Retired Community Manager

14.12 Update

Changes to volume mapping and impact on Sub output

Thank you for your feedback regarding the recent 14.12 software update with Enhanced Clarity for Arc.

In this update, we made a change to Arc’s audio profile to improve dialogue clarity and the overall sound experience. This change is based on feedback from our listeners in the field and brings Arc in line with our other Home Theater products, resulting in a more accurate representation of the sound as intended by the content creator.

The updated tuning adjusts the spectral balance of Arc+Sub to achieve a more accurate representation of the sound and an improved sound experience. While the Arc+Sub output capability remains the same, the mapping of volume across the 0-100% range has been adjusted with this release which means low and mid volume levels are relatively lower compared to the previous tuning so you may need to adjust the volume slider to achieve your pre-update volume level. The maximum volume and bass output are unchanged. We acknowledge that this change was not made more clear in the release notes and in the future we’ll be sure to make sure we communicate these rare changes more effectively.

Please note, we have identified an issue for some users of Arc, Beam and Ray whose configuration includes a Sub (with or without surrounds), who may find their Sub output is lower than desired after performing a new Trueplay tuning.

Users with Beam or Ray bonded with Sub can increase the Sub level for a more powerful low-end response, however this won’t have the same impact for Arc users. Customers using Arc bonded with a Sub (and/or surrounds) who find their Sub output is lower than desired following performing a new Trueplay tuning, should temporarily disable Trueplay on Arc until this is addressed by an upcoming software update.

Trueplay tunings for Home Theater configurations without a bonded Sub are unaffected, including standalone soundbars and those bonded with surrounds only.

If you would like any assistance adjusting the sound of your Home Theater setup, the community is here to help. You can also contact Sonos support.

Moderation edit:

With the 14.18 software update, the above mentioned issues have been addressed, and the Enhanced Clarity for Arc adjustments are retained. There was a clear preference within our community for the previous volume settings, and these have been restored. This will be apparent immediately after updating to 14.18. The Trueplay issue has been fixed. Customers who experienced a lower Sub level after performing Trueplay after updating to 14.12 will need to update their systems and then perform a new Trueplay tuning in order to address these improvements in their system. Customers will hear a more powerful low end response, meaning any Sub level adjustments made after 14.12 should no longer be required.

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Ken_Griffiths

People seem to be getting so het up with the Arc and Sub combo, yes it sounds bad as a pair and this is what Sonos has said they will try and fix but when my Arc is unbonded from my Sub Gen3 it still sounds rubbish. When everything is bonded together in a HT setup my 1SL's are too loud so I need to turn them down. It's as if they're still on the 14.10 volume and sound curve (even though all my products are at 14.12). I run everything as default, no EQ enhancements, no level adjustments. Therefore it's evident this 14.12 wasn't very well thought through in my opinion. The main focus of the fix being Arc and Sub bonding is just a drop in the ocean compared to what needs to be done overall.

Maybe switch-off Trueplay and change the distance-setting for your surrounds in the Sonos App - you can also customise the ‘TV Level’ and ‘Music Level’ slider-controls in your Arc Room Settings (Surround Audio) to adjust the volume level output of Front/Rear-channel audio.

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Outburst

Enthusiast II

Hey Sonos, just in case you aren't getting the message and think that it's only a minority of users unhappy with the 14.12 update. Here is a real live survey from a Sonos Users Social Media group. To date (out of 229 votes) 77 (33%) people say 14.12 made the sound worst, 79 (34%) people say it made no difference, and 45 (19%, THE MINORITY) people say it sounds better.

Almost the majority of people in this data set think 14.12 made it sound worst. If you combine those unaffected with the disgruntled, that's 67% of this data set either see no difference or are unhappy with inferior sound. This data set suggests a truly unsuccessful update. The numbers don't lie!

The. People. Have. Spoken.

Also, I'll add for context: Thinking the 14.12 update made the sound worst "is not" the popular opinion to have in this referenced social media group where this poll was taken.

You know you need to add “no difference” and “made the sound better” and then compare it against “made it worse” right?

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rp105

Lyricist III

I would also request SONOS to change the return window for all the users who have ordered after July 19th to 45 days after the day the patch is released. So lets say the patch is out on Sept 1st then I should be able to return my product till Oct 15th

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nick776

Trending Lyricist I

I just got my Arc last Saturday (already have Beam Gen 1 and Beam Gen 2). Since I just got my Arc, I’ve ONLY heard the 14.12 update. Can someone fill me in, in the most simplistic of terms, what it would have sounded like before? I am quite pleased with how it sounds now, especially since I can hear subtle texture and nuance in certain sounds. I’m also quite happy with how music sounds. Did it make BOTH movies and music sound worse or just one or the other?

The big issue is with Arc + Sub setups. If you don’t rock that combo it’s not something you need to worry about it.

I DO have the Arc plus Sub (Gen 1 Sub).

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blunderdome

Enthusiast I

I just got my Arc last Saturday (already have Beam Gen 1 and Beam Gen 2). Since I just got my Arc, I’ve ONLY heard the 14.12 update. Can someone fill me in, in the most simplistic of terms, what it would have sounded like before? I am quite pleased with how it sounds now, especially since I can hear subtle texture and nuance in certain sounds. I’m also quite happy with how music sounds. Did it make BOTH movies and music sound worse or just one or the other?

The big issue is with Arc + Sub setups. If you don’t rock that combo it’s not something you need to worry about it.

I DO have the Arc plus Sub (Gen 1 Sub).

OH. Well then yeah, you’re missing out. Pre 14.12 the sub had a lot more kick and rumble. Turning off TruePlay helps a little but it’s still lacking compared to the pre 14.12 levels.

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Stone love sound

Enthusiast I

Please fix this 14.12 update!! System sounds like a Vizio $200 system!!!

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MaximiliaanJ

Lyricist III

Here's to another day listening to a 2000 set up that sounds like a 200 euros one because someone thought 14.12 was a good idea and instead of rolling back to 14.10 freeing every user from the torture that is 14.12 they are failing to even fix it. Just open source 14.10.

Moderator Note: Modified in accordance with the Community Code of Conduct.

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MaximiliaanJ

Lyricist III

nobody figured out a bruteforce to 14.10 yet, cant even sell my sonos arc sub and double sl anymore, it is listed for 500.. the news has spread nobody wants this garbage anymore.

Moderator Note: Modified in accordance with the Community Code of Conduct.

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dpg50000

Enthusiast II

I just got my Arc last Saturday (already have Beam Gen 1 and Beam Gen 2). Since I just got my Arc, I’ve ONLY heard the 14.12 update. Can someone fill me in, in the most simplistic of terms, what it would have sounded like before? I am quite pleased with how it sounds now, especially since I can hear subtle texture and nuance in certain sounds. I’m also quite happy with how music sounds. Did it make BOTH movies and music sound worse or just one or the other?

The big issue is with Arc + Sub setups. If you don’t rock that combo it’s not something you need to worry about it.

Not quite true - I have Beam (Gen 2) bonded with Sub (Gen3) and a pair S1 rears. The bass is very weak on the sub now compared to pre-update.

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Ian Sives

Enthusiast I

Sonos …. Do you even read your own forum? When is this getting fixed?
For all those saying be patient they will fix it, well… they shouldn’t have broken it to start with. Obviously not fully tested seeing all the bugs and problems. How can a multi million dollar company make such mistakes? Trying to boost marketing, sales and share prices? I didn’t pay for a system just for the manufacturer to modify it as they like. I’ve now got my Sonos arc, sub and ones up for sale. Not a drop of interest. Stuck with a system that doesn’t sound the same as the one i bought and liked. No option to go back !!
As for not enabling auto updates. If we don’t update to their forced software then the system stops to function with music apps etc. Sonos, roll back to 14.10 awaiting your problem solving and listen to professionals such as peter pee on you tube. Perhaps you should put him on your payroll. He seems to understand sound better than you guys.
You are creating many angry customers that are loosing confidence in your company and products.

I had never had a problem with my system until this 14.12 update !!!

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Changes to volume mapping and impact on Sub output

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