SPL Meter 101

[wpines]

We need a thread for community input regarding the use of an SPL meter in the setup,testing and troubleshooting of our systems. Often these threads get into the esoterics of the topic in no time flat. Maybe we could keep this thread to the 101 level and start another one for advanced techniques.
My first question is what setup and test discs do you recommend for new users.
My second question, is a digital analog meter as useful as an analog?

[Masterlu]

I prefer digital, I can put this somewhere & stick it.

[jdandy]

I find the Stereophile Test CD2 very useful. The record music is enjoyable, but the signals for testing loudspeakers and rooms, plus a number of other distortion and jitter demo tracks. Stereophile now has a Test CD3 out as well. All three Stereophile Test CD's can purchased as a package or individually here: http://ssl.blueearth.net/primedia/home.php?cat=2

[gregswaim]

I just call my Linn dealer- it's part of their service to me anyway.
Others may want to have a go at it themselves.

[wpines]

So a SPL meter and Stereophile or Rives discs are required. Then what?

[Gregory]

Originally Posted by wpines

We need a thread for community input regarding the use of an SPL meter in the setup, testing and troubleshooting of our systems. Often these threads get into the esoterics of the topic in no time flat. Maybe we could keep this thread to the 101 level and start another one for advanced techniques. My first question is what setup and test discs do you recommend for new users. My second question, is a digital analog meter as useful as an analog?

What is the purpose of the setup disc?.. and pardon my ignorance. As for a SPL meter, simply mount on a tripod and position at ear level. Move the tripod around to various positions in the room and observe the amplitudes. What is your objective? I'm guessing to protect your hearing? If you want to make frequency response measurements, then there are better ways.

-Gregory

[MC352]

Brad,

What happened the McIntosh CD didn't cut it for you, or did it get you thinking you needed more tweaks?

[wpines]

Originally Posted by MC352

Brad,

What happened the McIntosh CD didn't cut it for you, or did it get you thinking you needed more tweaks?

Chuck, I posted this long before I borrowed your SACD. I've never owned a test disc or an SPL meter and I'm quite curious about their use in "setting up" a system. I've read about it but don't fully "get" what the methodology is. I now have the Rives disc and an Radio Shack digital SPL meter and I'll begin to experiment. I'll let you know what I learn and if it's worthwhile I'll lend you the Rives disc and SPL meter when I return the SACD. Thanks for the loaner.

[Gregory]

Originally Posted by wpines

I now have the Rives disc and an Radio Shack digital SPL meter and I'll begin to experiment. I'll let you know what I learn and if it's worthwhile I'll lend you the Rives disc and SPL meter when I return the SACD. Thanks for the loaner.

Please describe how the Rives disc is used. Here is the User Guide on your {presumably} new Sound Meter:

http://rsk.imageg.net/graphics/uc/rs...2055_PM_EN.pdf

Do you have a tripod? When mounting the SPL meter as such, you can set it at ear level, or lower in front of your speaker(s) at some distance such as 1 meter, or even in front of an individual driver. Here's a scanned photo from ~1988 of a RadioShack sound meter in use. One experiment would be to measure the "near field" level and then move back into various listening positions.



That equalizer also has a noise generator, microphone and spectrum analyzer display for real-time full band measurements. I don't recall if the SPL meter was purchase before or after my left ear was blown!!

BTW.. that's a classic Tiltall tripod.

-Gregory

[Glenee]

I use a Phonic PAA2 hand held