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#149700 - 10/18/06 02:42 PM
Using The Radio Shack SPL Meter?
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hobbyist
Registered: 08/24/06
Posts: 24
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Hey all, Before I get my new M60’s, I wanted to make sure I understood how to use this thing properly. The below is instructions were taken from Audioholics: Quote:
“Place the SPL Meter at the listening position at ear level with the Mic end pointed toward the ceiling. Select “C” weighting, response slow then, turn the dB dial to 70. Activate the internal pink noise generator of your Receiver and select manual test tone. Now adjust each speaker to +75 dB reference. When you are adjusting the surrounds make sure your body is not in a direct path of the speaker and make sure the house is quiet. When doing the calibration, only the test tone should be heard (A/C, ceiling fans, ect. should be turned off). I like to adjust the subwoofer level to + 80dB for wow effect. Your taste may vary.”
What I don’t understand is the +75dB. My receiver (Pioneer ELITE) only goes to +12. What am I missing?
Thanks
Edited by Robot (10/18/06 02:42 PM)
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VP150 / QS8(3) / M60s
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#149701 - 10/18/06 02:43 PM
Re: Using The Radio Shack SPL Meter?
[Re: Robot]
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shareholder in the making
Registered: 05/03/03
Posts: 17375
Loc: NoVA
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OK, ignore the volume settings on your receiver. It's talking about the reading of 75 dB on the meter.
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DON'T... call me stupid!
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#149702 - 10/18/06 03:08 PM
Re: Using The Radio Shack SPL Meter?
[Re: Ken.C]
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hobbyist
Registered: 08/24/06
Posts: 24
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So where should I set my receiver to test? My reference level is between -10 and -5 on my receiver.
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VP150 / QS8(3) / M60s
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#149703 - 10/18/06 03:31 PM
Re: Using The Radio Shack SPL Meter?
[Re: Robot]
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aficionado
Registered: 12/02/03
Posts: 692
Loc: Round Rock, Texas
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Robot,
Set up the meter and then turn the volume up on the reciever so that the left front speaker registers 75 db on the meter...Disregard where the volume control on the reciever is set.
Hope this helps.
WhatFurrer
Edited by WhatFurrer (10/18/06 03:34 PM)
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"Meddle not in the affairs of Dragons, for you are crunchy and good with ketchup..."
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#149704 - 10/18/06 03:42 PM
Re: Using The Radio Shack SPL Meter?
[Re: WhatFurrer]
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hobbyist
Registered: 08/24/06
Posts: 24
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Thanks, WhatFurrer.
Sory for my ignorance, but it doesn't say "75dB" on the meter (I have the analog version).
It reads from -10 to +6.
Edited by Robot (10/18/06 03:47 PM)
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VP150 / QS8(3) / M60s
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#149705 - 10/18/06 03:55 PM
Re: Using The Radio Shack SPL Meter?
[Re: Robot]
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shareholder in the making
Registered: 05/03/03
Posts: 17375
Loc: NoVA
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Ah. You set the meter to 70 dB (or 80 dB) and read it at +5 (or -5)
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DON'T... call me stupid!
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#149707 - 10/18/06 05:00 PM
Re: Using The Radio Shack SPL Meter?
[Re: Robot]
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shareholder in the making
Registered: 01/29/04
Posts: 13147
Loc: Iowa
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Does your receiver have auto setup with a mic? If so, run that first, that is what I do. Then I go back and check with an SPL meter to make sure that the speakers are the same on the meter. I've heard the starting with the left speaker thing first, but I don't think that matters with the newer receivers.
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M80s-VP180-QS8s-EP600-2xEP350 Denon3808 Outlaw7700
M22-OWM22-VP100-Denon2805
Audio Nirvana
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#149708 - 10/18/06 05:45 PM
Re: Using The Radio Shack SPL Meter?
[Re: PorterPlex]
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connoisseur
Registered: 09/25/02
Posts: 1477
Loc: Maine
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The THX reference level for movies is 85db I think once you get your meter out and start adjusting the volume to 85db with pink noise you'll find its TOO LOUD! At least, I did. 
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#149710 - 10/18/06 07:25 PM
Re: Using The Radio Shack SPL Meter?
[Re: Robot]
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shareholder in the making
Registered: 01/29/04
Posts: 13147
Loc: Iowa
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My Denon setup is very accurate, I don't tweek it much from those settings. I do not use the EQ part of the setup thought, it makes my 60's sound worse. Levels, Delay, etc. it is dead on...
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M80s-VP180-QS8s-EP600-2xEP350 Denon3808 Outlaw7700
M22-OWM22-VP100-Denon2805
Audio Nirvana
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#149711 - 10/18/06 07:35 PM
Re: Using The Radio Shack SPL Meter?
[Re: Haoleb]
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enthusiast
Registered: 08/23/06
Posts: 33
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I turn the volume down when its too loud
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#149712 - 10/18/06 11:42 PM
Re: Using The Radio Shack SPL Meter?
[Re: cava]
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connoisseur
Registered: 12/10/03
Posts: 3600
Loc: Winnipeg MB Canada
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I also suggest pointing the SPL meter toward the screen at ear level (use a tripod). I find it more accurate reflects what you'll hear (unless your audio canals point straight up out of your head) when you're sitting facing the screen.
Bren R.
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#149713 - 10/18/06 11:52 PM
Re: Using The Radio Shack SPL Meter?
[Re: Robot]
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axiomite
Registered: 05/11/02
Posts: 9981
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Ro, basically you can rely on MCACC on your Pioneer to accurately set the speaker levels. There's no good reason to expect that a manual setting using the RS meter will be more accurate. That meter isn't a precision instrument(they claim +/-2dB accuracy)and the element of human error can also affect a manual calibration, so if the results differ it shouldn't be assumed that the manual results are more nearly correct.
If you do use the manual setting process, follow the instructions in your receiver's manual. Generally receiver tones are at 75dB and the receiver volume setting is at 0 for the calibration. Then if you desire listening at that "reference level"(usually too loud)you'd have the receiver volume control at 0, where it was for the calibration.
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Enjoy the music, not the equipment.
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#149714 - 10/19/06 05:29 PM
Re: Using The Radio Shack SPL Meter?
[Re: JohnK]
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old hand
Registered: 02/16/05
Posts: 86
Loc: Florida
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I agree with John. In my experience, the MCACC will accurately set your levels. Just check the speaker size and the sub distance. That will be where it messes up.
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