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#149700 - 10/18/06 02:42 PM Using The Radio Shack SPL Meter?
Robot hobbyist Registered: 08/24/06 Posts: 24	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) _________________________ VP150 / QS8(3) / M60s
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#149701 - 10/18/06 02:43 PM Re: Using The Radio Shack SPL Meter? [Re: Robot]
Ken.C shareholder in the making Registered: 05/03/03 Posts: 17828 Loc: NoVA	OK, ignore the volume settings on your receiver. It's talking about the reading of 75 dB on the meter. _________________________ I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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#149702 - 10/18/06 03:08 PM Re: Using The Radio Shack SPL Meter? [Re: Ken.C]
Robot hobbyist Registered: 08/24/06 Posts: 24	So where should I set my receiver to test? My reference level is between -10 and -5 on my receiver. _________________________ VP150 / QS8(3) / M60s
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#149703 - 10/18/06 03:31 PM Re: Using The Radio Shack SPL Meter? [Re: Robot]
WhatFurrer aficionado Registered: 12/02/03 Posts: 692 Loc: Round Rock, Texas	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) _________________________ "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]
Robot hobbyist Registered: 08/24/06 Posts: 24	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) _________________________ VP150 / QS8(3) / M60s
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#149705 - 10/18/06 03:55 PM Re: Using The Radio Shack SPL Meter? [Re: Robot]
Ken.C shareholder in the making Registered: 05/03/03 Posts: 17828 Loc: NoVA	Ah. You set the meter to 70 dB (or 80 dB) and read it at +5 (or -5) _________________________ I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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#149706 - 10/18/06 04:23 PM Re: Using The Radio Shack SPL Meter? [Re: Ken.C]
Robot hobbyist Registered: 08/24/06 Posts: 24	Quote: Ah. You set the meter to 70 dB (or 80 dB) and read it at +5 (or -5) Oh, ok. I see. Thanks! _________________________ VP150 / QS8(3) / M60s
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#149707 - 10/18/06 05:00 PM Re: Using The Radio Shack SPL Meter? [Re: Robot]
SirQuack shareholder in the making Registered: 01/29/04 Posts: 13353 Loc: Iowa	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. _________________________ 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: SirQuack]
Haoleb connoisseur Registered: 09/25/02 Posts: 1488 Loc: Maine	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. _________________________ Haoleb's Audio/DIY Website
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#149709 - 10/18/06 07:23 PM Re: Using The Radio Shack SPL Meter? [Re: SirQuack]
Robot hobbyist Registered: 08/24/06 Posts: 24	Quote: Does your receiver have auto setup with a mic? It does, but I never agree with it. _________________________ VP150 / QS8(3) / M60s
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