Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater AV reference levels

OK, so sometimes I'm SLOOOOOOOW. It just hit me the other day the relationship between db & the settings on the volume dial. If I use my SPL meter & set my reference at 75db=0 on the volume dial, then obviously at the 0 setting, I'm listening at a 75db level. But I could set the reference to be 85db or I guess even 95db=0 if I wanted. Yes?? Is there any advantage or disadvantage to setting 0=anything other than 75db?? Why did this take so long for my poor mind to finally comprehend all of this?? or have I??? hmmmmmm....

In reply to:

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Is there any advantage or disadvantage to setting 0=anything other than 75db??

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No advantage, really. Your reference level should be the loudness at which you most often listen to music or watch movies. If you're one of the Dennis types who listens at 100dB+ levels, then it wouldn't make sense to calibrate at 75dB or 85dB.

I guess that departs from your original question, though. You don't need to match the 0 point on the volume dial with any specific dB level unless you really find the convenience or being able to know at a glance what the dB level is. Even then, though, setting the volume to -10 or -20dB doens't guarantee that it'll be exactly 10 or 20 dB less than your reference.

The other thing to remember is that setting a "reference level" is really just for that tone you used. Music and movies are dynamic, and you're not listening to just one level of loudness.

It's not really an average per se, but you can think of it that way. And at that comfortable level you're getting dialogue, music, etc. and then there are the huge explosions which are much louder at a higher dB, and whispered sweet nothings at a much lower dB level.

Take care,
Rich

Thanks. All great comments. Makes sense that a reference point is just that--a reference or benchmark to adjust from. A huge part of my work is developing metrics for processes. I always tell everyone that we have to have a benchmark or reference point so we have something to measure against. This is the same thing in my mind.

I set mine at -10@75db's

My personal reference level depends mostly on my blood alcohol content. I've notice through countless hours of thorough research (self sacrifices .. for the cause!) that my reference levels are not nearly as loud during times of sobriety so therefore I painstakingly and in a professional manner labeled the volume dial on my receiver for three settings 'Sober', 'Getting There' and 'Fire The Damn Thing Up!'. Makes it a lot easier than making several trips to the receiver.

As Einstein said, "all things are relative." I think that he was absolutely correct. LOL!!!

LOL

Sure makes it easier than going through all the settings every time AND especially when the eyes are fuzzy and unfocused!!!! haha