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Hello -Does anyone out there know of a good web-based (or other) resource for using a sound level meter in setting up and fine tuning speaker placement, room optimization, acoustic treatments, etc.?
I just picked one up at the local Shack, and the included instructions are limited to how to use the gizmo itself; nothing about applications.
Thanks.
nt
I have both and the analog meter better allows you to use the meter with more accuracy. It's that simple.
nt
I'm not certain, but the digital meter has some functions that the analog does not, based on the package descriptions in the store. The digital model (33-2055) costs $59.99; the analog model (33-2050) is $34.99.I'll try to follow-up after I have a chance to use it in my listening room.
nt
Just kidding!
Set the meter for "C" weighted, Slow. For best results, set the meter on a tripod to keep reflections at a minimum. Get a Test CD that has 1/3 octave warble tones like Stereophile Test CD #3. Start with the 1 kHz tone and set the meter at 80 dB and set the 1 kHz tone to show 0 dB on the meter. I would suggest setting the meter at you listening position to see what the response is there. Start the test tones and with the chart I am suppling below, mark the level beside the frequency on the chart. You can do the corrections after you finish. Stand as far from the meter as you can when doing this so reflections off of your body does not influence the reading. Also try not to have anything else to near the meter. This will give you a close approximation of what the frequency response is of your speakers at your listening postion. Below is the correction chart. Everything is added.20 Hz.______________________________________________________________________ 20HZ 6.2DB
25 ______________________________________________________________________25HZ=4.4DB
31.5 ________________________________________________________________________31.5HZ=3DB
40 ________________________________________________________________________40HZ =2DB
50 ________________________________________________________________________50 =1.3DB
63 ________________________________________________________________________ 63HZ =.8DB
80 ________________________________________________________________________ 80 HZ =.5DB
100 ________________________________________________________________________100HZ =.3DB
125 ________________________________________________________________________125HZ =.2DB
160 ________________________________________________________________________160 =.1DB
200 _Start___________________________________________________________________ Flat
250 ________________________________________________________________________ Flat
315 ________________________________________________________________________ Flat
400 ________________________________________________________________________ Flat
500 ________________________________________________________________________ Flat
630 ________________________________________________________________________ Flat
800 ________________________________________________________________________ Flat
1kH________________________________________________________________________ Flat
1.25________________________________________________________________________ Flat
1.6 ________________________________________________________________________1600HZ = .1DB
2 ________________________________________________________________________2000HZ =.2DB
2.5 _Start___________________________________________________________________ 2500HZ =.3DB
3.15________________________________________________________________________3150HZ =.5DB
4 ________________________________________________________________________4KHZ =.8DB
5 ________________________________________________________________________5KHZ =1.3DB
6.3 ________________________________________________________________________6.3KHZ =2DB
8 ________________________________________________________________________8KHZ =3DB
10 ________________________________________________________________________10KHZ =4.4DB
12.5________________________________________________________________________12.5KHZ =6.2DB
16 ________________________________________________________________________16KHZ =8.5DB
20 ________________________________________________________________________20KHZ =11.2DB
Clayton- are these corrections needed to make Radio Shack meter readings accurate? Do I add 6.2DB at 20 HZ and 11.2 DB at 20KHZ?Thanks
Yes, these make it pretty darn accurate. A lot of people have had their meter calibrated and this was the average correction. All corrections are added as you say.Clayton
I got one of those gizmos and it's fun to play with. You can get a pair and set them up in front of your amps to get that McIntosh dilly. I think that's about all their good for. That and maybe balancing the speaker levels in a home theater or setting up a sub(although you end up turning it up anyway).Fine tuning, speaker placement, room optimi...blah blah is not a good application for the Rat Shack SPL. The two best instruments to complete such a feat is your ears and a pair off a woman. I wonder what kinda imaging one gets on the floor behind the sofa...
Regards,
BernardBTW: if you gots some money, check out the Perpetual P-1A, a digital domain upsampler, room corrector, speaker phase corrector.
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