Recording with bass to align my subs with my speakers

this Test CD, tracks 9 to 38

a sound level meter

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=sound+level+meter&crid=1WC2S3ZUJBDVS&sprefix=sound+level+meter%2Caps%2C70&ref=nb_sb_noss

I have 4 l-pads in my pair of vintage speakers which I just replaced. I made enlarged copies of the booklet’s page list of 1/3 octave frequency bands (29 tracks), set up the meter on a tripod at seated ear height, listening position, start low, raised the volume to 80 db, then make notes and adjust, make notes. write down your final settings and results for each band. date it.

I wish I had done this years ago. the test bands are individually selectable and 1 minute long (i.e. not too short). select, see results, pause adjust, play ...

the meters can be calibrasted for accuracy if you want, however out of the box, they reveal differences band to band, that’s really what you want to know. that’s why an inexpensive one worked for me.

Excellent feedback everyone!  I will provide an update once completed.

Woots, most of what I said is passed down from Duke, who makes the Swarm subwoofer system. Combined with a little of my own experience. But even a lot of that I owe to him. Probably would never have tried a DBA without reading about it here from guys like Duke.

@aberyclark looking forward to doing this this evening.

White noise is best to set up with, not recorded music. There are white noise internet radio stations you can stream. Then use a sound meter or similar smartphone app like decibel app to measure. Works great! Use music after that to fine tune if needed. You might think it sounds good/right using just music but you might be surprised if you use the test signal like white noise and actually measure it.