Calibrating speakers (1 Viewer)

[BenjaminA]

I finally went out and bought a radio shack sound level meter. I just quickly changed the channel levels for all of my speakers and all I can say is wow. That really made a huge difference. The sensitivities of each of the speakers really did not help me predict which ones needed adjustment. I just want to make sure I did this right. I set the meter to C, slow and set it at 70 decibals. I then set it at the listening position facing the tv. I then played the test tones from my avr-2802 and set all the speakers to 75 decibals. The center channel ended up being -2, the two front channels are both +2,the left surround is +2, and the right surround is 0. I only have five speakers. The meter is exactly the same distance from both surrounds and they are both jbl s38's, but the channel levels are different. Is this ok? Did I calibrate all my speakers right or is there a better way to do it? Thanks

 

[Gary Thomas]

You got it Benjaman!

Did you use the receiver's internal test tones or one from a test disc, like Avia or Video Essentials?

I get different results, but use the ones from Video Essentials.

 

[BenjaminA]

I used the internal test tones. Would it be better to use something else?

 

[Bob_L]

This question is for me, too.

He apparently pointed the RatShack meter AT the TV. Wouldn't he get a more effective soundfield balance if he pointed the meter at the ceiling. My thinking is that pointing the meter forward will result in rear channel balance on the high side because of the directionality of the sound and the meter reading. Anyone's thoughts?

 

[AaronD]

A common belief is that your meter should be at ear level of your listening location at a 45 degree angle. Some people say to point the meter at the speaker you are adjusting but I think the 45 degree angle method has more technical merit.
Again, whatever works for you. I calibrate my system for 85db using pink noise with my receiver at -10db. I believe this is what dolby suggests you do for 'reference level'.
-aaron

 

[MichaelGomez]

Pick up the Avia test CD. Not only does it have ALL the test tones for calibrating your speakers, it also has test patterns for your TV. I used the test tones in my receiver and they were way off compared to AVIA. They also run through the setting and holding of the meter.

 

[Phil Iturralde]

------------------
Roger Dressler
Dolby Laboratories

I have AVIA, & VE, though I use VE & my Internal Yamaha Test Signals to quickly check my setups (Main & vacation house) every other month or so. Here is my process webpage CALIBRATION TECHNIQUES using VE, Radio Shack Analog SPL Meter and a tripod.
I just got the Sound & Vision Tuneup DVD, but I have not really played around with it yet so I can't comment on that bargain basement Audio/Video Calibration DVD ($12.99 @ Fry's Electronics).
NOTE: Because my website is 'free', hosted by GeoCities, if too many HT enthusiasts visit, GeoCities will shut it down for an hour or so because it exceeded the specified 'freebie' Data Transfer Rate. Sorry about that, just bookmark it and visit my site an hour later or when everyone has gone to bed!
Phil

 

[Rick Radford]

Because my website is 'free', hosted by GeoCities, if too many HT enthusiasts visit, GeoCities will shut it down for an hour or so because it exceeded the specified 'freebie' Data Transfer Rate

Well I'll be darned. Maybe that's why I have intermittent problems with seeing graphs I post referencing my Geocities site.