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Reference Seating Position (RSP)

Understanding the Reference Seating Position and why it matters for Trinnov calibration

    The Reference Seating Position (RSP) is the primary listening position in your space and serves as the anchor point for Trinnov calibration. This position provides the Optimizer with critical timing information needed for accurate speaker localization and acoustic correction.

    Summary

     

    What is the Reference Seating Position

    The Reference Seating Position (RSP) is:

    • The main listening position in your space
    • The first measurement location for Trinnov calibration
    • The anchor point for speaker localization, timing, level and remapping calculations

    For home theater and cinema, the RSP typically aligns with the center seat, positioned at the midpoint between left and right speakers. For pro audio, it's the mix position where the engineer sits.

    Note: The term "Reference Seating Position" is defined in ANSI/CTA-CEDIA RP22 Immersive Audio Design Practice as the standard terminology that meets both audio and video requirements.

     

     

    RSP by application

    Home theater and commercial cinema

    According to CEDIA, the RSP "is both the main listening position and the main viewing position."

    Typical positioning

    • Centered horizontally - Aligned with the midpoint between left and right speakers or perpendicular to the center speaker
    • 2/3 back from the screen - Based on typical cinema viewing habits where most viewers naturally choose this position
    • Owner's preferred seat - Ultimately where the system owner will spend most listening time

    Reference level considerations

    For systems claiming "reference level" performance, specific SPL requirements apply at the RSP:

    • Main speakers: Minimum 105 dB peak SPL
    • Subwoofers: Minimum 115 dB peak SPL

     

    Note: these are very loud levels. Most listening occurs well below reference level, but these benchmarks ensure adequate headroom and dynamic range for demanding content.

    Tip: the RSP location influences speaker selection and amplification requirements. Farther seating distances require more powerful speakers or amplification to achieve target levels.

    Warning: do not confuse the minimum reference levels with the calibration level, they serve different purposes. See Set Calibration Level for details.

    For detailed technical specifications, see ANSI/CTA-CEDIA RP22 Immersive Audio Design Practice.

     

    Pro audio and studios

    In professional audio environments, the RSP is:

    • The mix position - Where the sound engineer or editor works
    • The engineer's seat - Positioned at the mixing console or workstation
    • Optimized for critical listening - Typically with stereo speakers placed 60° apart

    Note: While no formal ANSI standard defines RSP for pro audio, the mix position serves the same function as the RSP in home theater, it's the critical reference point for acoustic calibration.

     

     

    Why RSP matters for Trinnov calibration

    AltitudeCI_Calibration_Wizard_Position

    The Optimizer uses the RSP measurement for precise speaker localization:

    Critical timing reference

    • Calculates exact speaker positions - The Optimizer determines the 3D coordinates of each speaker relative to the RSP
    • One reference per preset - Only one measurement can serve as the timing and level alignment reference
    • Foundation for additional measurements - All other measurements are relative to the RSP data

    In the calibration interface

    The RSP appears as:

    • "Reference measurement" or "REF"  or "Time alignment Ref" in the calibration settings (terminology varies by software version)
    • The first measurement in your measurement list
    • The anchor point in the speaker position visualizations

    Important: Even when taking multiple measurements, one position must always be designated as the reference. The Optimizer uses this single point to establish precise speaker locations and delay alignment, then applies acoustic correction across all measurement positions.

    Verification

    After RSP calibration:

    • Review speaker positions - Check the top view and elevation displays
    • Verify symmetry - Left and right speakers should be closely matched
    • Confirm distances - Compare measured distances to your physical setup

    If results don't match your expectations, see Troubleshooting Calibration.