SPL Test using RadioShack SPL meter!

[hamzahsh]

I've recently calibrated all my speakers and subwoofer using RadioShack Digital SPL meter. I also used the tripod at the listening position and set the meter to ear level height on the 45 degree angle.

For the test, I used Terminator 3 DVD.

I left the dial at 100db settting on my RS SPL meter. In T3 the nuclear explosion in the chapter one was very loud. I set the Master Volume at -10db below Reference Level and I measured 105db SPL! peak :eek: at my listening position. This is the highest reading so far in my HT theater. I don't listen that loud personally. My favourite is -25 to -30db REF which gets me around 85-90db SPL peaks.

SAFE listening is the BEST listening!

:)

[Vr3MxStyler2k3]

Hmmm...

105DB...

I've heard louder :D (Klipsch Chorus II mains, 102db 1watt/1meter - lets just say, they had 275 watts going to them and they were maxed out ;))

Its fun aint it? lol

[hamzahsh]

Well I sit 9 feet away from my speakers.:D

[Vr3MxStyler2k3]

I listen around 92-94db - A-Weighted

and around 98-105db peak C-Weighted

That is, when I wish to jam out!

[Steve0220]

Would that Radioshack meter work with a car test also you think? I tested my S-10 a couple weeks ago and they said i was hitting 120, but i dont think thats right.

[PolkThug]

Originally posted by Steve0220
Would that Radioshack meter work with a car test also you think? I tested my S-10 a couple weeks ago and they said i was hitting 120, but i dont think thats right.

Yes!

[newsman]

When you calibrate speaker - do you point Radioshak at each speaker when it produces noise - or do you point it one direction for all 5 speakers?

[hamzahsh]

The best way to calibrate your speakers using the Radioshack SPL meter is to use with tripod and set it at ear-level height in the omni-directional path at about 45 degrees angle at your favourite listening position. Once you set the dial don't touch the meter and tripod.

That's what I did! and got perfect reading!

;)

[reeltrouble1]

newsman,

You can do a search here or in the Speaker section on the word calibration and get alot of good advice on how to calibrate. It absolutely needs to be done for your HT.

These guys in this thread are not really calibrating but just having some fun taking some measurements so do not get confused. You do not need a tripod although you could use one.

Do the search and read the threads they are rather long and detailed, if you have questions feel free to ask, you might want to purchase a calibration disc like Avia or another one.

RT1