SVS sub compensation chart

[timone]

Hi Everyone,

I would appreciate it very much if someone could enlighten me on how to go about using the compensation chart to further calibrate my SVS PB13 Ultra sub. Here's the link to what I'm talking about: http://www.svsound.com/questions-faqs-rscomp.cfm

Please explain in layman's term. Thanks.

timone

 

[Adam]

timone, hey. Using a set of test tones, you can measure the SPL at different frequencies - the test tones provide the frequencies, and the Radio Shack (or other brand) SPL meter will measure the SPL. With Radio Shack meters, after you've written down all of the measured SPLs at the different frequencies, you would then add the compensation decibels as provided by SVS (you can get those values at other sources, to, but their page is very convenient).

Example:
Frequency ..... Measured SPL ..... Compensation ..... Actual SPL
12Hz ............ 58dB ................. 16.5dB ............... 74.5dB
16Hz ............ 64dB ................. 11.5dB ............... 75.5dB
20Hz ............ 66dB .................. 7.5dB ................ 73.5dB
and so on.

Does that make sense?

EDIT: Sorry for all of the period marks in the table, but I forgot that the posts won't print multiple spaces.

 

[timone]

Hi Adam,

thanks for the reply.

where do I get this set of test tones? At these different frequencies, what would be the volume level of my receiver? Where are the new SPL saved?

Sorry Adam. I sorely lack the audio sophistication in this regard. Please bear with me.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

What! You dont have a calibration disc and a SPL meter? Please go back to the beginner section and dont come out until I say you can

Hi Adam,

thanks for the reply.

where do I get this set of test tones? At these different frequencies, what would be the volume level of my receiver? Where are the new SPL saved?

Sorry Adam. I sorely lack the audio sophistication in this regard. Please bear with me.

 

[rmk]

Hi Adam,

thanks for the reply.

where do I get this set of test tones? At these different frequencies, what would be the volume level of my receiver? Where are the new SPL saved?

Sorry Adam. I sorely lack the audio sophistication in this regard. Please bear with me.

This is the test tones disk I use but it only goes down to 20Hz. This CD is good for looking at the the entire frequency range, not just LFE.

 

[timone]

What! You dont have a calibration disc and a SPL meter? Please go back to the beginner section and dont come out until I say you can

Actually, Greg, I do have a SPL meter. My calibration disk simply generates a tone but not at different levels that the compensation chart suggests. So do you have a recommendation for me?

 

[ParadigmDawg]

My recommendation was to go to the begginer section until I told you to come out

I use the DVE and the Avia discs. The Rive may be better but I never tried it.

Actually, Greg, I do have a SPL meter. My calibration disk simply generates a tone but not at different levels that the compensation chart suggests. So do you have a recommendation for me?

 

[Adam]

timone, there are a few different ways to get those tones. There are some that can be found online, and there are others that come on CD. I bought this test tone CD from av123.com that sells for $4.95 including shipping. It goes down to 16Hz.

I'd suggest that you start your receiver volume out at a low level and then work your way up depending on what SPL you measure. The disc that I bought has pink noise as the first track, and that helps you set the volume on your receiver. As a starting point, you could use that track to set the receiver volume so that the SPL measures 70dB on the SPL meter.

The CD doesn't generate test tones at different levels. They are all at the same level. However, your sub (and room) will play them at different levels. This is completely separate from the compensation that you asked about. The compensation is only about modifying the SPL that you measure to compensate for the fact that the Radio Shack SPL meter is not displaying the actual, correct SPL.

 

[Cthulhu]

If you have a bit of patience you could probably make a test tone CD for your desired frequencies ... or just google it

Someone has done it for you, LFE test tones at 1 HZ intervals.

http://www.realtraps.com/test-cd.htm

 

[timone]

timone, there are a few different ways to get those tones. There are some that can be found online, and there are others that come on CD. I bought this test tone CD from av123.com that sells for $4.95 including shipping. It goes down to 16Hz.

I'd suggest that you start your receiver volume out at a low level and then work your way up depending on what SPL you measure. The disc that I bought has pink noise as the first track, and that helps you set the volume on your receiver. As a starting point, you could use that track to set the receiver volume so that the SPL measures 70dB on the SPL meter.

Thanks, Adam.

This is getting clearer to me as you folks respond to my questions.

 

[timone]

If you have a bit of patience you could probably make a test tone CD for your desired frequencies ... or just google it

Someone has done it for you, LFE test tones at 1 HZ intervals.

http://www.realtraps.com/test-cd.htm

Thank you, Cthulhu.

I have downloaded the file and looking forward to using it. I'm sure this will be helpful.