LG soundbar DRC Setting (A Detailed Guide On It)

LG Soundbar has the DRC setting which is an impressive feature that helps to compress the dynamic range of audio signals. You may find it on different sound systems and can enable or disable it either using the remote button or the LG Soundbar app. 

To get a detailed idea about the LG soundbar DRC setting keep reading this article till the very end. 

What is DRC Mode in a Sound System?

DRC stands for Dynamic Range Compression. It is a feature that compresses the dynamic range of audio signals. You will find it in different sound systems, such as  soundbars, receivers, and TVs. 

Now, dynamic range is the difference between the quietest and loudest sounds in an audio signal. DRC (Dynamic Range Compression) helps by:

  • Lowering the volume of sounds that are too loud
  • Raising the volume of sounds that are too quiet

This makes the audio more balanced and easier to hear, even at lower volumes. It’s especially helpful when watching movies late at night because it lowers the volume of loud effects and makes dialogue clearer, so you don’t disturb others.

However, it has its downsides too. It will reduce the impact of loud sound and it can make the sound more flat which might not be the best experience if you are looking for an action packed movie. So, if you want the best quality listening then keep the DRC setting disabled until you are watching something late at night. 

Bonus: Find out why the LG sound bar keeps switching input. 

How Does a DRC Mode Work in LG Soundbar?

DRC usually works when your soundbar is set to modes that support Dolby audio. It might not work well if your soundbar is getting PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) audio signals instead of Dolby Digital. So, it is important that your LG Soundbar is set to the correct mode. 

By turning DRC on, you can get an amazing sound of normal frequency range automatically, which will please you. Your anxiety level will be decreased by switching the DRC on because it’ll manage and turn the volume down immediately during the extra loud event (commercial/explosion/bombing/screaming scenes).

DRC Mode Work in LG Soundbar
Source: RTINGS.com

In most cases, the DRC mode is auto set in your device. It has three major parameters and these are

Threshold: The point where compression starts. Sounds above this level get compressed, while sounds below it stay the same.

Ratio: This shows how much the sound is compressed. For example, with a 4:1 ratio, if the input sound is 4 dB over the threshold, the output will only go up by 1 dB.

Attack and Release Times: These control how fast the compressor reacts. Attack time is how quickly it starts compressing after the sound goes over the threshold, and release time is how quickly it stops compressing when the sound drops below the threshold.

How to Enable/Disable the DRC Settings for LG Soundbar?

Use the Remote buttons to simply Turn DRC on/off

According to the general Guide Of LG, you have to simply press the DRC ON/OFF buttons. 

Overall, following is the process to enable or disable the DRC settings for LG soundbar. 

Step 1: Press the Settings button on your remote control. This might be labeled as “Menu” or shown as a gear icon.

Step 2: Use the arrow keys to navigate through the menu options and select “Sound” or “Audio Settings.”

Step 3: Look for options like “Dynamic Range Control,” “Dynamic Range Compression,” or similar terms. Depending on your model, it might be under “Additional Settings.”

Step 4: Find the DRC option and toggle it On or Off. Some models might offer different levels of compression, so you can choose how intense you want it.

Step 5: Save your settings if prompted, and then exit the menu.

Bonus: Check this detailed guideline on how to fix the LG subwoofer getting cut out. 

Download the APK App of LG Soundbar to control settings

LG has an advanced and very historical presence in this world, and that’s why it has made progress in its every product greatly. 

They have an application that can control your LG devices, but we’re inserting the link to the LG Sound bar Application, which is specified for LG soundbars only and has updated with almost every new feature they install, including DRC for Dolby digitals.

All you have to do is

  • Install the application from the link pasted here.
  • After that, connect the soundbar to the application by clicking over the plus (+) sign.
  • Now put the model number of your LG soundbar or connect it via Wi-Fi.

Don’t forget to turn the Wi-Fi on from the soundbar.

  • Click the “Connect button,” and the LEDs will brighten up over the soundbar.
  • Now click “Settings” on the top right of your display.
  • Select the Sound settings here.
  • The last step is to, Turn the DRC ON if you want to enable it; otherwise, swipe it off.

Here we’re going to leave the link to the YouTube video for visual understanding, but they are discussing “AI calibration,” which might be considered another entity of DRC.

Watch the video till the end.

Now that you are aware of the process there are a few things you need to keep in mind 

Model Variations: The exact terms and steps might be a bit different for each model, so it’s a good idea to check your soundbar’s user manual for the right instructions.

Impact of DRC: Turning on DRC can make dialogue clearer in movies and lower the volume of loud sounds. This is especially useful in places where you need to keep the volume down, like apartments.

Finally, if you have any problems or can’t find the settings, it might help to look for firmware updates for your soundbar or contact LG’s customer support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Should Audio DRC Be On or Off?

When Audio DRC is set to On, the range of audio volume levels is reduced to a standard level. When Audio DRC is set to Off, there’s no volume reduction, resulting in a more dynamic and varied sound.

How Do I Get the Best Sound Out of My Soundbar?

To get the best sound out of the soundbar, choose the right model for your needs. Then optimize the connection and settings. Make sure to position the soundbar directly in front of the TV center or a TV stand or on the mounted wall and adjust the sound modes.

What Does DRC Do in Audio?

DRC works to reduce the difference between the loudest and quietest parts of an audio signal. It helps to make sure the dialogue, music, and sound effects in audio post-production are at the right levels, so everything sounds clear.

Conclusion

In conclusion, LG soundbar DRC is useful if you are watching a movie late at night and want to tone down the loud noises. Normally, it comes built in and the steps to connect it using a remote or the LG Sound Bar app is quite simple. Therefore, this is one of the conveniences you can use to enjoy a movie experience in your own home.