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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any chance of a firmware update that fixes the Arc / Sub issue will be released today?
any chance of a firmware update that fixes the Arc / Sub issue will be released today?
Im hoping for that miracle too, but in reality I wouldn't count on that to happen today. Probably later this month…….
Is trueplay broken with the new sub mini also, or it’s working normally? I’m looking forward to see the answer in the next days…
I think Trueplay was only ‘broken’ with the Arc/Sub, as the instructions in the opening post from Staff provide different instructions for the Beam or Ray, which are not related to Trueplay, but merely say that those requiring more bass should simply increase the sub volume. So it appears the Trueplay issue was with the Arc/Sub combo.
Is trueplay broken with the new sub mini also, or it’s working normally? I’m looking forward to see the answer in the next days…
I think Trueplay was only ‘broken’ with the Arc/Sub, as the instructions in the opening post from Staff provide different instructions for the Beam or Ray, which are not related to Trueplay, but merely say that those requiring more bass should simply increase the sub volume. So it appears the Trueplay issue was with the Arc/Sub combo.
Nope, beam and ray are also affected and it’s not about volume only, but frequency response also. Please check the pages before, you’ll find all the answers there.
Is trueplay broken with the new sub mini also, or it’s working normally? I’m looking forward to see the answer in the next days…
I think Trueplay was only ‘broken’ with the Arc/Sub, as the instructions in the opening post from Staff provide different instructions for the Beam or Ray, which are not related to Trueplay, but merely say that those requiring more bass should simply increase the sub volume. So it appears the Trueplay issue was with the Arc/Sub combo.
Nope, beam and ray are also affected and it’s not about volume only, but frequency response also. Please check the pages before, you’ll find all the answers there.
If you look at the opening post from Staff, there is no suggestion it’s related to Trueplay as far as the Beam, or Ray, are concerned - it is suggested that the user should switch off Trueplay for the Arc/Sub combo.
For the Beam/Ray, you would just leave Trueplay enabled and if required, increase the volume of the Sub - that’s what the post says. So it appears only the Arc/Sub combo is affected by the mentioned ‘Trueplay’ issue, which Sonos say they are working on. That’s how I read the post.
There's two things this thread is about. According to Sonos: “In this update, we made a change to Arc’s audio profile to improve dialogue clarity and the overall sound experience.”
So the frequency response is Arc only.
Sonos again: “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.“
Lower Sub output could be with Arc, Beam and Ray.
My recollection is the update to 14.12 auto-reset any saved Trueplay settings for the Arc room only (users were asked to re-Trueplay tune their Arc room) - the Beam/Ray Trueplay settings were retained during the update and not changed, so I assume it’s not a Trueplay issue in their case.
I guess Sub volume was affected across the board for HT setups, hence adjusting the sub volume-level was provided as a suggested solution for Beam/Ray users who wanted to continue with that high Sub setting going forward, if preferred.
I’ve just chosen to leave my Beam at the default volume level as I’ve been fine with that, personally.
In the Arc’s case however the advice was to switch off Trueplay altogether to return the Arc to its earlier setting, or as near as dammit, (albeit that’s a point some here arguably disagree on). So I am seeing the matter as two separate issues aswell, but not Trueplay related as far as the Beam/Ray was concerned as there was no suggestion to disable Trueplay in either case for those two HT products. Maybe I’m misunderstanding the post, but that’s how it read to me, otherwise the simple answer would have been to switch off Trueplay on each one of those devices, surely?
I think Ken is right! My dual subs are connected to the arc, so the beam was never tested by myself. If it’s only the sub volume for the beam and ray, then it’s acceptable for the moment, but for the arc the sub frequency responce is totally broken (with trueplay).
TruePlay on or TruePlay off, you can still adjust your own sound profile in the Sonos Controller, and bump up the bass.
I don’t think you fully understand what TruePlay is doing?
It’s more than a modification to your Treble / Bass / Sub. It’s also driver volumes, but most importantly a very fine tune to your EQ curve that we could never do - with the tools they give us in app.
The goal is to minimize Echo and Reverb, having proper balance of volume between speakers, and also hitting the flattest curve it can - so that peaks and valleys are only influenced by the mastered audio you play back, and not by poor customization.
Perhaps I’ve not said it clearly.
You can still modify your sound profile with the Sonos controller, whether TruePlay has been used or not. Sonos does not turn off your ability to change your system just because TruePlay has been engaged.
Are they going to fix the sub woofer bass or I sell them on marketplace it’s been 2 plus month since the update of 14.12. Why sonos taking so long to fix?? Terrible
Hey SONOS! When can we expect to get a fix? I upgraded from a Playbar to an Arc just when 14.12 was released and have not been able to experience the true power of the unit which is most frustrating and dissapointing.
Normally my wife would tell me to put the volume down before the the infamous firmware update, she now tells me to put the volume up...come on sonos fix it...
Sonos - speakers , sound company that doesn't care about the sound for last 3 months ... Stick that mini sub won't say where...
Call Sonos support, log a support case and get a case number. Then reply to the survey they’ll send to you and explain your disgust at their flawed update and resolution inaction.
It’s a numbers game and takes ten minutes tops. Much more effective than venting in a community forum.
Sonos, you suck . I mean that sincerely.
Sonos, you suck . I mean that sincerely.
Agree
What can I say…. I have Arc/Sub/2 One the sound its completely fucked up!!
This is more than enough!
At least someone please write here how many time we have to wait for a fix!
SONOS BE PROFESSIONAL FFS!!!
Really Sonos??
How about some bass in my sub first
If this is not fixed by the end of october i have no idea what is going on because that would be over 90 days inbetween updates. i’m still getting over the fact that sonos released an update so flawed over 70 days ago. I mean sonos should tell their customers the fact that you shouldn't update if you have sub gen 3 because of these deadly updates. I remember there being rare bugs that are terrible after updates. Like the dropoff bug where sub and other components would just not be in the system and you would have to restart them. Sonos should warn the public not to update because these update mostly not good unless you see the community say its good. Sonos solution is to turn off trueplay which is a terrible solution because the sound lacks the clarity without it. The whole system just sounds worse with trueplay off so your only solution is to live with it or turn up the bass on the sub to at least 10 im shocked and still doesnt sound as good as 14.12.
Sonos treats the public like its beta testes even through they already have them. Also the lack of communication at the beginning was just terrible. Almost two weeks after the update and sonos tells everyone yeah we made a mistake, guess you shouldnt have updated. I got a full sonos setup because the lack of bugs and software. now i regret getting it because sonos just doesnt treat its customers good. Sonos gives lack of communication with these updates and the fact that this has not gotten media attention is mind boggling. I also wonder if this happened to sony or bose if they would have fixed it with two months instead of this fiasco.
“ Sonos treats the public like its beta testes…”
A reminded that talking about the new Sonos Testes, that may or may not be real, is a violation of the NDA. Theres is absolutely no Sonos testicular bass shaker implant in beta testing.
Also, I’ve used Sonos for years. The software rarely has had a major issue in that time. They’ve added more enhancements and features over the last few years then ever. Sure, there was a little less bass at my dog’s birthday party, but I’d rather Sonos continue adding features we can get excited about. They haven’t let me down yet.
Just because you haven't received issues doesn't mean others haven't. I meant that sonos has a lack of communication with its customers in the community and the fact that its not fixed makes a lot of customers feel unwanted. Also sonos should continue to update like most companies. Im just saying that i dont know how these bugs were released and once they are released we are forced to wait after release to get them fixed.
My LG Sk9y soundbar sounds better...I mean it’s really disapoointing to be putting up the volume to near half way just to hear the dialogue.
Why does it matter you see a higher volume number?
I think the volume number means nothing…
However the fact my gen1 beam in the bedroom sounds better does
The arc is nowhere near as good as before and sounds more like a centre speaker than a wide range soundbar
The sound signature is awful now and even with truplay off and manually setting up it's still bad