SPL Meter

Drenis
Drenis Posts: 2,871
edited September 2011 in Basic Hookup/Wiring Questions
So I've done a fair share of reading on this REW software and would like to integrate this with my MCACC setup as well as properly configure my subs.

I'm looking for recommendations for what I should be looking at when buying a SPL meter. First place I looked today in Canada locally was the source and was directed to this device... http://www.thesource.ca/estore/Product.aspx?language=en-CA&catalog=Online&category=SoundMeters&product=1219799

Not sure if that's what I'm looking for but i certainly do not want to spend a fortune on a mic. I also have a HTPC within my rack with a dedicated sound card to run the software. I can always refer to the current REW thread for assistance but for gain matching subs and integrating as well as getting the best response in my room, I figured It was time to start investing and getting comfortable using it since the MCACC system is very new to me still. Still need to run that with the A9's...

Thanks!
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  • Drenis
    Drenis Posts: 2,871
    edited September 2011
    Maybe I put this in the wrong section...

    ..anyone?
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  • TECHNOKID
    TECHNOKID Posts: 4,298
    edited September 2011
    Drenis, don't wast your money on those electronic SPL. Just check radioshack and get the number for their analogue one. I don't remember exactly where online I ordered mine but once you get the radioshack model number for their analogue SPL meter google it and find best price and location to order. The price and reliability is best with this meter.

    Cheers!
    TK
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited September 2011
    Drenis, If you read the REW guide they provide 2 solutions. The rs analog meter if subwoofer placement is all you want to use REW for, if you want to sweep all speakers you will need the beringer or better. They already have calibration files built for these.

    Keep it simple. Do a search on REW or my handle for a REW thread I started.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • Drenis
    Drenis Posts: 2,871
    edited September 2011
    I can't seem to find this particular analog meter for sale however...
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  • jbooker82
    jbooker82 Posts: 1,627
    edited September 2011
    I just picked one up at radio shack. They are on clearance for 15 bucks. I had to call around to find a radio shack that had one in stock. The told me that one across town had 3 showing in there computer system. I then drove across town only to not find one. I talked the guys to going in back to take a look. Well that is where the were at.

    Radio Shack part number is 33-4050. Give them a call and see who has one. It isnt on their website any more. I dont think they plan on carrying them any more once they are sold out.
    AVR: Onkyo Tx-NR808
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    Fronts: Polk RTI A7 (modded by Trey VR3)
    Center: CSI A4 (modded by Trey VR3)
    Rear: FXI A4
    Sub: Polk DSW Pro 660wi
    TV: LG Infinia 50PX950 3D
    Speaker Cable: AudioQuest Type 8
    IC: AudioQuest Black Mamba II
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  • Drenis
    Drenis Posts: 2,871
    edited September 2011
    We don't have Radio Shack in Canada no more. They all changed over to The Source. Bought out by Circuit City in the states I believe.

    I couldn't find a link on their website or a means to ship so I'm thinking I'm SOL? There has to be some other alternative out there... is the digital one I posted no good or should you strictly be using an analog meter?

    Someone ship one to me?
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  • inspiredsports
    inspiredsports Posts: 5,502
    edited September 2011
    The Radio Shack analog meters have been on closeout for quite some time and are becoming very hard to find.

    The Radio Shack digital meters are good. You might also check out the Extech 407730 (digital) meter which I have found to be exceptional . . .

    http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000EWY67W/websitementcommu
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  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,796
    edited September 2011
    You can still found the old radio shack SPL meter sold under different brands:

    http://www.amazon.com/Nady-10220-18-Analog-Spl-Meter/dp/B000A6V5FS

    http://www.amazon.com/Velleman-Analog-Sound-Level-Meter/dp/B000LR169Q
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  • Drenis
    Drenis Posts: 2,871
    edited September 2011
    I'll keep my eye out and see if I can find something from a Canadian retailer. Maybe Amazon canada.
    thsmith wrote: »
    Drenis, If you read the REW guide they provide 2 solutions. The rs analog meter if subwoofer placement is all you want to use REW for, if you want to sweep all speakers you will need the beringer or better. They already have calibration files built for these.

    Keep it simple. Do a search on REW or my handle for a REW thread I started.

    I saw what you wrote and what I'm looking to do is find right placement for subs and match them (since both units are the same model but have different volume levels... weird) as well as find out how my room measures and see if any EQing is needed. I know I still need to read more but it's a good start.
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited September 2011
    Using 2 subs make it even more sence to use REW. You may be surprised where the actual best placement is or how they are canceling each other out.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • Drenis
    Drenis Posts: 2,871
    edited September 2011
    Exactly! This is why I want to learn and use this product as I'm sure it's going to help me greatly.

    Looks like I need to buy an external microphone of good quality to make it work to in addition to the SPL meter?
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited September 2011
    No, the rs spl meter has a built in mic, the biranger is just a mic and requires phantom power supply. Get the rs meter if possible. I have one but would like to keep it in the lower 48. See if any fellow Canooks have one here on cp that may let you borrow.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • Drenis
    Drenis Posts: 2,871
    edited September 2011
    thsmith wrote: »
    No, the rs spl meter has a built in mic, the biranger is just a mic and requires phantom power supply. Get the rs meter if possible. I have one but would like to keep it in the lower 48. See if any fellow Canooks have one here on cp that may let you borrow.

    That's awesome to hear. I placed a Wanted ad to buy or rent a unit with deposit.

    Until that time, I'll try to learn as much as I can about the software.
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited September 2011
    Be sure to load the calibration file from hts for the rs spl meter or beringer if you go that way.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited September 2011
    Reported #16
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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