Have read over several (LOTS) of posts and roughly understand the need/use of the meter but just how do you use it? Is it a "directional" type of thing, you "point" it at a specific speaker and take a reading, ultimately adjusting all speakers to an equal level. Or do it just take an "area" reading?
Thanks Steve
Steve - most folks here will probably give you the same advice. Find your normal listening position (i.e., the couch, chair, wherever you intend to do most of your listening). It is best to attach the meter to a tripod (typical camera tripod) to ensure it is perfectly stationary. You will want to point the SPL meter's mic towards to ceiling, as it will be taking sound levels from each direction of the room in a typical surround sound setting.
Next, adjust your system's volume to the normal listening level (what you would normally have it at, during regular viewing/listening). Enter your Receiver's speaker level check (as found in your user's manual) - this will generate the pink noise from each speaker. You will want to find the reference level on the SPL meter that best aligns the sound level within the center of the range, and use that henceforth as your reference. Mine has ranges in 10db increments, at 20 dB range on each one, plus or minus.
There is no trick to this - it's ridiculously easy. Go through each speakers level check, and calibrate it to the same level (adjusting each speaker up or down), until all of the SPL meter readings are the same.
Oh, and you want to ensure you are on 'C' weighting, with a slow response.
Some people like to run their subwoofer a little hot (i.e., 5 dB or so above the reference level for added impact), but this is entirely up to you, and your own preferences.
I hope this helps.
