Pioneer VSX-920-K User Manual

Operating Instructions
– Advanced MCACC PC Display Application Software –

audio/video multi-channel receiver

About this manual

Continue

These are the Operating Instructions for an application which displays on your computer screen the
listening room reverberation frequency characteristics, the speakers’ group delay characteristics and the
MCACC parameters measured by the Advanced MCACC function of your receiver.
It explains everything you need to know to use the application, from installation to troubleshooting. You will
need to operate the receiver to use this application, so please refer also to the Operating Instructions
supplied with the receiver.

Important

The explanations concerning the “Group Delay” functions (“group delay characteristics of the
speakers”, etc.) included in these operating instructions only apply for receivers supporting the Full
Band Phase Control function.

About the Advanced MCACC Application

The functions of the Advanced MCACC application are used with the same purpose as the “Reverb View”
and “Group Delay” functions of the receiver itself (see the receiver’s Operating Instructions), namely to
display the reverberation characteristics of the listening environment and the group delay characteristics of
the speakers. Using a computer provides cleaner, more easily readable graphs. The application can also be
used to display the measurement values stored in the receiver’s MCACC memory.

Requirements for using the application on your PC

• The computer must be a PC functioning with one of the following operating systems: Microsoft®
Windows
Edition SP3.

• The monitor must have a display resolution of 800 x 600 dots (SVGA) or greater.

• The computer must be equipped with a USB port (a separate USB device is required to transfer
measurement data from the receiver to the computer).

Microsoft®, Windows®Vista and Windows®XP are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

®

Vista Home Basic/Home Premium/Ultimate SP1 or Windows® XP Professional/Home

Main features of the application

1. Displays 3D graphs of the reverberation frequency characteristics of your room. You can choose to

see these measurements both with and without the equalization performed by this receiver (before
and after calibration).

2. Allows you to display 3D graphics of the group delay characteristics of the different speakers. (The

values before and after calibration can be displayed.)

3. Allows you to display a list of the Advanced MCACC parameters (the results of measurements).

4. Allows you to view graphs in a number of different formats.

5. Allows you to save the various measured data on the computer.

6. Allows you to make memos about the conditions in your room when you made the measurements,

etc.

7. Allows you to print the various graphs and the MCACC measurement values.

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About the Advanced MCACC Application (Continued)

Things you can accomplish with this application

1. Advanced EQ Setup, which you can do with the receiver (see the receiver’s Operating Instructions),

allows you to choose the optimum time period for auto EQ setup. You can use this application’s
reverberation characteristics (Reverb) as a guide in choosing the best time period for your room.
For details, see Deciding the time period for Advanced EQ Setup calibration

2. Skewed reverb frequency characteristics in your listening room can prevent you from enjoying an

accurate sound field. The graphs displayed by this application are a powerful tool because they
allow you to check these reverb frequency characteristics at a glance. You can also check the
effectiveness of steps that you take to improve the acoustics of your listening room, for example,
installing sound absorbent material.
For details, see Checking steps to improve your room’s reverb characteristics

3. The reverb characteristics after calibration can be displayed. This lets you to check the EQ effects of

the Advanced MCACC measurements you have made.
For details, see About the display of the reverb characteristics graphs before and after calibration

(page 22).

4. The Group Delay graphs allow you to check the group delay characteristics before and after

calibration.
For details, see Reading the group delay characteristics graph (Group Delay)

5. The MCACC parameter display (Parameters) allows you to display on the computer all the

parameters (measurement values) stored in the receiver’s MCACC memories.
For details, see Display of the MCACC parameters

(page 25).

(page 18).

(page 20).

(page 24).

3

Installing the Application

Install this application on your PC by using the downloaded installer.
You will find the installer in the folder that you specified when you downloaded the application.
If a previous version of the Advanced MCACC application (“Ver. 1.1”, “Ver. 1.4”, “Ver. 2.0”, “Ver. 2.1” or
“Ver. 2.2”) is installed on your computer, please update the application. For details, see Updating the

application (page 26).

1 Double click the “PioneerAdvancedMCACC_e_ver_*_*.exe” file .

The number after “ver” in the filename is the version number of the installer.
Depending on the current configuration of your PC, the InstallShield Wizard can take some time to appear.

2 Click “Next”.

3 (If you agree to the contents of the License Agreement), select “I accept the

terms in the license agreement”, then select “Next”.

The destination selection screen of the installer appears.

Continue

Troubleshooting

If an error occurs when you double click and you are unable to proceed with the installation.

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Installing the Application (Continued)

Continue

4 Input the Customer Information, then select “Next”.

5 Click “Next”.

The application is installed in the folder indicated at “Destination Folder”. The destination folder can be
changed by clicking “Change...”.

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Installing the Application (Continued)

6 Choose “Install”.

A shortcut icon is created on the desktop.

7 Click “Finish”.

The installation is complete.

6

Operations on the Receiver and USB Connections

In order to display the various data measured on the receiver on the computer’s screen, perform the
operations below to connect the USB device and transfer the receiver’s data.

1 Perform the “Full Auto MCACC” operation on the receiver. (See the receiver’s

Operating Instructions.)

The measurements here are not required if the “Full Auto MCACC” operation has already been
performed. Proceed to step 2.

2 Select “Output MCACC data” from “MCACC Data Check”. (See the receiver’s

Operating Instructions.)

The message “Please connect your USB memory for the MCACC data, then press OK to output them.”
appears on the monitor screen and the receiver enters the transmission standby mode. It is ready to
send data to your USB device. (The display screen may differ, depending on the receiver’s model.)

2.MCACC Data Check

a. Speaker Setting
b. Channel Level
c. Speaker Distance
d. Standing Wave
e. Acoustic Cal EQ
f. Group Delay

g. Output MCACC data

A/V RECEIVER

OK

2g.Output MCACC data

A/V RECEIVER

Please connect your USB memory for the MCACC data,

then press OK to output them.

Exit Return

Exit Cancel

3 Connect your USB device to the USB terminal on the front panel, then select

“OK”.

(The illustration of the receiver may differ, depending on the receiver’s model.)

MASTER
VOLUME

iPod

iPhone

MCACC

SETUP MIC

“Please wait...” will be displayed on the screen and transmission of measurement data to the USB
device will begin. Transmission is complete when “Complete” is displayed.
This completes the preparations for sending the measurement data to your USB device.
(To send the data, proceed to the next section Application Operations.)

VIDEO CAMERA

USB HDMI 5

Continue

7

Operations on the Receiver and USB Connections (Continued)

Note

• Do not disconnect the USB device or turn off the power under data transfer is completed.

• The graphs for both before calibration (“Before”) and after calibration (“After”) can be displayed on the
screen displaying the reverberation characteristics graphs after Full Auto MCACC measurements
(“Reverb”), but note that the graph displayed for the characteristics after calibration is a prediction of
the reverberation characteristics after Full Auto MCACC with the EQ Type : SYMMETRY.
For details, see About the display of the reverb characteristics graphs before and after calibration

(page 22).

If you want to check the graph of the actually measured reverberation characteristics after MCACC
calibration (not the prediction), measure the reverb characteristics again after calibration.
For details, see Displaying the reverb characteristics after EQ calibration (actually measured values)

(page 23).

• If calibration is performed with the Full Auto MCACC’s EQ Type set to anything other than SYMMETRY
(to either ALL CH ADJ or FRONT ALIGN), the reverberation characteristics after calibration cannot be
predicted, so the graph for the characteristics after calibration (“After”) cannot be displayed. In this
case, the graph for the characteristics after calibration can be displayed by measuring the
reverberation characteristics again with the same EQ Type as the type used for calibration. For details,
see Displaying the reverb characteristics after EQ calibration (actually measured values)

(page 23).

8

Applications Operations

Continue

This section explains operations that you do in the application, from opening measurement data to
displaying graphs and saving the data.

Opening measurement data

1 Double click the application shortcut icon on the PC desktop.

You can also start the application by selecting “Program”  “Pioneer Corporation”  “Advanced
MCACC” from the “Start” menu.
The application starts.

2 Connect the USB device onto which the measurement data has been transferred

to the computer’s USB port.

3 Select “Open” under “File” on the menu bar.

4 Select the “.mcacc” file you want to display on the USB device, then click “Open”.

The measurement data is displayed.

Note

• The data used to display the reverberation characteristics graph (Reverb), the group delay characteristics
graph (Group Delay) and the MCACC parameters are not deleted even when the receiver’s power is
turned off. However, for the data used to display the reverberation characteristics graph (Reverb) and the
group delay characteristics graph the data stored in the receiver is overwritten when the reverberations
are measured again. If you wish to display graphs of multiple sets of data, transfer the data to the USB
device each time measurements are made on the receiver.

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Application Operations (Continued)

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Graph and parameter displays (names and functions of parts)

When measurement data is received, the graphs and parameters display window appears. The display
window is divided into three items, “Reverb”, “Group Delay” and “Parameters”. Select the desired tab to
switch to that window and display the respective details.

Reverb (graph of the room’s reverberation frequency characteristics)

The display can be switched between the reverb characteristics graphs before and after calibration. You
can switch the display between individual displays for the different channels/frequencies or a list display of
all the channels/frequencies (ALL). Below we explain the different parts of the individual displays and the
ALL display, using the channel display as an example.

Individual display (Example: Front channel)

ALL display

Continue

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Application Operations (Continued)

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12

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1

2

6

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Group Delay (graph of the speaker’s group delay characteristics)

You can switch the display between the speaker’s group delay characteristics before calibration and the
speaker’s group delay characteristics after calibration. You can also switch between the group delay
characteristics for all channels and the group delay characteristics for individual channels.
These graphs are only displayed for receivers supporting the Full Band Phase Control function.

MCACC Parameters (list display of MCACC parameters)

A list of the measurements in all the MCACC memories is displayed. It is also possible to display the
measurements in the individual MCACC memories.

(Depending on the model, the values at “Speaker Distance” may be displayed in feet (ft).)

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Continue

Application Operations (Continued)

1 Menu bar and menu icons

You can choose the following commands from the application menus.

File

Open

Close Closes a file.

Opens measurement data transferred to the USB device or files stored on the
computer. (see page 9

and page 16).

Save

Save measurement data in a file (see page 15).

a

Save As

Receive

Print

Preview

With this application, “Receive” cannot be used.

Prints the current individual graph.

b

Displays a preview screen to show how the printed page will appear.

b

Exit Exits the application.

a. Choose “Save As” if you which to save already saved data with a different name.
b. It is not possible to print or preview items that have not been received (items for which there is no

data).

Display

The way in which the graphs are displayed can be changed.

Graph

Graph 2D : Displayed in two dimensions.

Graph 3D : Displayed in three dimensions.

The reverb characteristics graph display type can be changed.
Each Ch:
All the channels are displayed individually.

Type

(Reverb display

only)

The “Each Ch” display type is set when EQ calibration is performed with the
reverberation type set to “ALL CH ADJ”.

Pair Ch:
Composite reverb characteristics for the left and right pairs of the “Front”,
“Surround” and “Surr Back” channels are displayed. The “Pair Ch” display type
is set when EQ calibration is performed with the reverberation type set to
“SYMMETRY” or “FRONT ALIGN”.

Demo

Displays 3D graphs with rotating.

a

a. To finish, reselect and uncheck the box.

Continue

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Application Operations (Continued)

Continue

Window

Cascade

Tile

Minimize Minimizes the window.

Cascades files.

Tiles files.

a

a

Arrange

a. Available when two or more files are open.

Help

Glossary Displays definitions of terms related to the MCACC function and this application.

Version Info Displays the version of the application.

Arranges minimized icons.

a

2 Display item selection tab

A graph for the selected item or the MCACC parameter list is displayed.

3 Level [dB]

The level axis.

4 Time [msec]

The time axis.

5 Channel memo (only available when the channels are displayed on the reverb

characteristics graph)

Allows you to record a short memo about each channel.

6 Date and time

Display the date (yyyy.mm.dd) and time when the measurement data was transferred to the PC.

7 Before and After selection buttons

Select “Before” to display the graph of the characteristics before calibration, “After” to display the
characteristics after calibration.

8 Channel and frequency switch buttons

Ch: Selects channel display mode (frequencies are displayed along graph depth axes).
Freq: Selects frequency display mode (channels are displayed along graph depth axes).

9 All/individual display switch menu

Allows you to select All display or individual display (Left, Center, etc.).

10 Graph adjustment bar

Z: Increases or reduces the display unit for the graph’s vertical axis scale

(Level [dB] or Group Delay [msec]).

M: Moves the display position of the graph’s vertical axis scale (Level [dB] or Group Delay [msec]).
E: Moves the viewpoint of 3D graphs vertically. (Cannot be changed for 2D graphs.)
R: Moves the viewpoint of 3D graphs horizontally. (Cannot be changed for 2D graphs.)

13

Application Operations (Continued)

Reverb:
Move the time axis.
Group Delay:
Move the frequency
axis.

11 Bar Graph

Changes the type of graph display. The display switches between the band graph and bar graph by
pressing this button.

12 File memo

Memos concerning the file (conditions at the time of measurement, etc.) can be stored for the different
items.

13 Reverb type

Indicates whether the reverb characteristics are before calibration (EQ OFF) or after calibration (EQ ON).
(For the reverb characteristics after calibration, the EQ calibration curve is displayed.)

14 Legend

Shows which colors in the graphs correspond to which channels or frequencies.
When the speaker’s group delay characteristics graph is displayed, the following channels are indicated
(maximum): F: Front, FH: Front height or FW: Front wide, C: Center, S: Surround, SB: Surround back

15 Freq [Hz]/Channel

In channel display mode, it becomes the frequency axis. In frequency display mode, it becomes the
channel axis.

16 Group Delay [msec]

This axis indicates the group delay amount (length of group delay time).

17 Freq [Hz]

This is the frequency axis.

18 Channel

This is the channel axis.

19 List display/individual display selector buttons

All the MCACC memories are displayed when “ALL Memory” is selected, individual MCACC memories
are displayed when set for individual displays (“Memory1”, etc.).

14

Continue

Application Operations (Continued)

Continue

Saving graphs in data files

You can save measurement data opened from your USB device. Data opened at one time is saved in one
file. Measurement data transferred to the USB device is saved in “.mcacc” files the USB device, but on the
computer it is saved in CSV format with the extension “.csv” or TXT format with the extension “.txt”.

1 To save measure data, choose “Save” from the “File” menu.

If you have data that has already been saved and want to save it under a new name, choose “Save As”.

2 Check the save location, assign a file name, then click “Save”.

Note

The CSV or TXT format file is often used to transfer data to applications such as databases and
spreadsheets. You can use these applications to view the numeric values in your measurement data.
However, if you use another application to edit the data and then save the file, the Advanced MCACC
application may be unable to open the file.

15

Application Operations (Continued)

Opening data files

You can open and display two or more data files to compare the data in the files.

1 Select “Open” from the “File” menu in the menu bar.

2 Select a file to display and click “Open”.

The previously saved measurement data is displayed.

Exiting the application

1 Select “Exit” from the “File” menu.

The application closes.

16

How to Interpret the Graphs

Continue

As indicated in Things you can accomplish with this application (page 3), the reverb characteristics graph
can be used as reference when determining the calibration time position with the receiver’s “Advanced EQ
Setup” function. It is also a valuable means for checking the effect of measures taken to improve the



acoustics of the room.
after calibration. For details, see About the display of the reverb characteristics graphs before and after

calibration

The group delay characteristics graph can be used to check the group delay characteristics (before
calibration) of the speakers being used and the effect of calibration with the Full Band Phase Control
function. For details, refer to Reading the group delay characteristics graph (Group Delay)

(page 22)

How to interpret reverb graphs (Reverb)

The graphs show changes in microphone input level along a time axis, beginning from a state of quiet at
time 0, when test tones begin to be output, and continuing while a constant level of sound is output from the
speakers.

• If there is absolutely no reverberation in your room, the graph will look like figure A below.

• If there is reverberation, the graph will show a gradual accumulation of acoustic power, as shown in figure B.

The display can be switched between the reverb characteristics graphs before and

.

on page 24

Note

• Due to an effect known as “group delay”, lower frequencies may take longer to be generated than higher
frequencies (this is most obvious when comparing the frequencies around 0 ms).

• If a graph extends beyond the display range, or almost fills it, you can change the display by using the Z
(Zoom) control on the graph adjustment bar, adjusting the display range of the Level [dB] scale so that the
whole graph is visible.

• Since channel level and speaker distance settings are displayed in the graphical output, it is best to make
sure these settings (made in the Auto MCACC “ALL” or “Channel Level” setup) are adjusted properly
before reverb measurement.

• Even in cases where there is a great difference in the output levels of different frequencies (the frequency
characteristics of the room are poor), the frequency characteristics of individual channels can be set
closer to flat using the “SYMMETRY” or “ALL CH ADJ” calibration settings in the receiver’s “Auto MCACC”
function. (For details, see the receiver’s Operating Instructions.)

• It is usually not possible to calculate the equalization values employed by the receiver’s Acoustic Cal EQ
function simply by viewing the graphs displayed on your PC. (This is because the automatic adjustments
made by Acoustic Cal EQ function take account of factors such as equalization band interference and
analytical filter characteristics, to achieve the optimum characteristic profile.)

• There may be differences on the reverb characteristics graphs after measurements with the Full Auto
MCACC function as compared to after measurements with the Reverb Measurement function (Manual
MCACC  “EQ Professional”) due to the standing wave control setting. With Full Auto MCACC, the
reverberations are measured with standing wave controlled, so the reverb characteristics graph does not
reflect the influence of the standing waves. By contrast, with Reverb Measurement, the reverberations are
measured without standing wave control, so you can check the reverb characteristics including the
influence of the standing waves. If you want to check the acoustics of the room (with the standing waves),
we recommend using Reverb Measurement.

17

How to Interpret the Graphs (Continued)

Level
(dB)

Conventional MCACC EQ
calibration time range
(fixed)

Time (in ms)

EQ calibration time range
selectable for Advanced
EQ Setup function
(selected automatically for
Full Auto MCACC)

Level
(dB)

Time period
point to be
selected

Time (in ms)

Low frequencies

High frequencies

Continue

Deciding the time period for Advanced EQ Setup calibration

With conventional MCACC EQ calibration, the microphone input’s data acquisition time was fixed at
between 80 and 160 [ms] (red part of Figure 1). By contrast, with the receiver’s Advanced EQ Setup function
allowing more professional equalization, the customer can select individual points between 0 and 80 [ms]
(with a 20 ms width) (blue part of Figure 1).

Note

You can specify the time period setting using the “Advanced EQ Setup” in the “EQ Professional” sub-menu
(in the “Manual MCACC” menu). This setting is not required if you’re satisfied with the results of the “Full
Auto MCACC” setup (For details, see the receiver’s Operating Instructions).

Figure 1 Comparison of microphone data acquisition time periods

To decide the time period for Advanced EQ Setup calibration, view the graphs of the measured reverb
characteristics, and refer to the following three patterns.

Pattern 1: Different reverb characteristics for high and low frequencies

In rooms with reverb characteristics like those shown in Figure 2, lower frequencies often seem overly
reverberant compared to higher frequencies (i.e. the room sounds ‘boomy’). With conventional MCACC EQ
calibration, data between 80 and 160 [ms] (red part of Figure 2) was acquired, so the low frequency volume
was deemed high and the high frequency volume deemed low, and the equalization curve was calibrated
with the high frequencies somewhat boosted. However, for the characteristics of the sound reaching the ear
directly within about 40 ms, there is enough volume that there is no real need to boost the high frequencies,
so with equalization using the conventional MCACC EQ calibration the high frequencies sometimes
sounded too strong. Therefore, the Acoustic Cal EQ may result in a room where high frequencies sound
shrill. In cases like this, setting the time period for Advanced EQ Setup to 30 to 50 msec (the blue area

in Figure 2) to adjust for sounds coming directly from the speakers can flatten the frequency response
for direct sounds (including initial reflections) and give a better-balanced sound field.

Figure 2

18

How to Interpret the Graphs (Continued)

Level
(dB)

Time period
point to be
selected

Time (in ms)

Front left channel

Front right channel

Level
(dB)

Time (in ms)

Front left low frequencies

Front right low frequencies
Front left high frequencies

Front right high frequencies

Time period point to
be selected

Continue

Pattern 2: Different reverb characteristics for different channels

If the reverb characteristics differ for the different channels as shown in Figure 3, equalization using the
conventional Acoustic Cal EQ acquired data between 80 and 160 [ms] (red part of Figure 3), so equalization
was performed to gradually equalize the tone of the different channels for 80 ms from the time the sound
was emitted from the speakers and after (it was not possible to equalize the response of the direct sound).
However, the sense of placement and movement of the acoustic image and the unity of the sound from the
different speakers is influenced not by the reverberations but by the direct sound from the speakers
(including the early reflected sound). In cases like this, you should use Advanced EQ Setup and set the

time period to 30 to 50 msec (the blue area in Figure 3). This allows the characteristics of direct sounds
to be balanced for each channel, giving an ideal sound field with good acoustic positioning and
movement.

Figure 3

Pattern 3: Similar reverb characteristics for high and low frequencies and
all channels

As shown in Figure 4, when the reverb characteristics for all channels are similar across all frequencies,
your sound experience will probably not be adversely affected by reverberation. We recommend

calibrating with a time of about 60 to 80 [ms] (green part of Figure 4) specified at Advanced EQ Setup.
This produces a total calibration for both direct sounds and reverberations, resulting in an ideal sound
field.

Figure 4

Note

• If you are not sure which time period to specify in Advanced EQ Setup, start by trying 30 to 50 msec. If the
graphs show an unusual reverb curve for a specific frequency, the cause may be some accidental
variation. Instead of selecting 30 to 50 msec, try another time period.

• Another good method is to try various time periods in Advanced EQ Setup and select the one which
sounds the best.

• Time period settings cannot be made on the PC. They can only be made on the GUI screen output from
the receiver’s video outputs, using the receiver’s Advanced EQ Setup function.

19

How to Interpret the Graphs (Continued)

Jan.06, 2010 14:05

Jan.06, 2010 14:05

Continue

Checking steps to improve your room’s reverb characteristics

The reverb characteristics of your listening room graphs are evident from the graphs. For your reference, the
following four examples explain how different types of rooms appear in the graphs.

Case 1: Graph rises to right across all frequencies

This is probably a room with a good deal of reverberation. If possible, we recommend that you try installing
some sound absorbent material to create a deader acoustic space according to your preference.

Case 2: Specific channel shows unusual reverb characteristics

There is probably some object near the speaker which affects sound reproduction. If possible, we
recommend that you try to reduce the influence of that object.

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How to Interpret the Graphs (Continued)

Case 3: Specific frequency shows unusual reverb characteristics

Jan.06, 2010 14:05

There is probably something in the room that affects the reproduction of that frequency. If possible, try to
find an arrangement that reduces the effect.

Case 4: A specific channel is slow to start

Jan.06, 2010 14:05

This can happen when a speaker is unstable. If possible, we recommend that you try to stabilize the
speaker stand, to bring the characteristics of that channel into line with the other channels.

Note

In all of these cases, when the “Full Auto MCACC” operation is performed, the calibration time position is
selected automatically in consideration of the room’s characteristics so that the optimum sound field can be
achieved. (See the receiver’s Operating Instructions.)
When measurements are made with the “Auto MCACC” function, automatic calibration taking the
reverberations into consideration is only performed when “ALL”, “Keep SP System” or “EQ Pro & S-Wave” is
selected at “Auto MCACC”. (See the receiver’s Operating Instructions.)

21

Continue

How to Interpret the Graphs (Continued)

Continue

About the display of the reverb characteristics graphs before and after calibration

By comparing the reverberation characteristics graphs before and after calibration, you can check how the
reverb characteristics have been calibrated. Select “Before” to display the graph of the reverberation
characteristics before EQ calibration, “After” to display the graph of the reverb characteristics after EQ
calibration. If you want to check the actually measured reverb characteristics after EQ calibration, see

Displaying the reverb characteristics after EQ calibration (actually measured values)

Graph of reverb characteristics before calibration

You can see that the reverb characteristics of the various frequencies of the different channels are uneven.

(page 23).

Graph of reverb characteristics after calibration

You can see that compared to the graph before calibration the lines for the individual frequencies move
vertically in parallel by the amount of equalization and converge near the specified point on the time axis
(30-50 ms by default).

Note

• The graphs displaying reverb measurements both before and after calibration are displayed in 2-D for
comparison purposes.

• With Full Auto MCACC, the “After” graph can only be displayed when calibration is performed with the EQ
Type set to SYMMETRY. When calibration is performed with the EQ Type set to either ALL CH ADJ or
FRONT ALIGN, measure the actual reverberation characteristics again. For details, see Displaying the

reverb characteristics after EQ calibration (actually measured values) (page 23).

22

How to Interpret the Graphs (Continued)

About the types of displays of the graph for the reverb characteristics after EQ calibration

For “SYMMETRY” or “FRONT ALIGN”

• The display type is set to “Pair Ch” (page 12). For reasons of the properties of the different EQ curves,
when the “Each Ch” display type is set, the reverb characteristics for the different channels do not line up
properly.

• The reverb characteristics prior to calibration are displayed in the “Each Ch” mode, so if you want to
compare the characteristics before and after calibration, set the display type prior to calibration to “Pair
Ch”. This way the number of channels before and after calibration are the same, allowing you to compare.

For “ALL CH ADJ”

• The display type is set to “Each Ch” (page 12). For reasons of the properties of the EQ curves, when the
“Pair Ch” display type is set, the reverb characteristics for the different pairs of channels do not line up
properly.

• Since the “Each Ch” display type is set both before and after calibration, the graphs can be compared as
such.

Displaying the reverb characteristics after EQ calibration (actually
measured values)

The graphs for before and after calibration can be displayed at the screen displaying the graphs of the
reverberation characteristics after Full Auto MCACC (EQ Type:SYMMETRY) measurements, but note that the
graph displayed here for the characteristics after calibration is a prediction of the reverb characteristics
after MCACC calibration. If you want to check the graph of the actually measured reverberation
characteristics after MCACC calibration (not the prediction), you must re-measure the reverb characteristics
after calibration. To do so, follow the procedure described below. If the “Full Auto MCACC” operation has
never been performed, conduct the “Full Auto MCACC” operation here. (See the receiver’s Operating
Instructions.)

1 Select the “EQ Professional” option for “Manual MCACC”, and perform with

“Reverb Measurement” set to “EQ ON”. (See the receiver’s Operating Instruc­tions.)

Measure the room’s reverb characteristics after equalization with the microphone at the same position as
when the “Full Auto MCACC” operation was performed. The measurements are performed with the EQ
values stored in the MCACC memory selected on the receiver, so before measuring the reverb
characteristics, select the MCACC memory to be measured after equalization.

2 Select “Output MCACC data” from “MCACC Data Check”.

3 Connect your USB device to the USB terminal on the front panel, then select

“OK”.

4 Connect the USB device onto which the measurement data was transferred to

the computer’s USB port, then open the measurement data.

You can display the graph of the reverberation characteristics actually measured after EQ calibration by
displaying the Reverb graph and selecting “After”.

Continue

23

How to Interpret the Graphs (Continued)

Reading the group delay characteristics graph (Group Delay)

Group delay characteristics graphs for before and after calibration can be displayed. By comparing the two,
it is possible to check in detail the group delay characteristics of the speakers being used and the effect of
calibration using the Full Band Phase Control function. These graphs are only displayed for receivers

supporting the Full Band Phase Control function.

Group delay characteristics graph for before calibration

This graph lets you check that the low frequency band is delayed with respect to the high frequency band
(that a group delay is occurring) for the different channels.

Group delay characteristics graph for after calibration

This graphs shows you that the delay time difference between bands has been reduced and that the group
delay has been calibrated for the different channels.

Note

Depending on the speakers being used, the listening environment, etc., the group delay characteristics
graphs may be displayed with sharp angles. With actual calibration, however, so as not to tarnish the natural
sound, compensation is not performed for characteristics that rise and fall at extremely sharp angles and
but instead with priority on group delay characteristics between the different speakers, so there is no
adverse effect on the sound quality.

24

Display of the MCACC parameters

In addition to the reverberation frequency characteristics and group delay characteristics data measured
with the Advanced MCACC function, all the parameters (results of measurements) set in the MCACC
memories can be checked on the computer.

Parameters that can be displayed

1. Speaker Setting (Speaker system and crossover frequency)

2. Channel Level (Speaker output level)

3. Speaker Distance (Distance to the speaker)

4. Standing Wave Control (Standing wave control filter)

5. Acoustic Cal EQ (Calibration of the listening environment’s frequency characteristics)

a. In addition to the EQ calibration values stored in each MCACC memory, the EQ calibration curve name (“Symmetry”,

“All Ch Adjust” or “Front Align”) is also displayed. Furthermore, “Custom” is displayed for memories for which the
equalizer has been adjusted manually. Measurements of the reverb characteristics after calibration (page 23
performed applying the EQ calibration curves for these memories.

Displays of the different memories

It is possible to receive and display the data for all the MCACC memories (MEMORY1 to MEMORY6), but
also possible to display the data for the individual memories.

a

) are

(Depending on the model, the values at “Speaker Distance” may be displayed in feet (ft).)

Note

When there are items that cannot fit on the display, move the scroll bar on the screen to display the
remaining data.

25

Updating, Deleting and Repairing the Application

Updating the application

A new installer is made available on the download site whenever the Advanced MCACC application is
updated. You can download the new installer and use it to overwrite (update) the application on your PC.

Note

To check the version of your application, choose “Help”  “Version Info” from the menu bar. A window
showing the version (Version 2.3, etc.) appears.

1 Double click the new downloaded installer .

The InstallShield Wizard appears. Perform steps 2 to 7 of Installing the Application (page 4) to update
the application.

Note

The application may not operate properly if two versions of it are installed on the same computer. If you wish
to return to a previous version of the application, uninstall (delete) the currently installed version first, then
reinstall the previous version.

26

Continue

Updating, Deleting and Repairing the Application (Continued)

Continue

Deleting the application

You can use either of the following methods to uninstall (delete) the application from your PC.

Method 1: Delete from the Control Panel of the PC

From the Start menu, click “Setting”  “Control Panel”  “Add/Remove Programs”.

Method 2: Use the installer file for the currently installed version to delete
the application

Note

The application cannot be deleted by launching the installer file of a version different from the installed
version. To do so, launch the installer file for the same version.

1 Double click the “PioneerAdvancedMCACC_e_ver_*_*.exe” file .

The InstallShield Wizard appears.

2 Select “Next”.

3 Select “Remove”, then select “Next”.

27

Updating, Deleting and Repairing the Application (Continued)

4 Select “Remove”.

5 Click “Finish”.

This completes the deletion of the application.

Continue

28

Updating, Deleting and Repairing the Application (Continued)

Continue

Repairing the application

The repair function can be used for example if desktop shortcuts have been deleted, etc., to restore the
application to the same conditions as when it was first installed.

Note

The application cannot be repaired by launching the installer file of a version different from the installed
version. To do so, launch the installer file for the same version.

1 Double-click the installer file for the currently installed version.

The InstallShield Wizard appears.

2 Select “Next”.

3 Select “Repair”, then select “Next”.

29

Updating, Deleting and Repairing the Application (Continued)

4 Select “Install”.

5 Click “Finish”.

This completes the repairing of the application.

Modifying the application

With this application, “Modify” cannot be used.

30

Troubleshooting

As you use the Advanced MCACC application, errors can occur for a variety of reasons, such as
incompatibilities with other applications and the current configuration of your PC. If an error occurs, refer to
the troubleshooting points below.

For European customer :

If the trouble cannot be rectified even after checking the points listed below, ask the Pioneer Service Center
specified on your warranty card.

For U.S. or Canadian customer :

If the trouble cannot be rectified even after checking the points listed below, ask the Pioneer Customer
Support Division (USA) or Customer Satisfaction Department (Canada).

Pioneer Electronics Service Inc.
Pioneer Electronics of Canada, Inc.

Customer Satisfaction Department

For the other country customer :

If the trouble cannot be rectified even after checking the points listed below, ask the Pioneer Authorized
Distributors (See the receiver’s Operating Instructions).

The application is unstable, or does not work normally

Cause 1:

If your PC does not meet the requirements for using this application, the
application can be unstable, very slow, or freeze up.

Check to be sure that your PC meets the requirements for using this application. (See page 2.) You
cannot use this application unless your PC meets all of the requirements.

Cause 2:

Even if the required conditions for the computer environment are met, if many
files are opened in the application and all are displayed with the MCACC
Parameters option, an error message may appear due to lack of computer
memory.

If an error message like the one shown below appears, either close some of the opened files, or quit the
application itself then restart it. If you want to compare many files, we recommend printing them out
using the Print function and comparing them on paper.

TEL: [phone]
TEL: [phone]

Not enough storage is available to process this command.

31

Continue

Troubleshooting (Continued)

Continue

Advanced MCACC cannot be installed

Cause 1:

An error message may appear if there are not enough system resources
available.

If an error message like the one shown below appears, re-start the PC, then start the installer
(PioneerAdvancedMCACC_e_ver_*_*.exe) with no other applications active.

The InstallShield Engine (iKernel.exe) could not be installed.

The system cannot read from the specified device.

Cause 2:

Installation of Advanced MCACC may fail because of incompatibilities with other
applications.

Try the following, in the order indicated.

1) If there are any other applications active, exit the other applications and try starting the installer
(PioneerAdvancedMCACC_e_ver_*_*.exe) again.

2) If that does not work, try restarting your PC, and starting the installer
(PioneerAdvancedMCACC_e_ver_*_*.exe) with no other applications active.

Advanced MCACC cannot be updated

Cause 1:

An error message may appear if there are not enough system resources
available.

If an error message appears (like the one explained above in Cause 1) of Advanced MCACC cannot be

installed (page 32), restart your PC and start the installer (PioneerAdvancedMCACC_e_ver_*_*.exe) with

no other applications active.

Cause 2:

Updating of Advanced MCACC may fail because of incompatibilities with other
applications.

Try the following, in the order indicated.

1) If there are any other applications active, exit the other applications and try starting the installer
(PioneerAdvancedMCACC_e_ver_*_*.exe) again.

2) If that does not work, try restarting your PC, and starting the installer
(PioneerAdvancedMCACC_e_ver_*_*.exe) with no other applications active.

32

Troubleshooting (Continued)

ALL display

Continue

Reverb characteristics graph cannot be printed

Cause:

It is not possible to print reverb characteristics graphs displayed in the “ALL”
mode.

Print after selecting an individual channel or frequency graph.

Some functions in application operation cannot be used

Cause:

You may not properly use the application software not corresponding to your
receiver.

Check the model number of your receiver and use the application software corresponding to it.

33

Troubleshooting (Continued)

EQ response in the graph (following calibration) does not appear flat

Cause 1:

The slope of the graph indicates the reverb characteristics. The reverb
characteristics of the room itself cannot be corrected by equalization alone, so
the angle of the graphs’ slope is the same before and after calibration.

Through calibration, the graphs for the different frequencies move horizontally by the amount of the
equalization. For the results of calibration, you can check that the graphs line up at a specific point on
the time axis.
The reverb characteristics themselves (the shape of the graph) do not change unless the listening
environment is improved.
(See pages 17

to 19.)

Cause 2:

For various reasons, the frequency characteristic graphs may not become flat
even when equalization is performed with the “SYMMETRY” or “ALL CH ADJ”
functions.

With MCACC, calibration is performed automatically to achieve the optimum sound quality, but without
any unreasonable calibration.

Adjustments made with the “Manual MCACC” setup do not change the graph

Cause:

Despite level adjustments being made, the filters used for analysis may not
display these adjustments in the graphical output.

However, these adjustments are taken this into account by the filters dedicated to overall system
calibration.

Lower frequencies do not seem to have been calibrated for SMALL speakers

Cause:

Low frequency calibration with the equalizer is not performed for speakers that
are set to “SMALL”, but the reverb characteristics display shows the pure
characteristics of the sound output from the speakers, so it indicates the
characteristics with no low frequency calibration.

With MCACC, optimum calibration is performed in function of the speakers’ sound reproduction
capacities, so there is no problem for low frequency calibration of speakers that are set to “SMALL”.

34

<ARB7450-A>

Published by Pioneer Corporation.
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