Temporary way to setup audio with no SPL meter?

[mojo_13]

I have gotten my whole surround sound audio but wont be getting a SPL meter til xmas. So I was just wondering if anyone had any tips for setting up the audio until I get it. I have a H/K AVR 135 that I can adjust the level of each speaker with a sound but was wondering if I should just do this by ear or if there was any other way to do it. Thank you for the help.

 

[STRONGBADF1]

I have gotten my whole surround sound audio but wont be getting a SPL meter til xmas. So I was just wondering if anyone had any tips for setting up the audio until I get it. I have a H/K AVR 135 that I can adjust the level of each speaker with a sound but was wondering if I should just do this by ear or if there was any other way to do it. Thank you for the help.

Hi mojo_13,

The only thing you'll need that for is level settings. Distance, speaker size and crossover you can set so do them first (if you haven't already) and then just wait until X-mas for the level settings. Unless you have some spare time on your hands and then just let your ears tell you show you the way.

It could be fun to see how close you get by ear though...


SBF1

 

[Savant]

I always set up by ears first. SLMs are for tweaking. And even after tweaking, ears should be the final judge.

 

[Johnd]

I always set up by ears first. SLMs are for tweaking. And even after tweaking, ears should be the final judge.

+1

And then one can go back to ears for further tweaking!

 

[mike c]

I usually up the surrounds channels by 6db from level match and the sub by 10db ... it's what I want to hear

sometimes I set the center +1 to +2 db

 

[mojo_13]

When you say +6 on the surrounds and and +10 on the sub you set the fronts and middle to say 75db then set the surrounds to 81 and the subwoofer to 85db? sorry never really set anything like this up its my first non htib.

 

[mike c]

yes. after balancing all the channels at 75db (I balance mine at 85db)

and then using an SPL meter, I up the channel trims til I reach 5-6db higher than the fronts. for the subwoofer, I leave the receiver at 0db and increase the volume on the subwoofer.