proper way to use a SPL Meter

olilugo

Hi all,

Like me there most be enought people that have the same question but are affraid to ask.

I have heard lots of people recomending the use of an SPL meter to properly calibrate the speakers. I happen to lightly read the manual for an SPL meter and it was not clear to me how to use it, I looked at the radio Shack SPL meter.

Can any one explain what is the proper process of using an SPL meter to calibrate the speakers, what to do, what to look for, when do you know you have arrived.

I have to keep this thread very educational if possible so that in the future new members can search and find good information/pointers to help them get the best from their investment.

Thanks in advance.

engtaz

I set the meter ranger to read around 0 db (on the meter) while listening to the 1st speaker tone, then adjust all speaker based on 1st tone to read the same 0 db by adjusting the speakers outputs on the AVR.

gvg45

olilugo wrote: »

Hi all,

Like me there most be enought people that have the same question but are affraid to ask.

I have heard lots of people recomending the use of an SPL meter to properly calibrate the speakers. I happen to lightly read the manual for an SPL meter and it was not clear to me how to use it, I looked at the radio Shack SPL meter.

Can any one explain what is the proper process of using an SPL meter to calibrate the speakers, what to do, what to look for, when do you know you have arrived.

I have to keep this thread very educational if possible so that in the future new members can search and find good information/pointers to help them get the best from their investment.

Thanks in advance.

Set your SPL meter on a tri-pod at the main listening seat pointed up.

Run your receivers test tones for each individual speaker. Set your front left speaker at 0 (receivers gain for this channel). Now turn up the master volume until your SPL meter (weighting C, response SLOW)reads 75db. Once achieved, that is your reference level and you should no longer adjust the master volume.

Then go through each of your other speakers and adjust your receivers gain for that channel until you get 75db.

For the sub, due to correction factors, set the db's at 72-73. Some people like to run their subs "hot" a few db's. In which case you could adjust your sub to 76-77db which of course would mean your running 4db's hot.

Phil Dawson

Although a tri-pod is best you can do a good job holding the meter in front of your face at ear level also pointed up. If you are calibrating the rear speakers move the meter so that your head is not getting in the way. Most pre-amps and receivers have instructions on how to do the set-up. This is not a bad place to start. Also with many DVD/SACD players there is calibration possible. You should leave these settings alone (flat) as you don't want to calibrate at 2 places in the chain.
Good luck, Phil

engtaz

Phil Dawson wrote: »

Although a tri-pod is best you can do a good job holding the meter in front of your face at ear level also pointed up.
Good luck, Phil

+1 That is the way I do it also.