How Do I Set A Sub's Level With A SPL Meter?

[SunnyOctopus]

I'm trying to match my sub's level to my self-powered speakers level. How do I do this? I have a radioshack spl meter. : 3

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Just turn off the sub, play some pink noise and turn the speakers up until you hit 75db on slow-C-weighted, turn sub on and turn off speakers and do the same thing.

They will be level matched at this point but you have to leave the sub and speaker volume control alone at that point and use the source for volume control.

 

[SunnyOctopus]

Okay. Great. Thanks! I'll try that after this movie finishes...

Also, a little off topic, but why can I localize my sub wherever it is at any crossover point? Of all the experimenting I've done, it sounds best on my desk between my speakers, but that is totally uncomfortable and the sub is so big, it blocks my speakers path to the listening position. Any comments/advice?

 

[sholling]

Okay. Great. Thanks! I'll try that after this movie finishes...

Also, a little off topic, but why can I localize my sub wherever it is at any crossover point? Of all the experimenting I've done, it sounds best on my desk between my speakers, but that is totally uncomfortable and the sub is so big, it blocks my speakers path to the listening position. Any comments/advice?

It will always be somewhat localizable to one degree or another but less so when crossed over at 80hz and below. Room effects can also create a bit of boominess which makes it easy to localizable. I suspect that being under the desk is causing a bit of boominess. I have the sub in my home-office sitting on top of a SubDude on top of the 6' gunsafe directly behind me. That gets it mid-wall and away from cabinets, bookcases, etc. You'll just have to experiment.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Since your crossover point wiill likely be pretty high with small desktop speakers, you likely will be able to localize it.

The best method for placement of the sub is to to the "sub crawl" and figure out where it goes.

You are also probably running it hot right now so it should be better once leveled.

Also, a little off topic, but why can I localize my sub wherever it is at any crossover point? Of all the experimenting I've done, it sounds best on my desk between my speakers, but that is totally uncomfortable and the sub is so big, it blocks my speakers path to the listening position. Any comments/advice?

]

 

[SunnyOctopus]

Since your crossover point wiill likely be pretty high with small desktop speakers, you likely will be able to localize it.

The best method for placement of the sub is to to the "sub crawl" and figure out where it goes.

You are also probably running it hot right now so it should be better once leveled.

I don't really know that my speakers would be classified as small desktop speakers. I've had the crossover set to 80hz usually. Hmm...I've heard alot about that crawl method, but have never tried it. Alright, so after I finish watching Sophie's Choice (I have been watching the top 100 movies according to the American Film Institute), I'll put the sub in my listening position, then I'll set the levels, then I'll crawl.

Thinking about it, though...I can't really put my sub many places...my cord lengths and stuff are pretty limiting... D;

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Unless your speakers have extension down in the 30hz range, I would consider them small. I have Studio 100's and I consider them small...

I don't really know that my speakers would be classified as small desktop speakers. I've had the crossover set to 80hz usually. Hmm...I've heard alot about that crawl method, but have never tried it. Alright, so after I finish watching Sophie's Choice (I have been watching the top 100 movies according to the American Film Institute), I'll put the sub in my listening position, then I'll set the levels, then I'll crawl.

Thinking about it, though...I can't really put my sub many places...my cord lengths and stuff are pretty limiting... D;

 

[sholling]

I don't really know that my speakers would be classified as small desktop speakers. I've had the crossover set to 80hz usually. Hmm...I've heard alot about that crawl method, but have never tried it. Alright, so after I finish watching Sophie's Choice (I have been watching the top 100 movies according to the American Film Institute), I'll put the sub in my listening position, then I'll set the levels, then I'll crawl.

Thinking about it, though...I can't really put my sub many places...my cord lengths and stuff are pretty limiting... D;

Monoprice.com has 25 and 35' subwoofer cables cheap ($6-8). Also don't forget to check phase (see sticky) because if you're 180 degrees off that will create a hole at your listening spot.

 

[caper26]

I have Studio 100's and I consider them small...

NICE !!! Would love to even listen to those one day!!

Just turn off the sub, play some pink noise and turn the speakers up until you hit 75db on slow-C-weighted, turn sub on and turn off speakers and do the same thing.

They will be level matched at this point but you have to leave the sub and speaker volume control alone at that point and use the source for volume control.

You may consider a 3 dB inscrease in your sub's level since those low frequencies may not "seem" as loud as the rest of the sound spectrum. Just because everything is the same on your meter, doesn't mean your will perceive the loudness to be equal across the board. For instance, a 30 kHz sound source will not be heard at all, even though your SPL meter might say 75dB!! If you search around, you will find a lot of people run their subs a little "hot" because of this phenomenon of the human ear....

 

[gmichael]

Okay. Great. Thanks! I'll try that after this movie finishes...

Also, a little off topic, but why can I localize my sub wherever it is at any crossover point? Of all the experimenting I've done, it sounds best on my desk between my speakers, but that is totally uncomfortable and the sub is so big, it blocks my speakers path to the listening position. Any comments/advice?

Dude! Where do you put your feet?

 

[sholling]

Dude! Where do you put your feet?

When you're his age you're still limber enough to put them anywhere including behind your head. It's us old fogies that have to worry about comfort.

 

[gmichael]

When you're his age you're still limber enough to put them anywhere including behind your head. It's us old fogies that have to worry about comfort.

Thanks (I think)

 

[just-some-guy]

my understanding is that the radio shack meter starts to roll off when getting low.
http://www.subwoofer-builder.com/SPL-corrections.htm

i run mine hot. i feel the studio usually doesn't put the sub bass where it should be. i adjust by ear/feel. ymmv