SPL Meter + Calibration Question:Analog/Digital
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 48
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OP
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 48 |
Greetings! I've got an analog and a digital SPL Meter from Radio Shack. Using AVIA's test-tones, They have a recommendation to calibrate the system so each speaker registers 85dB. The problem is using the SPL meter, I can't get the signal to remain constantly on 85dB, and it is frusterating me...its sometimes between 84 and 86dB...and I know that Dolby usually also recommends to calibrate your speakers at 85dB or sometimes 75dB, but how much room/leeway/headroom are we allowed to have, before the dB level of setting up a home theater is too loud or too soft... because I cant get it to say at 85dB...it constantly jumps up and down on the decibels... Thank you so much for anyone trying to help...
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Re: SPL Meter + Calibration Question:Analog/Digita
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044 |
I usually go with, "if it's dancing around the level I want, it's close enough."
But there are far more exacting people than me out there.
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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Re: SPL Meter + Calibration Question:Analog/Digita
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441 |
When using the analog meter, do you have it set to Slow response? That will damp out the bumps and give you an accurate average.
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Re: SPL Meter + Calibration Question:Analog/Digita
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,039
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,039 |
I'm with you on this Ken, plus or minus one db is close enough for me.
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Re: SPL Meter + Calibration Question:Analog/Digital
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 48
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OP
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 48 |
Yep...I've got it set to C-Weighting;Slow Response...and it still jumps around...
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Re: SPL Meter + Calibration Question:Analog/Digital
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,331
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,331 |
If you're using the digital meter, you have to set it to "slow" each time you turn it on. It automatically defaults to "fast." PITA!
Jack
"People generally quarrel because they cannot argue." - G. K. Chesterton
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Re: SPL Meter + Calibration Question:Analog/Digital
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 48
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OP
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 48 |
Thanks Ajax...But I've done that too!
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Re: SPL Meter + Calibration Question:Analog/Digital
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,654
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,654 |
Mitch, in addition to the above replies, keep in mind that the claimed accuracy for the RS meter is +/- 2dB, so don't be overly concerned with the precision of your read.
-----------------------------------
Enjoy the music, not the equipment.
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Re: SPL Meter + Calibration Question:Analog/Digital
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 48
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OP
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 48 |
OK, these were my results after I calibrated my Harman-Kardon AVR65 receiver using the Radio Shack digital SPL Meter at 75dB. L=0dB C=0dB R=-3dB RS=+5dB LS=-4dB
if sound is usually twice as powerful at 3dB...would it be better to just set the surround speakers both at +3dB, instead of where it is now, or would that be ruining the general purpose of calibrating a home-theater at 75dB?
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Re: SPL Meter + Calibration Question:Analog/Digita
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044 |
Trust the meter and trust your ears. Does the surround sound stuff sound unbalanced? Because if it doesn't now, it certainly would if you set both to +3 dB.
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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