SLP meter?

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  • 10-18-2004, 07:29 PM
    madmax1
    SLP meter?
    I need someone to tell me how setup my system HT. Your do you put volume abd the meter. numberwise where should be?
  • 10-18-2004, 08:32 PM
    Woochifer
    The simplest usage of the SPL meter is to set the levels for your speakers. Your receiver should have a test tone available (read the instructions on how to use the test tone and adjust the center and surround speaker levels).

    The receiver will then play the test tone individually for all of the speakers on your system. Typically, you will benchmark all of the speakers to a test level of 75-85 db, which is normal listening levels. You start by playing the test tone through your main speaker and set it the volume to whatever decibel level you want. Then you use the SPL meter to adjust the center and surround speakers levels so that they match the mains. This kind of adjustment makes a huge difference in the quality of your surround effect.

    There are a lot of other more advanced uses for the SPL meter, but the speaker level matching is the most basic one. IMO, every home theater system should use one. With a multichannel system, your ears simply are not precise enough to correctly set the levels for five, six, or seven speakers.
  • 10-19-2004, 05:32 AM
    hifimaster
    It is a good starting point to use the built-in test tones on the receiver, but you will get better results using a DVD such as Avia or Video Essentials. You want to match levels to the DVD player's output. Plus, these discs contain test patterns for calibrating the video performance of your monitor.

    James
  • 10-28-2004, 05:46 AM
    VRDUB
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Woochifer
    The simplest usage of the SPL meter is to set the levels for your speakers. Your receiver should have a test tone available (read the instructions on how to use the test tone and adjust the center and surround speaker levels).

    The receiver will then play the test tone individually for all of the speakers on your system. Typically, you will benchmark all of the speakers to a test level of 75-85 db, which is normal listening levels. You start by playing the test tone through your main speaker and set it the volume to whatever decibel level you want. Then you use the SPL meter to adjust the center and surround speakers levels so that they match the mains. This kind of adjustment makes a huge difference in the quality of your surround effect.

    There are a lot of other more advanced uses for the SPL meter, but the speaker level matching is the most basic one. IMO, every home theater system should use one. With a multichannel system, your ears simply are not precise enough to correctly set the levels for five, six, or seven speakers.

    What are some of the more advanced uses for a SPL meter? Also how far away should the meter be from the speakers, or should the meter be in the seating area (sweet spot)?
  • 10-28-2004, 07:36 AM
    kexodusc
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by VRDUB
    What are some of the more advanced uses for a SPL meter?
    1) Figuring out how loud you can blast music without being charged for "disturbing the peace".
    2) "Bragging to your friends how loud your subs can go
    3) If you have a parametric equalizer, you could use an SPL meter to compensate your system response for any acoustic anomalies. Very useful.

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by VRDUB
    Also how far away should the meter be from the speakers, or should the meter be in the seating area (sweet spot)?
    SPL meter should be in the sweet spot for level matching...and hold your breath while your taking a reading so you don't skew the results :)
  • 10-28-2004, 03:15 PM
    VRDUB
    Dizzzzzzzzzzy
    Thanks for the info Kex., but now I feel light headed :D