How to Use an SPL Meter to Calibrate Speaker Levels

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  • Опубликовано: 4 сен 2024
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    Level matching your speakers isn’t a topic that gets talked about much these days. With auto-calibration systems like Audyssey MultEQ, Yamaha’s YPAO, Anthem’s ARC, etc., it’s generally done for you. However, while these systems usually yield good results in this respect, it’s never a bad idea to double check the calibration. Fortunately, this is relatively easy to do using a SPL (Sound Pressure Level) meter. We discuss this procedure in this video and show you how to balance the levels of your multi-channel speaker system.
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Комментарии • 471

  • @Avean
    @Avean 7 месяцев назад +11

    This basicly changed my sound system completely. I have had it for years but recently ive been thinking if it shouldnt just sound way better than it does. So i did the whole audyssey setup multiple times, then i looked at the levels which was WAAAAYYY off. Did a quick calibration with sound meter on my phone and it was night and day. Im gonna buy a SPL meter tomorrow to get it perfectly.

    • @mikef8654
      @mikef8654 6 месяцев назад +1

      If you haven’t already. Room treatment makes a huge difference as well.

    • @JayJay-jx3zg
      @JayJay-jx3zg 3 месяца назад

      Did the SPL meter change your db levels drastically compared to what you got with your phone?

    • @Avean
      @Avean 3 месяца назад +1

      @@JayJay-jx3zg No the phone worked really good :)

    • @JayJay-jx3zg
      @JayJay-jx3zg 3 месяца назад +1

      @Avean I just watched another vid comparing the phone app to an SPL meter shortly after my question to you, and there wasn't a difference if you used one of the good apps. Yay for technology, for sure.

  • @lvKingCobravl
    @lvKingCobravl 7 месяцев назад +4

    We’re in 2024 and I barely purchased my first SPL meter. Thanks Gene for this wonderful video. I am new to HT.

  • @dcrnoodle
    @dcrnoodle 2 года назад +3

    So this video might be 5 years old but today after 2 years trying to do the perfect settings and failed many times… I followed this video to the T and my system has never sounded so good !!
    Thank you audioholics- thank you muchly 👌

  • @marksteward5358
    @marksteward5358 2 года назад +1

    Gene and Audioholics has been an amazing help. I'm driving all SVS prime and ultra speakers..I'm beginning to become an audiophile thanks to Audioholics and Gene's incredible knowledge

  • @davidt8438
    @davidt8438 7 месяцев назад +1

    I’ve. Had that Radio Shack for over 30 years now. It’s worked flawlessly the whole time and at the time I bought it the price was $12.00 I’d call that a good purchase.

  • @logan1966
    @logan1966 7 лет назад +6

    A spl meter is one of the best investments to get for your theater. After auto calibration, it is amazing to discover just how much off the system is. One thing also is most systems will set your speakers to large during auto calibration no matter what size they are. I think it is a good practice to set them to small if you have good subwoofers even if they are towers.

    • @derrickmcpherson44
      @derrickmcpherson44 6 лет назад

      Brian TV I was wondering I have a svs pb2000 an a cheap sony str-750 an klipsch f3. Speakers.should I set them small or large also should i set my sub to mono.

    • @biteme263
      @biteme263 5 лет назад

      My denon does a pretty good at setting the speakers to small and getting the crossover points pretty close. It normally nails the distances too.

  • @adamcaveproject8299
    @adamcaveproject8299 7 лет назад +4

    Great video! I have my radio shack spl meter from way back and wouldn't be caught without it for room setups. It's a great tool and helps a lot! Thanks for the C setting comment, I'll be doing that moving forward. BTW, SPL meter is awesome for my live band gigs. Very important to sounding better and at the right level.

  • @adamm.1367
    @adamm.1367 5 лет назад +4

    This is a fantastic tutorial. It completely demystified the task of calibrating my speakers. I've generally had very good results with the Audissey EQ on my Onkyo (except for the pesky center channel that always seems to be adjusted low). But it will be great to be able to further adjust the levels beyond the automated config. Many thanks!

  • @yl1974
    @yl1974 7 лет назад +8

    Thank you Gene for this video. The Yamaha YPAO auto calibration on the RX-V6xx series tends to set the center and surround levels 2 to 3db to high which does not sound good. At first I thought it was compensating for eq adjustments but having run the calibration on 2 models (673 on a friend's system & 677 my personal system) they both did the same thing. Using my Radio Shack meter set the levels correctly and now my system and my friend's, sounds balanced and clear. Having watched this video confirms I did the right thing. Thanks again.

  • @allstar930
    @allstar930 5 лет назад +2

    Don't be like me and run autoconfig one time after buying my first big-boy AV receiver then leave the same settings for the following 9 years, move several times, swap out speakers, and lose the autoconfig mic. After watching these informative videos, I went through all the settings. All I can say is do your homework and trust your ears (and an SPL meter). They make very good SPL iPhone apps if you need one in a pinch. The one I use is called SPLnFFT and I've used it to level out lots of gear that I use to DJ with. For some reason, I never thought to take a fresh look at my home theater setup. Hell, my levels were all over the place. My surrounds were like 5db below where they needed to be (which explains why I never really could hear them). I'm an idiot, don't be like me.

  • @fennkell
    @fennkell Год назад +1

    Now we’re cookin!!!! Casper DTS never sounded so great!!! Thank you

  • @therealshanelee
    @therealshanelee 7 лет назад +19

    I've owned that same radio shack meter for about 20 years now 👍👍

    • @eddiewillers1442
      @eddiewillers1442 6 лет назад +2

      Me too.

    • @redrooster1908
      @redrooster1908 4 года назад +1

      @@eddiewillers1442 Me three.

    • @TimothyTurtle32
      @TimothyTurtle32 4 года назад +1

      Same here! Worked for Radio Shack back in the 80's when they came out with it. Mine is light grey but everything else is the same. As a kid always wanted to know how loud my Dads boat was with the big chrome headers were roaring down the lake. You rarely would see this happen today but neat to see this device used by others. Mine still has that new smell because I keep it wrapped up unused. Too funny!

  • @c.thiele1588
    @c.thiele1588 7 лет назад +10

    I recently got myself an SPL meter and I am really glad, I did. The surround channels were 5db too low. I was also able to blend my sub better into the system. So it is really a useful item. But still sad to see how off Auto EQ was, and I relied on it for so long... Greetings from Germany.

    • @boimesa8190
      @boimesa8190 6 лет назад

      auto eq on what device?

    • @allstar930
      @allstar930 5 лет назад +1

      Same here. I spent 9 years with jacked up auto EQ settings. Worse yet, I've moved several times and never even reran the auto config. Yesterday I realized I lost the mic so I set the levels manually and realized that the rears were something like -5db below what they needed to be to be balanced. I'm an idiot.

  • @Dealete420
    @Dealete420 4 месяца назад

    I found your channel a few days ago, you've been a major help to this HT rookie. Thank you!

  • @XDefinitive
    @XDefinitive 5 лет назад +6

    Thank you,
    I really like how passionate you are about this stuff.

    • @laurabrown7086
      @laurabrown7086 3 года назад

      One of the Best Ideas of SoundProofing is "SoundProof Curtains" it actually Block outside Noise coming from Windows. Check Here: livesoundproof.com/best-soundproof-curtains/

  • @tle999yt
    @tle999yt 4 года назад

    Thanks for the video. I still remember, decades ago, hanging around the Radio Shack store near my house with a paper pad and an HP-35 calculator designing Linkwitz-Riley filters based on their stock of op-amps, resistors and capacitors. I found my Radio Shack meter (Realistic cat no. 42-3019), put in a battery and it still works.

  • @EdwardPCampbell
    @EdwardPCampbell 6 лет назад

    I have had both versions of this Realistic (Tandy UK) DB meter. I gave the analog version to the manager of Wembley Loudspeakers, Hammersmith, London, about 35 years ago. I replaced it about 20 years ago with the digital version. Back in 1980, at the Olympia Sound Show , London, I had the old analog one checked. It was exactly correct, centred at the midpoint '0', according to an expensive, Bruel & Kjaer 4230 94dB 1000Hz sound calibration source, which fitted over the mike shroud. Good gear at a budget price.

  • @dazzz887
    @dazzz887 4 года назад

    Was able to pick up the digital version of this meter. That slow response option is a life saver.

  • @babymantuck3256
    @babymantuck3256 5 месяцев назад

    HI, very informative video. Finally got me RadioShack SPL meter and ran the calibration using this video as a guide. Now my home theater sounds much better.

  • @frankcaruso6781
    @frankcaruso6781 8 месяцев назад +1

    Excellent advice been doing this for 20 years.

  • @HelveticaBold1
    @HelveticaBold1 7 лет назад +2

    Nice video! I recently used an SPL meter to calibrate my speaker. this video confirmed I did it the correct way.

  • @mikedinno8413
    @mikedinno8413 2 года назад

    I just bought one of the Radio Shack meters on e-Bay and love it. I was pleasantly surprised at how close my Pioneer SC-LX704 MCAAC came to the correct levels. Almost dead on. I ran my center a little hot like Gene suggests but I also ran my surrounds a little hot also. BTW, I want to share a little problem I ran into. I activated my 'Input Volume Absorber' in my AVR and it completely screws with your speaker levels so just be aware of settings when you do this.

  • @JDuBz815
    @JDuBz815 4 года назад

    Got myself a meter. Followed your directions. Wow. Huge difference over MCACC. Thanks, Gene

    • @andreika6681
      @andreika6681 4 года назад

      now get yourself acoustic panels and treat your room, chances are you get even bigger changes in sound quality :-)

    • @JDuBz815
      @JDuBz815 4 года назад

      @@andreika6681 I would but it's not my house

  • @JC-bl9bo
    @JC-bl9bo 7 лет назад +3

    Awesome video, I've been looking for a video like this for months now after I found my old radio shack SPL meter. I've been using the Auto-calibration for so long I forgot how to balance the system myself. I couldn't find a video on you tube that properly explained it but here it is. Excellent, love Audioholics. I'm gonna go and check my levels myself now just to be sure.

  • @ChookyChuck
    @ChookyChuck 3 месяца назад

    I got my SPL meter around 2000. Mine is a Radio Shack one but it has digital readout. They also will reveal how different Artist Mix the audio levels on both Music and Movies.

  • @richardwestmoreland4796
    @richardwestmoreland4796 7 месяцев назад

    I only recently learned about these SPL meters as I bought my AVR used and even though the Yamaha model RX-V781 when you buy it new is supposed to come with a microphone to run Yamaha’s YPAO calibration system I didn’t know that when I bought it used so I have been shopping for the appropriate microphone to use with my AVR but now that I’ve learned a bit about these SPL meters I might forego buying the microphone and just use a SPL meter. It would be interesting to know how accurate Yamaha’s YPAO calibration system is compared to the readings I get from the SPL meter but I think I will just buy a meter first and if I can find a YPAO microphone that fits my model of AVR that is not very expensive I might buy it for comparison purposes. Thank you Gene for your clear and concise video on this topic. Some of the videos that you do are a bit too technically involved for me but that certainly isn’t the case with this one. I fully understand that people have different levels of their ability to understand some of the more in depth information that you share with us less informed people who are interested in this hobby of mine. Thanks again. I very much enjoy and appreciate all that you do.

  • @joeswain2099
    @joeswain2099 4 года назад +7

    Ok dumb question... my system starts the test tone start at 42 volume so I’d have to turn the DBs on the speakers up to 12db to get anywhere near 75db. Question is, what’s the starting volume to start with before I put the meter to it?

    • @thepiecesfit5049
      @thepiecesfit5049 4 года назад

      Yes you generally have to turn it up. Denon/Marantz if your volume is set to relative scale it would be 0dB would give you a 75dB test tone. Absolute would be 80 (on Denon at least). It can vary with manufacturers. So it's best to switch it to relative and get used to it as it's more of a standard across different brands.

  • @rickgarza265
    @rickgarza265 4 года назад

    I just realized my mistake on placement of the SPL meter where I positioned it just a few inches away from each speaker (duhhh) so now after watching this video I will do it correctly ... thanks for the video

    • @docjohnson3980
      @docjohnson3980 4 года назад

      Here's your sign 😂 JK bro I'm sure your not alone.

  • @jokerzwild106
    @jokerzwild106 4 года назад +2

    Thank you for making this video. Very helpful.

  • @SP-kk7rg
    @SP-kk7rg 5 лет назад +3

    Please upload more videos about audio calibration...

  • @vestrebio250
    @vestrebio250 4 года назад

    Thanks for your videos. I have really learned a lot watching several off them. And my 7.1 surround system have benefit a lot from it, it's like having a brand new system.
    I really needed this help, because you almost need a higher engineer education to manage a modern receiver now a days.

  • @kshred3043
    @kshred3043 2 месяца назад

    The Radioshack manual states "The meter’s built-in microphone works best when you point it directly at a sound source." and "For the most accurate readings and the best polar response, point the meter’s microphone toward the sound source when possible.". That's obviously relevant when the goal is absolute accuracy in the case of a single source. For a traditional 5.x.0 system, pointing it at the ceiling makes the most sense. However, what about an Atmos system ? Surely the Atmos speakers would read too high relative to the ear level speakers.

  • @CarAudioInc
    @CarAudioInc 7 лет назад +12

    I have an idea for a video. The dos and don'ts of crossover points. What kind of slopes you like to run, thoughts on overlap/underlap, etc. Sorry if you already have a video like that.

    • @Audioholics
      @Audioholics  7 лет назад +4

      You mean on bass management of the system, not actual speaker design right? If the former, we usually recommend 80Hz as a starting point and sufficient for 90% of all installs.

    • @anon7039
      @anon7039 7 лет назад

      80hz is the starting point for sub-bass because the wavelength is long enough where you cannot determine where the direction of sound is coming from - this is why subs can be put anywhere in a room without penalty as long as they are in phase with the main drivers

  • @himesjon
    @himesjon 7 лет назад

    I like this format of your videos much better.

  • @richardbulot2785
    @richardbulot2785 3 года назад

    Thanks so much, your video has cleared up some confusion on the proper use of the SPL. And, I do have the old Radio Shack meter that I first used many years ago with my first AVR that lacked any auto setup features

  • @rafacq
    @rafacq Год назад +1

    When did the 75db level changed? I remember some calibration DVDs from a few years ago suggested you set the speakers to 70db (at 0db master volume)?

  • @thepiecesfit5049
    @thepiecesfit5049 4 года назад +1

    This video is a bit old so there is probably something new. But if you run Audyssey on your system you should not use the internal test tones to check levels after. If you do know that the filters are disabled so it kind of defeats the purpose. If you want to correctly check your levels you need to use another source connected to your receiver. The easiest way is to use REW set up with ASIO4ALL which can send the tones to each individual channel. Just make sure you set it to -30 dBFS which will give you 75dB at 0.

  • @familytime2891
    @familytime2891 Год назад

    thanks especialy for the idea about the center chanel , i got to go and check that righ now .

  • @swayne1441
    @swayne1441 7 лет назад

    Hey Gene! I don't know how possible it would be but I think it would be great to see a video talking about some of the great DIY designs that are available to people. Such as the stuff from Jeff Bagby, Siegfried Linkwitz or Paul Carmody. Most of the things they put out can easily be built by almost anyone with a good kit and can provide people with the sound of a premium speaker without having to sell your car. I think your knowledge of engineering could provide some great insight into some of the designs.

  • @fastudiorecordz1
    @fastudiorecordz1 2 года назад

    Awesome, thanks for the run down very clear.

  • @imnoone3916
    @imnoone3916 5 лет назад +4

    I’ve been using my SPL meter since my prologic days..

  • @QueenOfMud
    @QueenOfMud 2 года назад +1

    "Levels changed by the cleaning lady" that's a funny name for your wife

  • @2010klaudio
    @2010klaudio 5 лет назад +5

    Great video! One question, I tried to calibrate my Yamaha Home Theatre System with a SPL Meter at 75. What should be the volume on the receiver or main knob?

    • @deanlavis3775
      @deanlavis3775 5 лет назад

      Claudio Martinez-Valle did you find out this question mate

    • @2010klaudio
      @2010klaudio 5 лет назад

      @@deanlavis3775 Nope. No answer, thanks.

    • @deanlavis3775
      @deanlavis3775 5 лет назад +1

      Claudio Martinez-Valle I’m struggling with the same thing . All these videos don’t state where to start the master volume

    • @2010klaudio
      @2010klaudio 5 лет назад +2

      @@deanlavis3775 Yes, Audioholics, and most of the RUclips channels do not mention it.

    • @daltex81
      @daltex81 4 года назад +4

      Put your volume at zero level or what they call reference level

  • @bsiccs
    @bsiccs 2 года назад

    Never knew you use pink noise to setup speakers. 🧐 I assumed something like a sin wave tone would work. 🤣 Thanks!

  • @smit1001
    @smit1001 4 года назад

    This is a great video. I still use this very same meter to this day.

  • @rts100x5
    @rts100x5 5 лет назад

    I disagree with setting all channel levels evenly. Yes we all want a good balance especially in a 7.x.x surround system . Obviously this comes down to preference so there is no right or wrong , but I much prefer my LRC to be between 2.5 and 3db higher than surrounds.....thanks for the video sir . I use a Dirac 8 channel processor and even with a calibrated mic , I got my meter out of the drawer -set all my inputs to 0db and using the c weighted meter , tweaked the mixer level adjust in Dirac software to within .2 or .3 of my preference .. very very balanced soundstage and obviously with Dirac you get the benefit of mixed phase and Impulse response filters that dramatically address any speaker or room problems - especially in movie dialog coherence .

  • @danieltremblay8355
    @danieltremblay8355 7 лет назад

    Very good video Gene, one thing that surprised me is the tonal difference between the center and the right mains since the speakers are all RBH.

    • @Audioholics
      @Audioholics  7 лет назад +1

      Yes but the mic wasn't positioned in the center of the listening area and the center is also horizontally mounted so that plays a factor especially when using pink noise.

  • @Stevo19801
    @Stevo19801 7 лет назад

    I find adduessy sets the levels at 75db with multieq engaged with it off it's about 72db, the reason is the curve is boasted in places to make it flat. So I would recommend genes advise to check all levels independently, especially if you have multi eq off.

  • @S777H
    @S777H 5 лет назад +6

    I have the REED SPL. It has a level option that says "Hi/Lo". Do I keep it at high or low? REED 8050

    • @laurabrown7086
      @laurabrown7086 3 года назад

      One of the Best Ideas of SoundProofing is "SoundProof Curtains" it actually Block outside Noise coming from Windows. Check Here: livesoundproof.com/best-soundproof-curtains/

  • @romanlewandowski9616
    @romanlewandowski9616 5 лет назад

    Great video Gene I just brought one had to get it from England works great

  • @davidmckee2898
    @davidmckee2898 2 года назад

    I've got the same sound metre but my digital. You are supposed to hold this up words. But what do you do when you are doing your Atmos speakers. Do pointed straight up or to the side👌

  • @silicondt1
    @silicondt1 7 лет назад +3

    Question: At 6:14 you lowered the master volume level. Shouldn't you have lowered the trim on the speaker you were testing till 75db? If you lowered the master volume wouldn't that make it 75db at whatever you lowered it to?

    • @FitraHomestead
      @FitraHomestead 7 лет назад

      Daniel Barnett I want to know this as well

    • @ss4717
      @ss4717 6 лет назад +1

      I think he did miss it, but the point was not about the volume! it was about the device, if he had not lowered the volume nob we would not have heard him talking! Hence.. good on him to lower the perceived volume. lol

    • @biteme263
      @biteme263 5 лет назад

      He wasn't actually adjusting anything, he was just explaining how to do it. You will notice he didn't change any of his levels, it is already calibrated.

  • @grantgoble1443
    @grantgoble1443 3 года назад

    Dude, thank you so much man. That's all I wanted to know. If I had done that right.

  • @Agent-fg9ol
    @Agent-fg9ol 7 лет назад +13

    I'm glad I'm not the only one who's onto those pesky cleaning ladies.... Great video as usual!

    • @laurabrown7086
      @laurabrown7086 3 года назад

      One of the Best Ideas of SoundProofing is "SoundProof Curtains" it actually Block outside Noise coming from Windows. Check Here: livesoundproof.com/best-soundproof-curtains/

  • @thejon1344
    @thejon1344 2 года назад +1

    Hello there awesome video! I just have a question what volume do you leave it at when equalizing your system?

  • @NathanBRing
    @NathanBRing 3 года назад

    My speakers are postined in the right places and is the same distance from one to the other as it would be but the level balance are or not the same, some are -1 db then the other for instance frount right and frount left will have a 1db difference from the other.

  • @mikebass2700
    @mikebass2700 2 года назад

    Great vlog! What is your thought of downloading an SPL meter app for your phone?

  • @jonsanchez1623
    @jonsanchez1623 2 года назад

    expert advise as usual, how about the subs Sir -- should I also run it?

  • @sirjoebuk3318
    @sirjoebuk3318 5 лет назад

    Thank you for sharing your expertise on this channel balance. So, what is the difference with this or how does the channel level adjust integrate into all these? Basically where one hit the option button on the receiver's remote and confronted with all these level adjustments.

  • @briguy6868
    @briguy6868 9 месяцев назад

    Is 80 db setting the official thx setting or 70 db is just better all around

  • @Methodical2
    @Methodical2 7 лет назад

    Cool. I haven't done this since I first setup my Denon 3805 years ago.
    Thanks

    • @biteme263
      @biteme263 4 года назад +1

      Man, if you haven't checked your set up in 3,800 years you should probably check it again lol. Every couple of hundred years probably wouldn't be a bad idea.

    • @Methodical2
      @Methodical2 4 года назад

      @@biteme263 Haha!. I can see how that can be misleading to the reader.

  • @HappyHighwayman
    @HappyHighwayman Год назад

    When I tried using a SPL for the subwoofer, at reference levels the sub was insanely loud. I just use the volume control on the back and don't balance it in the AVR

  • @stefanpiperov2779
    @stefanpiperov2779 3 года назад

    Thank you for a nice, useful video!

  • @michaelbested123456
    @michaelbested123456 Год назад

    My Denon X7200WA does not automatically play at 0db when I start the test tones. I guess I should manually set receiver to 0db before I start the pink noise?

  • @pauljames1586
    @pauljames1586 6 месяцев назад

    Hello. Can this be done with a regular amplifier? I don’t have an AVR. Thank you.

  • @uscfroadie
    @uscfroadie 5 лет назад

    Great video, Gene! Audyssey and YPAO are great for adjusting tonal curves, but they are both horrible at getting levels correct. The information contained here is ESSENTIAL in getting the most from your equipment.

  • @mauranomanon1974
    @mauranomanon1974 4 года назад +2

    How high the master volume should be before I start testing?

    • @alambe7275
      @alambe7275 3 года назад

      Hi enough so that you could hear the static noise when testing each speaker

  • @ronbates9445
    @ronbates9445 4 месяца назад

    I have a Anthrm 90 processor and used ARC genesis to balance my audio. Should I also use your meter trim method after the ARC calibration?

  • @vitotrupiano128
    @vitotrupiano128 2 года назад

    i run my at 75 db and 2 db hot on center, and 10 db hot on sub on streaming. i am running 3 jl audio f113 , on Blu-ray i am running 75 db and 3 db hot on center and the subs are at 8 db hot. this my friend will rock your world LOL

  • @judeplante6241
    @judeplante6241 9 месяцев назад

    Thanks!

  • @boostercm
    @boostercm 2 года назад

    You forgot to specify what should the AVR master volume be set at before starting the test tones for each speaker?

    • @Audioholics
      @Audioholics  Год назад

      some AVRs don't allow you to set this but I usually adjust to approx level that will get me to 75dB for the main speakers and then balance everything else to that. Mark that volume level as reference if you want to listen at that level.

  • @mikecruz5246
    @mikecruz5246 7 лет назад

    I always check the levels after auto calibration . The receiver tends to set them higher but it does get distance right . I wonder if you have heard or tried a dirac setup to see if it is as accurate as some say it is .

  • @JakeNaughtFromStateFarm
    @JakeNaughtFromStateFarm 7 лет назад +2

    I used an SPL app on my iPhone, just to give it a try (it was .99 cents). I set the range to 70, C weight, and slow response. I had my speakers at +12DB (most I could go) and they were only reaching 56DB on my meter. Do I need to do something with my volume? Or is the meter app just not that good and off that much?

    • @stevenmetz5363
      @stevenmetz5363 3 года назад

      Apps won't cut it. The reading you get from a meter will definitely be different.

  • @chrisohrling149
    @chrisohrling149 5 месяцев назад

    This is a very good video on how to set up the sound for the speakers and I don't have a auddessy mic at all or any mic to do a proper setting and when I go to the speaker level to adjust the levels I don't get a hissing sound like yours sound but I get a clipping sound from my speakers and I have 4 power amplifiers running all of my speakers and my front stage speakers are cerwin vega speakers and my speaker levels are set to + 9 and my back speakers are set to + 10 and my power amplifiers are hooked up to the pre outputs on my pioneer VSX-1016 TXV receiver and I need help on this as I don't want to damage anything and please let me know what I can do to fix this do I need a pre amplifier for my home theater system as I don't know what to do and I have 7.1 speaker setup please let me know thank you

  • @larrysperling8801
    @larrysperling8801 7 лет назад

    i was under the impression that when using the spl you need to compensate for the sensitivity of the meter. i recall seeing charts on the radio shack on that subject and if i recall you needed to raise the bass levels a good bit to compensate for the inaccurate meter reading.

    • @Audioholics
      @Audioholics  7 лет назад

      That's only if your trying to plot frequency response, not to get a broadband pink noise level.

    • @larrysperling8801
      @larrysperling8801 7 лет назад

      thanks for clearing that up

  • @calinubro
    @calinubro 5 лет назад +1

    Thanks for the video!
    What setting should my subwoofer be set to while running SPL meter test?
    LFE? And GAIN 1/2 volume?

    • @howardhuuues9866
      @howardhuuues9866 5 лет назад +1

      Your subwoofers gain and crossover should be set to whatever you normally leave it on...by that I mean whatever you normally set it to while watching a movie. Hope that helps...

  • @Chat_TPG
    @Chat_TPG Год назад

    Hi Gene, just found your channel and love the content! So I basically had a similar question as I think someone asked but Im still unsure. When I start the calibration process to check for db levels. What volume level am I calibrating at? I.E. 20, 30, 40? Then I adjust the db lvls from my speakers to reach a db lvl of around 60/80?
    Using an older reciever Onkyo 626, Klipsch 30c, x4 Klipcsh CDT 5800-CII, & 1 sub Klipsch R-120
    Thanks for any advice!
    I see you cover Marantz & Denon in many of your videos. Would love to see content on other receivers like Sony, Yamaha or even Onkyo. Or maybe covering troubleahooting when it comes to pairing them with LG/Sharp/Sony TV's.

  • @msoles1000
    @msoles1000 7 лет назад

    Hey Genie can you do a basic video on rew how to use it for a average consumer for speaker placements for better sound to a flatter response

    • @msoles1000
      @msoles1000 7 лет назад

      And to see whether auto calibration will help or make things worse

  • @vansonmafeet734
    @vansonmafeet734 10 месяцев назад

    I am using an SPL meter using C weighting, 60-90dB level and slow response. With the volume on the receiver set to Zero I can trim the level all the way up on each speaker and the SPL meter shows no value change. Nothing registers. If I switch to 40-70dB the meter does respond and indicates value changing. What am I doing wrong?

  • @Kruptosman
    @Kruptosman 3 года назад

    Thanks for this great video but how do you get into manual setup on yamaha?

  • @kenestra123
    @kenestra123 8 месяцев назад

    On my Sony STR-DH750 when I start the test tone my Radio Shack SPL meter(C-weighting,slow response settings)doesn’t even budge the needle. I have to turn up the master volume to about 30 to even be able to start adjusting g any of the speaker levels,which are now about 8.0 from 0 setting. Is this correct?

  • @KillerSneak
    @KillerSneak 4 года назад +1

    I know this is pretty old video but it’s very informative. I do have a two questions. There are 2 settings I can use to add gain/dB on my Denon. There’s also a source level depending on what source (HDMI) is used. Should this always be on 0db as well? And would an app on my IPad also work to measure the sound (as I don’t have an SPL meter “yet”)

  • @dannythompson3055
    @dannythompson3055 6 лет назад

    Thanks for the redponsr. Surprisingly the meter is pegged to the left, I would expect proper behavior would be to the right?

    • @Audioholics
      @Audioholics  6 лет назад

      If the lower settings aren't moving the needle to the right with sufficient sound stimulus present but the higher (90dB) setting is, then there is likely something wrong with the meter. Perhaps the analog dial is bad or something.

  • @allenvazquez1980
    @allenvazquez1980 5 лет назад +1

    Great videoGene

  • @candoslayer
    @candoslayer 5 месяцев назад

    What about using your phone for spl

  • @FitraHomestead
    @FitraHomestead 7 лет назад +1

    What do u put the volume of the TV to do this test?

  • @Djddshhdheh
    @Djddshhdheh 3 года назад

    But what are you raising the avr volume to while testing the speakers

  • @Cristianino87
    @Cristianino87 2 года назад

    hi, shouldn't the subwoofer be set on the sound level meter 3 db less than the speakers for a flat response? thank you

  • @waynegram8907
    @waynegram8907 3 года назад

    Audioholics, how do you calibrate a speaker cabinet that has 2 or 4 speakers in one speaker cabinet for audio? because each speaker can have a different SPI level so how to you set each speakers SPL level.

  • @WadeOntheLure
    @WadeOntheLure 5 лет назад

    Does the meter stay straight up for the height channels as well? You guys are great btw!

  • @danielj.glowny4108
    @danielj.glowny4108 7 лет назад

    I have 5 sub woofers in my main system also.Front left and right each have their own sub,left and right surround share one sub,no sub for left and right back,2 subs for low frequency effect channel.

  • @MichaelGreco
    @MichaelGreco 5 лет назад +2

    Thanks so much for the video! I'm a bit confused on the master volume. I have a Denon 3400 H and I can either do 0-98 volume level or -79.5 to 18 DB. You mentioned 0db, if I select 0db that works out to 79 on my volume level which is quite loud. But perhaps that's where it needs to be to start adjusting the speakers? Thanks in advance

    • @Audioholics
      @Audioholics  5 лет назад +6

      No, adjust the master volume until the fronts read 75dB at your primsry listening seat. Then adjust the channel trims so ALL of the other channels match. Note the master volume position after as that's the # you need to be at IF you want to listen at reference level assuming the source material was properly mastered.

    • @MichaelGreco
      @MichaelGreco 5 лет назад

      @@Audioholics thank you!!! So you leave the fronts at zero db and just adjust the master to reach 75db?

    • @Audioholics
      @Audioholics  5 лет назад

      @@MichaelGreco yes

    • @e85johnson68
      @e85johnson68 5 лет назад

      @@Audioholics Thanks for this comment, makes a lot more sense now! :)

  • @luluanwar1002
    @luluanwar1002 2 года назад

    I have HTR-2071
    before I go into speaker level settings. volume on AV should be set to 0 or -.?
    i encountered a problem when i set the volume in AV to 0. SPL reads 85db higher.
    and I proceed to setting the speaker level.
    to reach 75db. i had to lower it all the way to -10db and it still wasn't enough. thanks for the reply🙏

  • @matthewjsparks
    @matthewjsparks 2 года назад

    So, many people, including myself, have followed these instructions and had good results. But in one of your more recent videos, you say not to do this. That the pink noise from the AVR is the wrong type, and making any changes via the manual setup menu disables the Audyssey calibrations. You advise using external pink noise source and file. Can you clear this up?

    • @Audioholics
      @Audioholics  2 года назад

      The internal test tones play with Audyssey defeated. So if you're running Auto EQ, use the levels Audyssey sets.

  • @weimin3928
    @weimin3928 Год назад

    Ran an SPL meter for the first time on my Yamaha Avantage RX-A8A (5.1.4). Previously, I left the job for YPAO to do. Happy to say there were only minor (1db at most) imbalances.
    However YPAO chose to have my subwoofer down about 8db but I am happy with the way it sounds. Would you suggest anything?
    Thanks!

  • @jamesritch5245
    @jamesritch5245 2 года назад

    The question is when performing these test tones what should the master volume be set at while trying to get to the 75 decibel mark?

    • @matthewjsparks
      @matthewjsparks 2 года назад +1

      Start the tones, use the AVR master volume knob to turn the volume up to 0db. Then adjust the speaker levels as needed. Make sure you change your volume settings to use the -79.5db to 18db, and not 0-99. You can always change it back.

    • @leecaldwell1029
      @leecaldwell1029 Год назад +1

      @@matthewjsparks thank you. this is exactly what I was looking for!

  • @luciusblackwood2640
    @luciusblackwood2640 7 лет назад

    I use a free app on my phone that measures sound levels. I'm not sure how accurate the numbers are but I figured it didn't really matter as long as the reading is consistent for balancing. Then again maybe it doesn't do as well measuring low vs. high frequencies. Ever tested an app?

  • @sgshere
    @sgshere 2 года назад

    Hi Gene, I randomly listen to your videos and or visit online articles from which I have received wealth of knowledge so thank you for that. If possible, I would love for you to address my issue. Recently bought a SPL meter in hopes of manually calibrating my speakers. I have an Onkyo TX-NR787 9.2 ch. AVR with 5.2.4 atmos setup. This AVR doesn’t let me alter the master volume using the remote or even using the dial when playing test tones manually. I could clearly tell the test tone is not being played at reference level partly because I can tell that it’s not loud enough but also because when I perform AccuEQ auto calibration setup, it plays multiple test tone at different dBs. Is there another creative way to manually calibrate speakers with such AVRs. I literally have gone through the entire manual. Thanks for your help!

  • @eriksrensen6369
    @eriksrensen6369 5 лет назад

    I have a question.....In the level speaker setup there is no test tone before i turn up the volume for the speaker. Audissy setup my left front speaker to -9.5 decibel. I know I have to set the speaker level to 0 decibel before testing. But should I turn up the speaker volume (white noise) ???

  • @TheBuddy76
    @TheBuddy76 7 месяцев назад

    What level do you put your volume dial at when doing this?

    • @Audioholics
      @Audioholics  7 месяцев назад

      Really depends on the AVR and sensitivity of your speakers and distance you sit from them.