SPL setup (1 Viewer)

[kyle-sm]

I'm very interested in this SPL meter, how much are they usually, where do I puchase it, and how do I use it. Also those DVD tuning discs that are like $15 how do I use that and is there one that everyone recommends, and a place to buy it. I did a search on these things and didn't come up with much.

Thanks in Advance,
Kyle

 

[GrahamT]

spl meters are at radio shack.

Avia, ovation and digital video essentials make calibration discs.

 

[Bill_Wil]

Heres a link for the Sound & Vision tune-up DVD....
http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/art...&page_number=1

Like Graham said, you can pick up an analog SPL meter at radio shack. I wouldnt recommend getting the digital meter. For the amount of times youre probably going to use it it's not worth the extra money and the analog meter works just fine.

 

[ChrisWiggles]

Indeed, the analog rat shack meter is simple and user-friendly, and it's cheaper.

I find avia to be very straightforward and explanatory, which is good for newcomers to the HT world. It has a very complete audio and video calibration package, and i strongly recommend it.

Did anyone else catch the NYtimes articles on HT guide discs? They had Avia, VE, and i think the S&V disc. They guy writing the article didn't know what he was talking about, but he did end up recommending Avia. Still, any would suffice fine, and the others are cheaper i think.

 

[kyle-sm]

Is this what I need??

ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2565524319&category=23788

cut and paste the link I'm not allowed to post links yet

 

[kyle-sm]

but the computer doesn't recognize it in this format

(building up my posts hehe)

 

[ChrisWiggles]

No. that's not what you need. That's a CD with what looks like test tones for Eqing, 2-channel only, and you're not trying(nor should you really have to, except for subs) EQ.

You need Avia, or VE.

http://www.ovationmultimedia.com/avia.html

http://www.videoessentials.com/

Video essentials now has a new disc, Digital Video essentials. Any will work fine, the specific differences are not that huge. I beleive DVE has 6.1, and is cheaper. Again I use avia and find it very straightforward for beginners, but any of these should suffice, and cover both sound AND video, and if anything the video is more important anyway.

 

[Vince Maskeeper]

Yep, you need VE or AVIA, simple enough.

If you're looking for "how"- there is a basic overview of how to use the meter and tones in the FAQ AND PRIMER.

 

[JawhnM]

Although not as good or extensive, you can get a BASIC calibration using the THX Optimode found on many current DVD's (Toy story, Terminator, Etc.)

This is NO SUBSTITUTE for Avia or VE but it is better than nothing.

 

[kyle-sm]

Anyone got a recommendation on the bonus DVD that I should get with the video essentials (you get to choose from like 10). I'm leaning towards "Natural Splendors" haha

K

 

[kyle-sm]

Ordered the video essentials.... we'll see how it turns out

 

[Matt`G]

Just FYI ... Radio Shack has the analog SPL meter on clearance -- I just picked it up for $35. I checked Radio Shack's web site for it a couple weeks back and couldn't find it. It might be possible they are discontinuing?

I asked the local store's employee about the analog one -- he said they didn't have any, but I found a store about 10 miles out that had one left in stock. Hope you have no troubles finding one still!

 

[kyle-sm]

I got the last one at radio shack as well $35

 

[Garrett Lundy]

In addition to a HT set-up DVD and a SPL meter you'll want to get a tape measure (for proper speaker distance measurments) and a compass (for proper speaker placement) and get all of your setting-up done right the first time.

 

[kyle-sm]

Are you serious??