It seems the Radio Shack analog SPL meter for $49 is highly recommended, is that right? Is it easy to use? Any tips for a first time user? I want to set my surround system speakers and sub. Thanks.
i have that unit.I put it on a old camera try pod works great.Make sure you do a battery check before using each time,the meter will still work on a low battery but give you lower levels,found that out the hard way.Have fun.
i just got mine yesterday. i looked around, found some expenisve ones ($75+), then found radioshacks for $40, its the same meter as all the "expensive" ones. i used it for the first time using the AVIA disk, its pretty easy to use, AVIA tells you what the tone should be at (85db for most), and if you dont like it, tone it down. i set all my speakers to 75db at 0db master volume, and the sub set to 70db, so a -20db (my normal "movie watching" volume) it comes out to a clear 50db +/-5, and sounds real good. like i said, got it yesterday, used it yesterday, never used one before, its super easy to use. just dont peg the needle.
i got Avia from amazon.com.. mainly becuase im too lazy to go out and look for it. bestbuy, circuit city, or that expensive dvd store usually found in malls might have it. you dont NEED the disk, it just helps. im assuming as long as all your speakers have the same output from your seating position (theyre all giving the same db rating to your ears), you should be good. avia also has the test tones... my reciever has test tones too, but theyre not long enough to get a good reading from the meter, avia has nice long 5 minute tones to get your meter right where you want it.