Using an SPL Meter
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 52
buff
|
OP
buff
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 52 |
I keep reading posts about using a meter to set up speakers properly and how it will eliminate many initial sound problems. What I can't seem to find is what am I doing with this meter? I don't want to look like Spock walking around the living room searching for the Wavelings. Is there an article (I can't seem to find one) that explains exactly what I chould be looking for?
I will be setting up a 60/500 (7.1) in my new home. My biggest problem is that I can't order them for two more weeks. My home is about 8 weeks from completion and the last thing I want to do is stare at new speaker boxes without being able to do anything about it.
|
|
|
Re: Using an SPL Meter
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,211
axiomite
|
axiomite
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,211 |
Here's a pretty decent article describing what the SPL is measuring and how it relates to setting up a room for audio ... SPL Meter ... hope it helps. Welcome aboard and congrats with the new digs Lohengrin.
|
|
|
Re: Using an SPL Meter
|
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,877
connoisseur
|
connoisseur
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,877 |
buy something like this from radio shack: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index....rentPage=searchthe meter has a knob at the top that you turn to the appropriate DB level. If you turn the knob to 70 db it will read everything from 60 db - 80db. Most people calibrate their system to about 75 db so leaving the meter on the 70db mark will work fine. Either sit in the primary listening position and hold the meter or place the meter there with a tripod. Make sure the meter is on "C" weighting not "A". Play test tones for each speaker through your receiver,and adjust the channel levels so that each one reads 75 db. Some people choose to bump up the sub by 5db. What receiver do you have? *Cue JohnK with his technical research paper links
Last edited by terzaghi; 07/02/08 11:39 PM. Reason: Aha! I knew someone would have a good link...
-David
|
|
|
Re: Using an SPL Meter
|
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 20
hobbyist
|
hobbyist
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 20 |
Just curious...
Is there any point in doing this if you have for example a Denon 3808, and use Audyssey Multi EQ XT?
Arcam AVR600 Cambridge Audio 640C v2 Oppo DV-980H PMC GB1i PMC DB1M-Ci QS8 v2 EP350 v3
|
|
|
Re: Using an SPL Meter
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,848 Likes: 14
shareholder in the making
|
shareholder in the making
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,848 Likes: 14 |
Even though my Denon 2805 has auto setup/mic, I still go back and verify SPL levels, distance, etc. Many times the receiver is a little off. I addition, I never use built in EQ features of receivers, to me it makes good Axiom speakers sound worse, and changes the original manufacturers design.
M80s VP180 4xM22ow 4xM3ic EP600 2xEP350 AnthemAVM60 Outlaw7700 EmoA500 Epson5040UB FluanceRT85
|
|
|
Re: Using an SPL Meter
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 52
buff
|
OP
buff
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 52 |
More info (some actually relevant to topic):
The room is about 4000ft3 (17l x 24w x 10h) with long end opening into the dining room. Seating is 14' from 65" tv (view axis is 17 side).
I am using a Pioneer VSX-1015TX (7.1, 125w/ch).
80% movie/television, 18% music (jazz, classic rock, classical), 2% Tiger Woods Golf.
|
|
|
Re: Using an SPL Meter
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 52
buff
|
OP
buff
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 52 |
One more thing.
Even though the receiver has the built in mic for set-up I would prefer (based on info read here and elsewhere) to do it manually. I also have Avia 2.
|
|
|
Re: Using an SPL Meter
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,211
axiomite
|
axiomite
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,211 |
One more thing.
.....I would prefer (based on info read here and elsewhere) to do it manually. I also have Avia 2. You should be set then ... the Avia disc should include a step-by-step walk through for calibrating with your SPL meter.
|
|
|
Re: Using an SPL Meter
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 52
buff
|
OP
buff
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 52 |
Ahh, I have never even looked at the audio section. I used it to calibrate my television.
I will look it over and post any questions it leaves unanswered.
Thanks for all of the replies.
|
|
|
Re: Using an SPL Meter
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,301
connoisseur
|
connoisseur
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,301 |
I ran the Audyssey first then double checked with an spl meter, the Audyssey was right on for the speaker setup.
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
|
|
|
Forums16
Topics24,967
Posts442,615
Members15,632
|
Most Online2,699 Aug 8th, 2024
|
|
0 members (),
712
guests, and
2
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
|