Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners SPL Help

I want to double check my Denons auto setting using my SPL that I've never used, unfortunately the directions have disappeared and I have no idea how to use it, any help on the settings and how to use would be appreciated.

Anyone looking for a SPL meter they sell them here Aperion

Michael, you want to set it to C weighting and slow response.

With the circular dial, select the appropriate range (70, 80, etc.). If, for example you select the "80" range, when the needle points at "0", the signal is 80dB. If the needle points to the "2" to the left of the zero, you're getting 80dB MINUS 2 dB, or 78dB.

Set it to the "70" range, and "0" represents 70dB.

I have limited use with an SPL, but as per you picture the settings are correct except you need to select the SPL level on the Range.

Settings should be:

Weighting C
Response Slow
Range 70 or 80

If you want to calibrate to 75 DB's turn it to Range 70 and the needle should go to the Right +5 to achieve 75db.

The Range will be the minimum level it will start to pick up the sound I believe.

I hope this helps and is correct


Jack beat me, I guess I type slower...

I would tend to believe that just about all home theatre setup calibration is calibrated in the same basic manner regardless the brand of similar SPL meters. Here's a basic explanation of how the SPL meter should be adjusted for calibration ....

Using the SPL Meter

... hope it helps.

Thanks everyone for the responses, I'm pretty clear on how to use it now. I'll try it tonight when I've got some quiet in the house. I'm interseted to see what it reveals in comparison to my Denons autosetup.

I have a question.

The meter should be held upright when taking the reading ?
basically the transuder thing is up in the air ?
and
you dont lay it on its side and point the transducer at the speaker in question, right ?

thanks

Randy

From the article that Rick provided.
"There is mixed advice about how to hold your SPL meter to take measurements. Some will tell you to aim the SPL meter's microphone at the speaker you're measuring. If you consistently do it like this for every speaker, you'll be fine. Others will tell you to hold the meter straight up for every channel. Most enthusiasts feel that holding the meter straight up provides more consistent results between channels. (Think about it. Your ears are not directly aimed at your speakers when you listen to them)."

With an omnidirectional meter, I think you should have it straight up, however, when I test I have it slightly (a few degrees) angled forward.

Quick question on the SPL of the sub, what should the volume on the EP500 be set at prior to the tone test and calibration, and secondly should the sub also be calibrated to 75db, I have everything done but the sub and just getting the sub up to 68db's started shaking the glasses in the bar If this is the case this is a real change from the Denons autosetup.

I believe all your speakers (including the sub) should be at the same db level.

Detailed Instructions for sub setup can be found here (thanks to Ajax for posting this on another thread.

Like people are saying on other posts, if you are using the EP500, add an extra 3 feet to the distance to account for the DSP and processing.