SPL meter ??

Not sure I understand this; any SPL meter will give you the Sound Pressure Level of the sound, no matter what the frequency is..... If you want measures at different frequencies, then you get a CD of test tones at different frequencies, and use the same SPL.

Measuring at different frequencies is usually used to test frequency response of speakers/room, blend subwoofers, etc.

For channel calibration, you do not need different frequencies; the test tones of the AVR will be enough (and you can use the Radio Shack SPL meter).

One point of clarification ... I have always understood that if you are using the analog Radioshack SPL meter, there is a set of corrections that need to be made at certain frequencies. For example, the low frequencies always show up low on the SPL meter and you need to add a few db's to the readings in order to actually have the same SPL across the frequency band.

There are quite a few correction tables on the web and I've read this from a number of people on a number of different forums. I've always used the correction table when I calibrated ...

Totally. I used the C weighting, and I just worry about main speakers for making sure the volume is equal. I adjust the subs with my ear because I think that is easier then charts and what-not.

I have the Rat Shack digital. I set it to "c weighted" on slow response. It works very well. I like the digital over the analog for the slow response setting, and it is easier to record on paper the readings you get in a sweep. Also check SVS website for calibration on the lower frequencies. Both meters are off up to about 12db at the lower end.

Ben

Interesting stuff

http://www.svsound.com/questions-faqs.cfm#meter

Calibration table

http://www.svsound.com/questions-faqs-rscomp.cfm

Here is the procedure for the old analog meter. http://mysite.verizon.net/tammie_eric/audio/rsmeter/33-2050/33-2050.html

Thanks for the link GV#27. I will look into that.

GV#27 wrote: »

I like to be able and take a direct reading from the meter and write it down instead of having to add a correction factor.

Yes tis a mild inconvenience. I use an excel spread sheet to help in that department. I will look into the mod for the digital though. I need better/stable readings in the 2000-3500 range.

Thanks
Ben

ben62670 wrote: »

I will look into the mod for the digital though. I need better/stable readings in the 2000-3500 range.

Thanks
Ben

I did not do the hi frequency mod on mine yet, but yeh it would be great to have the ability to do accurate measurements when do crossover design.

ben62670 wrote: »

GV you da man!

http://mysite.verizon.net/tammie_eric/audio/rsmeter/33-2055/33-2055.html

Thanks Much. I have to get my read on!
Ben

X2 for GV...I have my analog meter modded but I didnt know you could do the digital version...gonna be done now....thanks

WilliamM2 wrote: »

If anyone is interested, you can still get the old RS analog meter that the mod article refers to. Cheap too:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=92282

Wow good find.

NeilGabriel wrote: »

These meters say they have various ranges, e.g., 7, is this a setting for distance from source?

No, the analog models have a -10 to +10 range where the little pointer thingie moves back and forth... and then you have to set the SPL meter to the range that you are trying to measure. e.g. set it to '7' to measure from 60-80 dB, set it to '8' to measure 70-90 dB, etc.

jakelm wrote: »

dB ranges, not distance. Like jw said, but I think mine is -10/+6 isnt it?

Yup, you are right ... it is -10/+6. Leave it to Radioshack to come up with such a nonsensical +/- range.