Sound level meter

[SpiceWeasel]

I am after a cheap accurate spl meter so I can set up my Sony S760 properly, would one of these do the trick ? They also have some "B grade" ones for £20, although P&P isn't included. I did have a quick look on a well known search engine and there seem to be identical versions at other stores for upto £70. If the one I linked to is any good I can go and buy it from my local Maplins, brand new one.

Do you need to set up the settings using C weighting on the slow response at 75db volume on the amp? Seems to ring a bell but I am not sure if I am correct. I take it you first set up the amps volume level to 75db and then go into the players settings and tweak all the channels to match?

 

[pwiles1968]

That would be ideal. C setting and slow is correct, don't worry too much about the dB just set them up so they are the same as each other, I usually have the fronts with no offset then match the rest of the speakers, SUB can be tricky to measure because of the low frequencies, if you struggle just adjust it so it is comfortable.

If you have an iPhone, or later Touch/Pad you can get free SPL apps which would do the job.

 

[ric71]

Hi SpiceWeasel,

I just bought the mini spl meter from the same store on xmas special for £14.99.

It is similar but is only C weighted with a fast response. You used to use 'C' weighting and ' slow', but i think the slow was for the older analogue meter so you could read the needle more accurately

I may be wrong here and im sure others will let us know. I have calibrated my system to 70 db wich is correct and had no problem reading the meter as it has a digital display.

I hope this is of some use and if i am wrong about the slow and fast response can someone please let us know.

Many thanks in advance

 

[ric71]

I should have said calibrated to 75 db as per Dolby guide. Have checked the net and from what i can see slow and fast settings are for the accuracy of the reading the display.the 'C' weighting is the important bit.

Any views appreciated. Didnt mean to hi jack thread SpiceWeasel just similar help now required.

 

[ric71]

SpiceWeasel I found this in the forums worth a look and its the meter available for £14.99 at Maplins at the moment, home cinema, Maplin, SPL meter, calibration.

Hope this helps!!

 

[roger06]

I bought this from Amazon.

Has good reviews and I reckon it's done a good job.

 

[Anonymous]

SpiceWeasel:

I am after a cheap accurate spl meter so I can set up my Sony S760 properly, would one of these do the trick ? They also have some "B grade" ones for £20, although P&P isn't included. I did have a quick look on a well known search engine and there seem to be identical versions at other stores for upto £70. If the one I linked to is any good I can go and buy it from my local Maplins, brand new one.

Do you need to set up the settings using C weighting on the slow response at 75db volume on the amp? Seems to ring a bell but I am not sure if I am correct. I take it you first set up the amps volume level to 75db and then go into the players settings and tweak all the channels to match?

Hi Spice

The ideal meter is made by Radio Shack or equivalent, and is analogue

http://www.bkelec.com/HiFi/Sub_Woofers/rssplmeter.htm

http://www.gadgitz.com/shop/item557.htm

You paragraph on setting up is spot on, 75db should equate to 0 on your receiver, balance all channels using the volume trim on your amp then once done reduce the master volume to a comfortable listening level

 

[SpiceWeasel]

Thanks guys, I think one of the maplins ones is the way to go as I can just go and get one from their shop in town.