphone and slide the microphone into the clip.

4. Adjust height by rst loosening the clamps on the telescoping tube and on the arm. The stand may be placed on the oor

or on the seat according to whichever way puts the microphone capsule in its proper position.

4.4 MICROPHONE POSITIONING

This section mainly applies to the personal computer version and full ARC kit since the mobile app version will guide you
when using the mobile device’s microphone or the dual-jack microphone. The dual-jack microphone may also be used with

the microphone stand and/or the PC version of ARC via USB connection.

Proper microphone positioning is essential for good results. Multiple positions are required to prevent standing waves or
boundaries from skewing results.

• The microphone must point straight up.

• The microphone capsule, the listener’s ears, and the speaker’s acoustic center (or tweeter if in doubt) should be
at approximately the same height. If the result sounds dull or bright try a dierent microphone height and repeat

measurement.

• Place the microphone in the most often used parts of the listening area while ensuring that all mic positions are at least 2

feet (60 cm) apart. If there is only one listening position, positions 2 through 5 must be a circle or box around the listening

chair. Equalization will still be optimized for the center. Varying the mic position is of utmost importance. Without doing so,
proper response will not be achieved, especially for lower frequencies.

• Five dierent positions, and no less, are normally adequate but for larger rooms up to ten may be used.

If most or all listening positions are close to a wall:

• At least half of the microphone positions should be a minimum 2 feet (60 cm) away from the wall.

• Vary distances between microphone and wall by 1 foot (30 cm) or more, for example two or three positions can be 2 feet
(30 cm) away but the remaining two or three should be at least 3 feet (90 cm) away.

In summary:

DO

- Set the mic at ear level pointing straight up.

- Use mic positions that are at least 2 feet (60 cm) apart from each other even if there’s only one seating position.

- Use more than ve measurement positions if using only ve would result in their being more than 6 feet (2m) apart due

to a large listening area.

DO NOT

- Use mic positions close to walls. If all seating positions are against the rear wall, three or more mic positions should be in

front of the seating area. Vary the distance of these positions relative to the wall by 1 foot (30 cm) or more so they are not

all the same distance from the wall.

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4.5 MEASUREMENT

The remaining ARC instructions apply to the personal computer version. If using the mobile version, follow its instructions instead.

• Connect the microphone and the unit to the computer.

• Set the microphone in the rst position. Don’t stand near the microphone while sweep tones are playing otherwise
reections from your body may cause bad measurements.

• Run Anthem Room Correction. Use Automatic mode if you are a rst-time user. It will guide you through the remaining
steps and at the end will load the correction data to your unit. You will still be able to change things if needed, but just
remember where you’re saving the .arc2 measurement le so you can nd it later. The entire process takes about 5-10
minutes depending on the number of measurements and congurations.

• Up to 16 characters may be used to name a measurement. Valid ones are: a-z, A-Z, 0-9, “ “, “-”, “.”, “:”, “;”, “<”, “=”, “>”, “?”, and
“@”. The rest will be removed if used.

• Once the ARC program has completed its procedure, you can disconnect the computer.

• Save your settings in the unit’s setup menu using its Save / Load Settings menu.

QUICK MEASURE SPEAKER POSITION HELPER

If speaker positioning is exible, particularly for the sub, Quick Measure can help you with speaker positioning especially if an

initial ARC measurement shows that there is room for improvement.

To use it, run ARC Manual mode. Click on the Quick Measure button and enable the sweep tone for the speaker that you are
positioning. Note that this will reset level calibration. After a few sweeps the graph will show a live update of the uncorrected
measurement. It will keep running until you turn it o. After nding good speaker positions, run the full ARC measurement.

The graphs that follow show how moving a subwoofer can improve uncorrected response. Large dips like these are not

uncommon:

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They can almost always be cured by repositioning speakers and repeating the measurement:

4.6 MANUAL MODE AND TARGETS

When creating a new measurement, Manual and Automatic modes operate identically except that automatic mode does not
require clicking on Measure, Calculate, and Upload between these stages. It also allows results to be viewed before upload,

and for Targets to be edited. A le created in Automatic mode can later be opened in Manual mode.

A le created in Automatic mode can be opened in Manual mode to allow target editing. After changing targets, you must

click OK when closing the window to apply the settings, then Calculate. To restore original settings, click on Auto Detect then
Calculate.

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For advice in getting the most out of your system based on your measurements, we welcome you to send your .arc2 le
(please do not send screenshots) to Anthem Technical Support.

WHAT NOT TO DO

Before we get to that, something to be aware of if at rst listen it appears that the equalization has reduced overall bass: It is

easier to hear peaks in response than dips. ARC doesn’t only level the peaks, but also the dips. With the equalization turned
on it may be immediately apparent that boominess is gone, but it may take longer to notice that bass notes which were
buried all along have become audible, and for this reason you might want to spend a week getting used to the new sound.
Once becoming accustomed to tight bass with the entire range playing at equal level, chances are you’ll never want to go
back to bloated one-note bass.

If comparing ARC on vs o, note that the subwoofer’s level is calibrated according to ARC being on. If ARC is then disabled,

subwoofer level may need adjustment.

Viewing graphs for the rst time may cause temptation to immediately change targets. There is rarely a good technical
reason to do so. If you are not satised with initial results, examine the red pre-correction measurement curve. It shows how
your system performed all along without room correction. Does this reect the general performance expected from your
speakers, especially in the bass? If not, do not try to compensate through electronic correction. It bears repeating that it is

not meant at all to be a substitute for proper speaker positioning, nor can it reliably force your speakers to do something
they weren’t designed to do. Its purpose is to take performance to a higher level after the traditional good practices that

existed before room correction have been fullled.

The following is a classic case of what not to do - an attempt to turn a “full-range” speaker’s woofer into a subwoofer by
manually lowering the equalization cuto from 35 Hz to 25 Hz and the slope from fourth order to a more gradual third order.
Such changes are very unlikely to end well. The extra stress on the speaker from approximately 20 Hz to 30 Hz could easily
lead to woofer and/or crossover damage from overextension or overheating (+6 dB equates to four times the power). The
amplier will also generate more heat, something that is not good for any electronic device.

Always avoid forcing the green curve to be higher than the red or purple ones in the manner shown here:

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In contrast, this is the same measurement with the original targets that were automatically detected and set by ARC. Notice
how the left side of the target curve complies to the speaker’s natural rollo:

Another result that you may notice upon rst listen with ARC enabled is that the center image is not as before. Some may

describe it as a more focused soundstage whereas others may refer to it as a reduced one. Preference aside, if one speaker
is louder at some frequencies while the other speaker is louder at others, the center image can become widened, shifted, or

diused. This eect may be pleasing but it is also articial if sounds such as a lead vocal in the center of a stereo recording

do not appear to emerge in whole from the midpoint between the left and right speakers, when at equal distance from the
listening position. The nature and purpose of equalization as used by ARC is to allow the speakers to play symmetrically at all

frequencies relative to the listening position. If at rst this is not what you are accustomed to, give it some time and you may

appreciate the more precise image location, never to look back.

EQUALIZATION CUTOFF

For the subwoofer, this is the frequency above which a slope is applied. It is best to keep the setting as high as possible
according to the subwoofer’s upper frequency response capability. What the subwoofer plays will still depend on what the front
channels send it, for example a 160 Hz subwoofer equalization range does not necessarily mean that it will play to 160 Hz.

For the front channels, this is the frequency below which equalization is not applied. If a subwoofer channel is used, it is the
crossover frequency, where bass transitions from fronts to sub. When the Full Range box is checked, crossover is disabled and
bass is not directed to the subwoofer channel.

Target curve changes are displayed instantly while settings are changed but to see the eect on your measurements, click OK

then Calculate and examine the green curve.

MAX EQ FREQUENCY

The default correction range is 5 kHz. This may be raised or lowered for experimentation or comparison.

ROOM GAIN

If you wish to experiment by attening room gain, you can try it by setting this to 0 dB. Note that auto-detected room gain will
be at or near 0 dB if bass absorbers are used or if the speakers are light on bass extension.

Alternatively if you would like to increase or decrease bass, this is the best place to do so if using a subwoofer since a good
sub-mains transition will be maintained.

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4.7 ADVANCED SUBWOOFER TARGETS

Use of these controls is recommended only for the advanced user who understands the subwoofer’s capabilities and
behavior when fed low frequencies at high levels. As always, check whether changes are worthwhile by listening to a variety
of source material before and after modifying targets.

SUBWOOFER HIGH PASS ORDER

Change the low-end slope only if for some reason the auto-detected one doesn’t match the low-end rollo of the

measured response. The left side of the red or purple measured curve is the guideline for shaping the target curve. As
mentioned earlier, an attempt to use this as a means of extending low-frequency output beyond the speaker’s capability
will be detrimental.

SUBWOOFER HIGH PASS FREQUENCY

Use this in conjunction with High Pass Order when manually creating a curve for the lower end of the subwoofer’s response.

MINIMUM SUBWOOFER EQ FREQUENCY

Change this only if you would not like for ARC to equalize the subwoofer channel below a certain frequency.

4.8 PRINTING A REPORT

To print a copy of your graphs and targets, click on Print. For a preview, click on File then Print Preview.

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OPERATION

5.1 POWER ON / OFF AND VOLUME

During power-on and power-o a mechanical click is produced from the unit – this is normal. Volume comes on

according to setup menu setting.

Front Panel

To control volume rotate the front panel knob or press VOL up/down on the remote control. To mute or un-mute the

audio, press MUTE.

Remote

VOLUME

Front Panel

Remote

MUTE

Front Panel

Remote

5.2 INPUT SELECTION

The number of active inputs varies according to how the Input Setup menu was programmed. To scroll through the
active inputs and view them on the display, press the left/right buttons on the remote control or PREV/NEXT on the

front panel.

To make the selection press SELECT.

Front Panel

THEN

PRESS

To see the current input, press INPUT on the remote control.

Remote

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5.3 LEVELS

Through this menu, subwoofer level, bass, treble, and balance can be adjusted.

Levels

Subwoofers 0.0dB
Bass 0.0dB
Treble 0.0dB
Balance Centered

To access the Levels menu from the remote, press

To access the Levels menu from the front panel, press MENU/SELECT to display the Audio menu then press NEXT.

Audio Menu

Levels
Mode Stereo

Cycle through the options using the up/down buttons on the remote control or the volume control on the front panel and follow
the help line at the bottom of the display.

If the subwoofer(s) occasionally sounds too loud or soft according to source material, its level can be adjusted on the y. The same

can be done for tone and balance as needed.

Note that these adjustments are not meant for system calibration, which is handled in the setup menu and by Anthem Room
Correction. Also note that Bass does not aect the subwoofer output, which is handled by the Level adjustment.

5.4 LISTENING MODES

Through this menu, the listening mode can be selected on the y. Refer to the Input Setup section for a description of
listening modes. If you wish, you can make a dierent selection after pressing MODE on the remote control or MENU/SELECT

on the front panel.

Listening Mode

Stereo
Mono
Both = Left
Both = Right

To access this menu from the remote control, press MODE. The remaining steps, and access from the front panel, are similar to
those in the preceding section.

5.5 INFO DISPLAY

Pressing INFO on the remote shows the input name, ARC status, input format, and listening mode on the display in addition to
volume. To hide this info, press INFO again.

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THE BIG PICTURE – FRONT PANEL

33

THE BIG PICTURE – REAR PANEL

34

LIMITED WARRANTY

CANADA & USA

The warranty period on new Anthem products is:

5 years: Separate power ampliers, audio preampliers, and integrated ampliers
3 years: Audio/Video preampliers and receivers

Please register your product at www.anthemAV.com

The warranty period begins on the date of purchase from Anthem or an Authorized Anthem Dealer. This warranty is oered
only to the original owner and is not transferable. Demonstration and display ampliers are covered by the same warranty
except that the period commences on the date of dealer invoice, not the purchaser’s invoice, and cosmetic aws are excluded.

If Anthem determines that the product has a defect in materials or manufacturing during the warranty period Anthem will at
its option repair, replace or provide the necessary replacement parts without charging for parts or labor. Repaired or replaced
equipment or parts supplied under this warranty are covered by the unexpired portion of the warranty.

Warranty is void if the serial number has been removed, altered or defaced, if the product has been operated, installed or

handled other than in accordance with the intended application, tampered with, modied, or damaged by accident, while in

transport or by failure of electric power, or has been repaired by a non-authorized party. Anthem shall have no obligation
to correct any defect that is not reproducible by Anthem. If inspection by Anthem discloses that the repair required is not
covered by this warranty, regular repair charges shall apply.

If a problem is discovered in your Anthem product, please contact the Authorized Anthem Dealer from whom you purchased

the product. Your dealer will help to determine the cause of the problem and arrange for the appropriate action. Alternatively,

follow the procedure below for factory service.

A Return Authorization (RA) number must be obtained from Anthem Technical Support before a product can be shipped to
Anthem for any reason. Product shipped to Anthem without its RA Number clearly visible on the outside of the shipping carton

will be refused and returned to the sender, freight collect. Product shipped to Anthem must have shipping and insurance
prepaid by the sender, be packaged in the original carton and packing material and accompanied by a written description of

the defect. Service will not be given under warranty without an accompanying copy of the sales invoice. Product repaired
under warranty will be returned with shipping and insurance prepaid by Anthem (within Canada and continental USA only).

DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY

Under no circumstances shall Anthem, its agents, representatives or employees assume liability or responsibility for injury or

damages sustained in the use or operation of Anthem products or for damages to connected products. Some jurisdictions do

not allow limitations of incidental or consequential damages so this exclusion may not apply to you.

Anthem reserves the right to make design changes without obligation to revise prior versions. All specications are subject to

change without notice.

This warranty shall be the sole and exclusive remedy to you. No other warranty or condition, statutory or otherwise, expressed

or implied, shall be imposed upon Anthem nor shall any representation made by any person, including a representative or

agent of Anthem, be eective to extend the warranty coverage provided herein.

On the expiration of the warranty all liability of Anthem in connection with the product shall terminate.

INTERNATIONAL

Terms and conditions are set and maintained by the Authorized Anthem Distributor, not Anthem.

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[phone]

www.anthemAV.com

03-07-2018 REV2MAN0131