Made a free appointment for the Lexus tech specialist to review my ML settings. If you’re like me and *not* an audiophile, but know something isn’t completely right, try these steps. These are the settings he plugged in and now I’m getting the orchestra-like experience.

1. Go into SOUND > TREBLE/MID/BASE
2. Move all settings to the FAR RIGHT. (Pic #2)
3. Go into FADE BALANCER and move the horizontal line two clicks to the back.
4. Turn on the AUTOMATIC SOUND LEVELER and SURROUND

Trust me, thought I tried every setting under the Sun, but not this combination. The rep said the ML system is configured slightly different for each Lexus model.

I was able to get a good sound when I blasted the radio, but at 23 and below, the music sounded like it was up front. This setting fixed it.

NOTE: For bass heavy songs, you can toggle it down a click or two.

 

Funny you mention this - I think mine delivered like this. I thought maybe it was set up weird or something and I changed it back. I'll give this a go again after hearing the middle settings for a while.

 

I had a year to obsess over the IS 500 reviews and a few of them, like the Topher, had a sound segment. The system sounded so good on YT, I shazamed the songs so I could replicate the same experience. When the songs didn’t sound as rich, I messed around with the settings and eventually gave up. My opinion, this is something Lexus should help me with, but I needed something more in-depth than the quick overview given to granny and grandpa! 😜

 

I have a pretty good ear for this stuff and the ML system in the IS has been the hardest one for me to tune. The ML in my GS and ES was better.

I actually turn my tremble down in this car, the highs are very forward, little overbearing to me. It also lacks depth in the vocals. I should get out the laptop and run some REW sweeps to help with settings for a flat response then people can adjust from there.

 

DLPTony - Thanks for sharing!!! I will have to try that and report back. I already had my treble pushed all the way to the right and the fade a bit to the back but I will try the other settings and report back.

 

The tech wanted to verify all speakers were operational so he made me turn the headlights on and off four times in a row. The screen went into a diagnostic mode and the music went around to each speaker. It was cool!

1. The lights have to be off first.
2. I can’t remember, but I *think* he was in the Sound menu before the light trick.

Maybe that’ll help you to tune it as well and let us know. 😁

Yes let me know! What type of music do you guys listen to? I’m a jazz, electronic, chill house kinda guy, so in most instances the bass is heavy.

 

^^ LMAO - Most people cringe when I tell that my style of music. I love the 70's and early 80's country - That is what I grew up with dad's loving that stuff so it is all I know. I could sing all the songs when I was a kid and not having a single clue to what it meant (didn't learn English until i was in my late teens)

 

::heehee:: I like the old country. The sounds and cadence are close to the Blues and Southern Gospel from the Black community. My grandparents played it all the time. For my Puerto Rican side, there’s a ‘sound’ but I can’t put my finger on it. It’s Caribbean and Latino, but different. I need to investigate that for my wonderful ML system! 😜

I do like the Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn sound too, haunting ballads occupy a special place for me. 😎

 

Oh…and I am 100% a child of the 80s. Casey Kasem’s Top 40 list was a staple on the Air Force bases we grew up on. I know every pop & light rock song from that era! ❤️😂

Then there’s the 90s… The Depeche Mode-like sound was everything.

I just love music I guess. 😜

 

spot on, this setting is perfect.

 

That is so interesting....I have all the settings to the far LEFT as the treble is way to pichy.....I have been truly disappointed with the sound system, but I'll give this a try Tomorow...thanks for sharing

 

I had the exact same reaction lol

Worth a try! I got REW setup on my small laptop and never made any measurements to see what's going on. Maybe one day lol

 

I am in the middle. Literally, I think all my settings are just one or two clicks to the right of center. I also have automatic sound leveling off and surround on.

 

I've found to like Treble at midpoint, Mid up 2-3 clicks from midpoint, and Bass all the way up. Still wouldn't mind a bit more bass but it works
automatic sound leveling ON and surround ON

I tried everything at max and fader to rear 1-2 clicks but it seemed to mute the bass more (especially the front door kickpanel speakers). Maybe i just wasn't turning it up enough but would have to be above 40 to get loudness of 30 at center on fade. Normally in the upper teens to twenties, and low 30's if I really jamming

 

I thought so too. What helped a lot was setting the fader 2 clicks toward the rear.