Sound Alignment - System
Setting
up a home theater speaker system can be a daunting task, especially with today's
highly directional THX speakers. Proper placement and positioning is critical
to ensure the best performance from your loudspeaker investment. To simplify the
task, a company called Checkpoint Laser Tools located in Torrance, California
provides laser-based alignment tools to simplify installations. These tools include
an arsenal of cleverly designed products with exceptional build quality. Checkpoint
was founded by Jim Webb, a truly innovative individual who has a very diverse
background that includes everything from real estate to high performance Indy
Car racing. As a result, the products are not only well engineered, but offer
innovative features that help the installer get the job done right.
Our system consisted of a trio of M&K S-150THX front channels that are know to have a narrow vertical dispersion for the upper frequencies. In fact, M&K endorses the SA-S tools as does THX. The M&K SS-250 Surround rear channels are similar in design to the front channels, but also incorporate side firing drivers for a spacious surround effect. The result is a seamless sounding system with matched timbre across all channels. The rear channels are mounted on tilt/swivel wall brackets for maximum flexibility.
We
started with the Frontal Layout Plot to help us
map out our listening space. The diagram helps determine optimal listening angles
as well as providing a guide for symmetry. This is one of three plots available
from Checkpoint. The Intermediate Plot provides
some rear layout orientation while the Center Plot
gives the installer a full 360 degree layout around the listening position. Each
layout plot is available in bound pad packages of 50 sheets from Checkpoint. Using
the plot sheets in conjunction with the SA-S laser alignment tools gives the installer
professional installation capabilities.
The P-770 laser tool attaches magnetically to the Base Plate (#369) installed by the user on the front of the speaker baffle. Also available are solid brass Stackers (#367) discs that vary the plate height in 1/8 (.125) inch increments. These discs are used to extend the attachment of the SA-S Base Plate away from the surface of the speaker, providing clearance from speaker frames or other surface mount protrusions. Once the P-770 is attached to the Base Plate, the laser will give the installer a visual point for accurately pointing the speaker. This was especially useful for our angled center channel, which has a front baffle angled slightly downward. The mounted P-770 on the front baffle allowed us to accurately point the speaker directly at the listener.
P-770
ACCESSORIES
There are many accessories available for the P-770 Laser Alignment
tool, some of which are shown in the accompanying photo. An accessory kit (#1303)
is available that includes one 2-Way Beam Splitter (#360, allows projection
of a forward beam and 90° perpendicular beam simultaneously), one Line
Lens (#361, generates a visible line with an approximately 105-degree spread),
one Protractor Plate (#358, 360-degree/engraved/anodized), and one Lens
Adapter Base (#362). Each part in the kit can be purchased separately. The
true power of the P-770 is fully realized with these accessories and is a must
for any serious installer.
The Two-Way Beam Splitter projects a forward beam just like the standard output, but also projects a 90° beam. This side firing beam can be rotated a full 360° to reference any point perpendicular to the main beam making this accessory very useful for front projector and screen installations.
The Line Lens projects a line similar to the dispersion of sound projected from the front baffle of a loudspeaker. The projected line can be rotated 360° producing a cone similar to the projection of sound. Using this visual aid, the installer can see the path the audio would take through various obstructions.
R2
SERIES ROTARY TRIPOD
The R2
Series Rotary Base System is an extremely well built product with a precision
bearing rotary dial plate with fully machined components including adjustable
legs with interchangeable brass and rubber tips. The Rotary Base is designed to
be used on any surface and fits any standard camera, video, light stand or the
Checkpoint professional survey tripod. The bull's-eye vial system provides precision
leveling from any surface with a protractor dial for measuring angles. The built-in
thumbscrew brake and tension system allows for micrometer type adjustments. The
unit is designed to accommodate the 880, 770 and 660 series laser tools. This
tool is a must when using the degreed layouts from the plot sheets.
HEADS UP TARGET & TARGET BASE VALVE
One of the many clever
tools available from Checkpoint is the Heads Up Target balloon and the
two-piece Target Base Valve. The grided balloon provides a target reference
point for the laser. In addition, side grids simulate the ears of the listener
for a more accurate pointing reference. The balloon is easy to inflate by simply
twisting the valve and blowing into it or using an optional CO2
canister. The closed valve could then be attached to a standard 1/4"x20 tripod
mount set for the appropriate height of the listener. We were able to align all
of our speakers to the exact seating position defined by the balloon.
LG-120
ALIGNMENT LASER
The LG-120
is a precision machined and anodized laser tool that spreads an adjustable beam
angle anywhere from 15° to 120° wide. Calibrated markers on the barrel
are set at 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90° and 120°. We set the
angle to 15° while aiming our main speakers at the listening position. Imagine
being able to visually adjust the target area of your directional loudspeaker.
We did just that with our M&K THX speakers. The result was a properly adjusted
speaker baffle. Another practical use for this product is the ability to predict
the desired screen width for a front projection display. In our case we easily
determined the size of our Stewart Filmscreen based on the projector distance.
INCLO-MATIC LASER TOOL
Among
the set of tools provided to us for review was the Inclo-Matic digital inclinometer
fitted with a laser. This tools has many uses including setting the precise tilt
angle of surround channels. The digital inclinometer runs on a 9 volt battery
and the laser uses two AAA batteries.
Full SA-S certification is available by attending the SA-S design/use lectures at selected trade shows and scheduled events. If you're interested in training, contact Checkpoint directly for registration and certification information. The seminar is designed to train professional installers and dealers on the complete, advanced application of SA-S alignment equipment including documentation. This comprehensive system of specialty alignment tools, accessories, and procedures help qualify and enhance the professional in both products and supporting services.
SA-S
is a comprehensive system designed to help the installer or enthusiast get the
most out of a home theater setup. Audio is the primary focus of this system, but
the tools lend themselves well to video projector setup and screen installations
as well. The SA-S is one of the most efficient ways to enhance your sound system
setup. While the product is geared for the professional, audiophiles will quickly
become addicted to the tools.
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Kevin Nakano