2. home-theater
  3. 980948764

upgrade your surround for 35.00

For years now i have had surround sound in all its forms, pro logic.dolby digital,and dts.I always thought i could set up the sound levels using my ears[wrong].I went to radio shack and bought a sound level meter[35.00]and the improvement in sound is tremendous.Everything is tied together between the speakers and the sound is a lot more realistic and detailed. If you have not used a sound level meter in your home theater,your cheating your self.I just held the meter at ear level in the sweetspot and adjusted all the channels including the subs.Some of the posters here, probably are smart enough to own a sound level meter, but for the rest of us get one now.
ears
jflood
6 posts
 
I have always heard this, but with music and different movies, I am constantly adjusting the rear surrounds so they are not too over-powering. I sometimes have to adjust the center for the same reason. If movies are too forward, don't you adjust also? After all, all movies and five channel music is mixed differently. Please convince me.
mikec
199 posts
 
While were here maybe its best to inform those who are unfimiliar with the SPL Meter (analog NOT the digital meter), how to use it. First, its best to also use a camera tripod (1/4 in for Radio Shack analog meter). Set the tripod at the listening position, ear level. Screw down the meter to the tripod. Start your test tone generator on your processor (reciever). Best to use in manual. Set the spl meter to C-weigh, Slow Responce. Set the dial to 75 or 80 (or what your manual recommends). Take notice that there is a + and - for the settings. Now balance out all the channels one at a time. Best to perform this with no outside noise, the meter will pick up any other external noise. PS; don't forget to turn the meter off when your finished. Also this can be performed with a test disc and for 2 channel stereo.
bmpnyc
713 posts
 
Which is better, the analog or the digital meter???
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