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
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???
mikec
199 posts
 
NO NO DO NOT USE THE DIGITAL METER only use the analog meter C-weigh -- Slow responce.
bmpnyc
713 posts
 
Thanks Mike,
I was given an analogue meter and exchanged it for a digital one, assuming it was the better model. I haven't used it yet and will now excange it again, whew! Do you know why the analogue meter is superior?
bigwood
30 posts
 
I have owned and used the Radioshack SPL meter (Digital) for aproximately 1 1/2 years now and wouldnt trade it back for my original analog one. I only calibrate my system with my "AVIA" set-up disc or my "Ultimate DVD Platinum" set-up disc. These discs both have sustained test signals and not the "short test bursts" that my actual processor does so I can still get very accurate settings with a digital meter. I just sit in my actual listening spot with my meter in hand and take my actual readings where my head/ear levels are. I use my remote to adjust the individual channels (sub levels included). If I couldnt use sustained signals for testing then I probably would have stuck to my analog meter because it was very accurate. Another slight plus is that its just easier for me to read! I occasionally change my settings slightly for certain movies but not overly so. Some movies make excellent use of the full digital sound but most are lacking in one sense or the other,(ie; insufficient rear info, weak or too forward center channel dialogue, etc.). As far as meter settings go, Mikec in the above posts is correct. However I am always open to suggestions and if I found that my methods could be improved upon I would certainly give it a try! Later....
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