Should I use pink noise through my system to measure DB with a meter ?

[Subzero11]

So I only have a left and right speaker and I'm trying to find out what DB I'm playing at when I turn the volume knob on my integrated amp. Like for example when I set my volume to 70 what is the actual DB is coming out of my two speakers. So on Spotify they have pink noise sound tracks I could play and then use my DB meter. I'm just wondering if this is the correct way to measure the DB level. Thanks

 

[lovinthehd]

FWIW that method would at best just set it for one particular input/source. For general dB level as you listen to it even a phone's spl meter app can get you in the neighborhood, and I'd use a z weighting.

 

[Subzero11]

Yes I'm outputting Spotify only through one input source-optical one. That's all I need to know is for that one input source, it's the only one I use.

So basically what you mean is if I'm playing vinyl through another input source for example, I'd have to do the test again, is that what you mean I assume.
I just wanted to make sure that using pink noise is a good to test with because when I tried just playing reg music the DB meter number was just jumping everywhere.

 

[highfigh]

So I only have a left and right speaker and I'm trying to find out what DB I'm playing at when I turn the volume knob on my integrated amp. Like for example when I set my volume to 70 what is the actual DB is coming out of my two speakers. So on Spotify they have pink noise sound tracks I could play and then use my DB meter. I'm just wondering if this is the correct way to measure the DB level. Thanks

That number is only intended to offer a visual indication of the level- it ranges from 0-100, so at 70, it's about the highest you want to go.

However, in the setup, one of the choices that can be made is the 0-100 scale or in dB, which will show the level as -dB (roughly -99dB to +10dB). It's not absolutely accurate, but it's not a bad way to look at the level, to prevent cranking it too high. It can also be limited and when I have set up systems, I always set it to about -10 to -0DB, depending on the system's power, to prevent it being increased to the point where the speakers could be damaged.

 

[ski2xblack]

I just wanted to make sure that using pink noise is a good to test with because when I tried just playing reg music the DB meter number was just jumping everywhere.

Yes, pink noise (and using the spl meter's slow response setting) will help get steady/average readings. Using the fast response setting with music will show peak spls, and the meter will be a bit hyperactive as you noticed.

Whatcha doing this for? Just for curiosity's sake (for mere assessment), or specific calibration purposes?

It's wise to know how loud it is, for the sake of your hearing.

You can also use your spl measurements to determine power usage using something like THIS online calculator, which can reveal if your amp is loafing along or straining its limits.