SPL meter

[klnc]

Where is the cheapest place to get a SPL meter? Either internet or London.

thnks

 

[Matt F]

I got mine (analogue Radioshack) from:

http://www.cornwallelectronics.co.uk/

I think they are about £25.00. They are the only place I could find that did them.

Matt.

 

[klnc]

thanks for that - just ordered one!

 

[mandlebrot]

Just got mine from them, great service and fast delivery.

I'm not to sure about the accuracy of these units though. Why is it that if I set my speakers to 75db using the 80 -5 scale and then check it using the 70 scale that I get differen't readings? Surely they should be the same.

 

[CarlB]

Apparently the accuracy of the meters in the negative range is not so good. Always use positive values when calibrating, so your 70 range setting is correct, which should yield +5 on the meter.

 

[Peter Shilton]

Thanks for the link, I ordered one too.

Now at last I'll be happy!

 

[mandlebrot]

Thanks for the info CarlB, still it does not instil confidence when it’s that inaccurate on the minus scale.

 

[Ian J]

Originally posted by Peter Shilton
Now at last I'll be happy!

 

[Peter Shilton]

Originally posted by Ian J

Thank you for your concern

 

[Noman]

The analog RC SPL is available from www.conrad.de for about £15. (minimum order is appr £30)

It is sold under another brand, Voltcraft, but it is exactly the same model

 

[graham.myers]

Cornwall are out of stock at the mo. I ordered one today. He says they should be in mid-week so should still get it for Friday.

 

[gIzzE]

Now at last I'll be happy!

Thank you for your concern

I think that is one of the best lines I have heard from someone into a hobby with a plug on the end of it "Now at last I'll be happy"

yeah, maybe you will, until next week

I'm glad you spotted that Ian, cause I missed it.

 

[Peter Shilton]

They don't have a smilie that is "tongue in cheek"

Not on this type of forum anyway!!!

 

[Peter Shilton]

Cornwall

Ordered my SPL online about 3.20 Saturay.

At 4.30 i had a phone call from them to confirm and they said they would try and get the post that night but it was tight but I would definately get it Tuesday.

Tuesday 8.15 it's the postman with my new toy.

Very impressed with the service.

Now to try it out when the wife and kids aren't about. ("did we need one?" I was asked at 8.20!)

 

[richard plumb]

do I need one?

I've got avia on the way, mainly for video stuff. My speakers are Mission's FS1AVs, so all identical. If I set the distances right, in a plain rectangular room, can I calibrate by ear easily, or is a SPL really useful?

 

[Peter Shilton]

Ive set my FS1AVs by ear. Now Ive got my SPL Meter I can see how far out I was.

If I don't need to make any changes then I probably didn't need one !!!!

I'll let you know tomorrow.

 

[richard plumb]

Cheers Peter.

 

[graham.myers]

One thing about setting it by ear, is you're setting it by your ears.

It may sound different to somebody else's ears.

It depends on how many people enjoy your setup.

 

[Peter Shilton]

Originally posted by richard plumb
do I need one?

My speakers are Mission's FS1AVs, so all identical. If I set the distances right, in a plain rectangular room, can I calibrate by ear easily, or is a SPL really useful?

OK

Got the meter out and started to play.

My settings were miles out. The surrounds were too loud, there was too much from the right surround, the sub was way too high.

Have got it all set up now by the test tones.

As to if the movies sound better as yet I dont know, but at least I'll be happy in the knowledge that my settings are right.

What price peace of mind?

Anybody want a SPL meter, used once!!!!

EDIT:
I don't actually want to sell my SPL Meter as for £25 I might as well keep it as a comfort blanket! and for when the bug bites back. Please no more pm requests for how much i want for it.

 

[Ian J]

Originally posted by Peter Shilton
Now at last I'm happy

Don't you believe it. When the bug bites, it bites hard

 

[Peter Shilton]

Originally posted by Ian J
Don't you believe it. When the bug bites, it bites hard

IanJ

Hence no matter which subject I'm on or which thread I'm reading your name pops up!!!!

 

[Ian J]

I don't have a plasma, projector or play video games so you're quite safe in those forums.

 

[Peter Shilton]

Originally posted by Ian J
I don't have a plasma, projector or play video games so you're quite safe in those forums.

I think I'll go out and buy a pioneer 433 mxe, Sony VPLVW11HT, and a Penzer Dragoon xbox

 

[Peter Shilton]

Have now listened to The Matrix with my settings checked with the SPL meter.

Unbelievably different. I don't know how, but the speech is better, music in the lobby scene clearer. less from the surrounds, just when there is relevant noise, (bullet going past in "dodge this", water from sprinklers in "helecopter rescue".)

Thanks to everyone for help and advice.

 

[Peter Shilton]

Have now listened to The Matrix with my settings checked with the SPL meter.

Unbelievably different. I don't know how, but the speech is better, music in the lobby scene clearer. less from the surrounds, just when there is relevant noise, (bullet going past in "dodge this", water from sprinklers in "helecopter rescue".)

Thanks to everyone for help and advice.