Sound level meter

[HammyHamfist]

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

[Wonks]

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.

[Hugh Robjohns]

If you want a separate, dedicated, meter I'd suggest something like this at about £37 as a basic minimum:


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

[HammyHamfist]

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

[Wonks]

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.