Test tone/calibration problems?? Check your dB meter! (1 Viewer)

[Paul Gere]

I humbly submit my experience with the hope that someone else will benefit from it. I have just learned from experience that Radio Shack dB meters have a limited lifetime.
Recently, I upgraded my pre/pro and began noticing test tone problems. It seemed the tones were too soft and I couldn't calibrate them at 75 dB with my trusty Radio Shack dB meter.
After a couple days of experimentation, all possible problems relating to my pre/pro were ruled out. There was nothing left but to suspect my dB meter of more than 6 years as the culprit. I replaced the battery, adjusted placement and got the same poor results. Hmmmm!
Today, I bought a new dB meter and -Presto!: Accurate readings at reference level! It would seem that my old dB meter just bit the dust on me - my equipment was fine (and had been all along)!

LESSONS:
[1] Check the simple stuff first!
[2] Your Radio Shack dB meter won't live forever. Some day it will fail.
Hope this helps someone else!

 

[JayDaniel]

Parts Express has a nice looking SPL meter for $49 that I am considering as a replacement to my RS meter. It seems to have some nice "extra" features.

Just thought I'd mention it.

 

[BenK]

My RS meter failed recently after having it for about 5 years. You had to tap on it sometimes hard to get it to work. I bought a new one and gave my old one to my 2 year old daughter to play with. She puts the mic part to her eye thinking you look through it