What to look for in an SPL meter?

[runswithscisors]

I searched and read a lot about recommended SPL meters here, but didn't find a lot on what specific features or specs to look for. I see some recommendations for the Radio Shack SPL meter, but then read that it doesn't handle lower frequencies well. What do I need to know to be able to differentiate a good meter from junk?

 

[j_garcia]

For setting levels you don't need it accurate a low frequency. If you are charting your response, that is a different story. The Rat Shack one doesn't handle low frequencies perfectly, but there is a chart with correction factors so you take your readings and use the chart to get the numbers more Kosher. I've been using it for years without issue. If you are going to look at something more accurate, you are likely going to have to pay a moderate to large increase in price.

 

[Scumfrog]

For my purposes, the Radio Shack spl meter is quite adequate. I've used it to set levels on several systems and the improvements were substantial. Easy to use, it gets the job done. Hope this helps.
Good listening,
Mike

 

[runswithscisors]

The first thing I want to do is tune / sub crawl my new sub. So, if it includes a chart for lower frequencies, that shouldn't be a problem with the RS meter.

Thanks.

 

[j_garcia]

It isn't included. I don't think it was necessarily intended for sub calibration, but since a lot of people use them, the correction factors are readily available.

Radio Shack Sound Meter Corrections

 

[timoteo]

I recommend the RS Analog meter over the digital one.

I've used mine to calibrate my dual subs with extrodinary results! again just make sure to use the conversion chart & youll be good!!

 

[j_garcia]

I haven't used the digital one, but plenty of people have said that about it. I also use the analog one.

I just created an Excel spreadsheet with the correction factors, so when I do a calibration, I just plug the numbers I get into the spreadsheet and it gives me the corrected readings in one shot

 

[runswithscisors]

Ok, now for a really stupid question, where does one get a RS SPL meter?

I tried radioshack.com, just found the manual, not the meter. Tried ebay, found the test CD, not the meter. Googled it, found lots of info about the RS meter, but not one for sale.

 

[BM1]

Ok, now for a really stupid question, where does one get a RS SPL meter?

I tried radioshack.com, just found the manual, not the meter. Tried ebay, found the test CD, not the meter. Googled it, found lots of info about the RS meter, but not one for sale.

Radioshack is no longer making the older style analog meters. They updated to a new design which is digital but has an analog style readout.

Digital Sound Level Meter - RadioShack.com

You can still find the old analog style meter but not from RadioShack.

BRAND NEW HARD TO FIND ANALOG SOUND METER FROM RADIO SHACK 33-4050 | eBay

 

[LAB3]

Radioshack is no longer making the older style analog meters. They updated to a new design which is digital but has an analog style readout.

Digital Sound Level Meter - RadioShack.com

You can still find the old analog style meter but not from RadioShack.

BRAND NEW HARD TO FIND ANALOG SOUND METER FROM RADIO SHACK 33-4050 | eBay

I have the older model RS 33-2050 analog meter. It is a bit bigger with a larger mic on top. I purchased it on Ebay several years ago when I was looking to replace my other one that turned up missing after a party. I noticed the newer one's like the one on the link (my friend has) the chart sound levels that you can listen to (duration per day in hours) as not to damage your hearing is different scale. My 33-2050 states to use "A" weighting SLOW response for how long to listen to music for . 100DB for no longer then 2 hours. The one on Ebay (newer model RS) has the same chart but states to use "C" weighting SLOW?? Did OSHA change the way to measure sound levels as not to damage your hearing??? I have noticed "C" and SLOW shows that the music is louder then on "A" SLOW same volume setting on amps. I use "C" SLOW just to be safe with what hearing I do have.

 

[runswithscisors]

So, the meter is on its way (should have searched sound meter, not SPL, thanks for the link BM1)

Now, any recommended test discs? Are they all the same? How low do they go? I'd like to test the sub down to 16hz and the rest of the system up to 20,000 hz.

Would it be better to play the disk in the CD changer, which is connected via analog RCA jacks (CD player has better DAC section than the receiver, or at least my ears think so) or through the BR player which is connected via HDMI? If it matters the system is about 98% HT and 2% music.

 

[afterlife2]

So have you done any readings? If so what were your figures db wise?

 

[runswithscisors]

Honestly, I haven't even taken the meter out of the box yet

Two days after receiving my Hsu sub all heck broke loose between my "day" job and the welding business I run on the side. I hope to get some time to take some readings next weekend.

 

[ahblaza]

So, the meter is on its way (should have searched sound meter, not SPL, thanks for the link BM1)

Now, any recommended test discs? Are they all the same? How low do they go? I'd like to test the sub down to 16hz and the rest of the system up to 20,000 hz.

Would it be better to play the disk in the CD changer, which is connected via analog RCA jacks (CD player has better DAC section than the receiver, or at least my ears think so) or through the BR player which is connected via HDMI? If it matters the system is about 98% HT and 2% music.

I really don't think it would matter what source you used to play the tones, I also would like a recommendation for a test disc that most folks are using to calibrate their subs, thanks.

 

[brianedm]

has anyone else seen any of the analog style ones for sale online? that ebay posting has closed and I'd like to get something like this to get my set up dialed in a bit more. If I can't find one, does that conversion chart work just as well for the digital one?

 

[ahblaza]

Honestly, I haven't even taken the meter out of the box yet

Two days after receiving my Hsu sub all heck broke loose between my "day" job and the welding business I run on the side. I hope to get some time to take some readings next weekend.

RWS, have you found a test disc yet, which one if so?

 

[brianedm]

How hard of a time would I have calibrating a subwoofer with this...

Scosche Portable Sound Level dB Meter | Sound Meters | Ratings & Reviews | TheSource.ca

I'm in canada which seems to limit my choices. I could find an analog one for about $40 more after shipping, but I'm not sure the difference between analog and digital would be worth almost twice the price.

 

[ahblaza]

How hard of a time would I have calibrating a subwoofer with this...

Scosche Portable Sound Level dB Meter | Sound Meters | Ratings & Reviews | TheSource.ca

I'm in canada which seems to limit my choices. I could find an analog one for about $40 more after shipping, but I'm not sure the difference between analog and digital would be worth almost twice the price.

I believe the conversion chart will work equally well with the digital read out as with analog, I prefer the analog meter but is it worth $40 more?

 

[cpk]

I use the R=DES frequency disc along with the analog RS meter with great results. Also insure that when using a meter to set it up on a tripod pointed at a 45 degree angle on your listening chair with the meter at ear level.

 

[ahblaza]

How hard of a time would I have calibrating a subwoofer with this...

Scosche Portable Sound Level dB Meter | Sound Meters | Ratings & Reviews | TheSource.ca

I'm in canada which seems to limit my choices. I could find an analog one for about $40 more after shipping, but I'm not sure the difference between analog and digital would be worth almost twice the price.

brian, SVS subwoofers has a handful of RS analog SPL meters left, they are $39 and free shipping, I don't know about shipping to Canada.........