SPL Meter

Jason_k

Can anybody recommend a decent SPL meter?

Thanks

Speedskater

For multi-channel level setting, there is nothing wrong with either of the two RadioShack models.

If you are an experienced meter-reader (like a DJ) then the older analog meter is good (but you have to make decisions and do mental math).

For others the digital model gives a quick answer.

For doing or checking equalization, then you don't want an SPL meter, you need a cal mic.

Emlyn

There are several different kinds of digital SPL meter available on Amazon in the US. Haven't checked the Canadian site. Whatever you get, be sure to get one that does "C" weighting for speaker output measurements. Most consumer grade SPL meters are accurate to within around 2dB only, even the old analog Radio Shack model I use. That's actually close enough for the purpose of making sure levels are consistent from one speaker to another. You should also mount the SPL meter on a tripod near the listening area rather than holding it. The automatic audio calibration in receivers has improved dramatically in recent years, but I still check mine with an SPL meter and verify that speaker distances aren't way off, like a setup I used to have a few years ago that said my subwoofer was 40 feet away from my listening area when it was only 12. The acoustic corrections done by automatic calibration in a receiver for acoustic distances from speakers to the listening area is just as important as SPL readings.

There are also smart phone apps that are cheap or free that can help to check SPL's for consistency.

Jason_k

I've been looking at replacing my receiver with a Cambridge Audio Azur 751R, it doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles, and only Audyssey 2EQ, but seems to be getting great reviews on the sound, which is what I'm primarily interested in. So I've been doing a bit of reading on how to set up a receiver properly and the SPL meter for me is a must. Thanks for the suggestions!