Just bought a drawmer MC 2.1 and on reading the manual (My brain always tells me to spell it manuel, who is off course a spanish waiter in flowery twats), it says i need an sound level meter to calibrate my speakers. Any recommendations on a suitable device around £100.
hammy
Sound level meter
Sound level meter
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- HammyHamfist
New here - Posts: 10 Joined: Wed Oct 27, 2004 12:00 am
Re: Sound level meter
I’d go for a simple phone app. iPhone ones tend to be more accurate in absolute terms because the mic is a known entity, whereas android phones can have a wide range of mics. But within a few dB is OK as it’s really a repeatable relative volume you want, and you know what a comfortable listening level is.
Reliably fallible.
Re: Sound level meter
If you want a separate, dedicated, meter I'd suggest something like this at about £37 as a basic minimum:
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71OELx1SnwL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/HOLDPEAK-Backl ... ing&sr=8-2
The key essentials for setting an acoustic reference listening level are C-weighting and a slow averaging response. All of the cheaper sound level meters I've seen only offer A-weighting which isn't appropriate, and this is the least expensive option I've found with thee right facilities. It also claims to be calibrated...
Alternatively, you can use a smartphone app as Wonks suggests. Some claim to be calibrated to particular models of phone, but I'd take that with a pinch of salt. Just make sure that the app provides C-weighting options and slow averaging.
Although it's nice to know the absolute Sound Pressure Level you're calibrating your speakers to, it really doesn't matter in a standalone installation. Consistency and repeatability is far more important, so don't get hung up about calibration accuracy.
This article might be helpful:
https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques ... ing-levels
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71OELx1SnwL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/HOLDPEAK-Backl ... ing&sr=8-2
The key essentials for setting an acoustic reference listening level are C-weighting and a slow averaging response. All of the cheaper sound level meters I've seen only offer A-weighting which isn't appropriate, and this is the least expensive option I've found with thee right facilities. It also claims to be calibrated...
Alternatively, you can use a smartphone app as Wonks suggests. Some claim to be calibrated to particular models of phone, but I'd take that with a pinch of salt. Just make sure that the app provides C-weighting options and slow averaging.
Although it's nice to know the absolute Sound Pressure Level you're calibrating your speakers to, it really doesn't matter in a standalone installation. Consistency and repeatability is far more important, so don't get hung up about calibration accuracy.
This article might be helpful:
https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques ... ing-levels
- Hugh Robjohns
Moderator -
Posts: 40004 Joined: Fri Jul 25, 2003 12:00 am
Location: Worcestershire, UK
Contact:
Technical Editor, Sound On Sound...
(But generally posting my own personal views and not necessarily those of SOS, the company or the magazine!)
In my world, things get less strange when I read the manual...
(But generally posting my own personal views and not necessarily those of SOS, the company or the magazine!)
In my world, things get less strange when I read the manual...
Re: Sound level meter
Thanks guys for the input, have bought the meter you recommended Hugh and read the article so i am more clear on whats involved. I will also download the app to my phone just for a comparison between the two.
Thanks hammy
Thanks hammy
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- HammyHamfist
New here - Posts: 10 Joined: Wed Oct 27, 2004 12:00 am
Re: Sound level meter
One thing to note about phone apps is that the inbuilt mic will hit the maximum value for the A/D converter on iPhones at around 104dB SPL, and you’ll get the same issue on other phones, though undoubtedly at different SPL levels.
This shouldn’t be a problem in any phone for normal listening levels, but be aware of it if you do phone vs meter comparisons using say loud guitar amps.
This shouldn’t be a problem in any phone for normal listening levels, but be aware of it if you do phone vs meter comparisons using say loud guitar amps.
Reliably fallible.