Wanted: SPL meter

[Gerhard]

Hello Everyone,

I am looking for an SPL meter in order to calibrate my Behringer FBQ2496/REW system. I can buy a new one from www.instruments.co.za but it is expensive. I first want to try for a second hand one.

Can anyone help?

Thank you,

Gerhard

[GearSlave]

I'm also actually looking for one to calibrate my measurement rig to measure absolute SPL. How much was the one you linked to?

I was going to get one from Rat Shack when going to the States again (hopefully before the end of the year). They seem to go for around $50 or so, if I can remember correctly. These were analogue ones, btw.

I see MCM has one that looks OK for a reasonable price. Their shipping is also not too bad actually, although their service is a little painfull
http://www.mcminone.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=MCMProducts&category%5Fname=3830530&product%5Fid=72%2D860A

[Gerhard]

Gert,

The one I was looking at (http://www.instruments.co.za/Catalog/Sound.htm) goes for R1725-00 excl. VAT. That is for the WRS-6701 c/w case, windshield, software and PC cable. I emailed Gordon at A.W.R. Smith Process Instrumentation who informed me that they can give me 20% discount if the meter is for private use. That works out to R1573.20 in total which is a bit high?

I've already spent so much money on DIY tools, mic, mixer, active EQ etc. etc. that I could have bought myself a VERY decent HT system by now!! But alas, where's the fun in that? I've already committed too far to stop now, I would just like to make sure I don't spend unnecessary money.

Maybe we can negotiate with Gordon if we each wanted to buy one? R1573.20 is not exactly an arm and a leg but it is not pocket change either!

I dunno if I want the hassle of an online order from the States and all, I'd rather get one locally (and quick!) and pay a little extra.

Do you also have a BFD?

BTW, got my SoundEasy V14 upgrade today - AT LAST!!

[Ian]

Don't know how good this one is or if it's as good as the one you've found but it is about half the price take a look:

 http://www.zegatech.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=DDSLME

Cheers Ian

[Gerhard]

Thanks Ian.

I cannot find the frequency range spec for this meter and it seems to be discontinued. Its replacement is $30 more expensive which brings it close enough to the Galaxy Audio CM-140 CHECK MATE which I know will work for my application, see:

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/bfd-rew-forum/2591-voltcraft-spl-meter-3.html

I can order one through www.bhphotovideo.com (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/404472-REG/Galaxy_Audio_CM140_CM_140_CHECK_MATE_.html) and AFAIK they ship internationally. I did mention to Gert that I am not that keen on importing one, but seeing that this is the meter that the guys in the know recommend for my BFD setup, it may just be worth the effort

I'll have to do some more research...

Cheers,
Gerhard

[GearSlave]

Gert,

The one I was looking at (http://www.instruments.co.za/Catalog/Sound.htm) goes for R1725-00 excl. VAT. That is for the WRS-6701 c/w case, windshield, software and PC cable. I emailed Gordon at A.W.R. Smith Process Instrumentation who informed me that they can give me 20% discount if the meter is for private use. That works out to R1573.20 in total which is a bit high?

I've already spent so much money on DIY tools, mic, mixer, active EQ etc. etc. that I could have bought myself a VERY decent HT system by now!! But alas, where's the fun in that? I've already committed too far to stop now, I would just like to make sure I don't spend unnecessary money.

Maybe we can negotiate with Gordon if we each wanted to buy one? R1573.20 is not exactly an arm and a leg but it is not pocket change either!

I dunno if I want the hassle of an online order from the States and all, I'd rather get one locally (and quick!) and pay a little extra.

Do you also have a BFD?

BTW, got my SoundEasy V14 upgrade today - AT LAST!!

BFD? Not sure what that means.

I got my SE V14 upgrade two weeks ago with a USB dongle so I can run it on my laptop. Also, Bohdan was kind enough to send me a patch to get the Digital Filter working with my sound card. I tell you, it is flippen fantastic!! Absolutely worth it if you plan on doing a few speakers. To be honest, my intention was never to do a lot of speakers but it's just so much fun that I'll probably carry on for quite some time, hehe!

R1.5k is a bit much for an SPL meter, but the one that Ian linked looks promising. All I want is to verify the absolute sensitivity of the resulting speakers, so it seems a bit of a waste spending so much. Knowing the absolute sensitivity is more academic really. I should be able to check the driver manufacturer spec and work my way back from that to get a fairly good idea, now that I think about it.

[Timber_MG]

I have a behringer mic that has been calibrated by the national institute of metrology... in mV @ 94dB.....must get out the table sometime, haven';t used that for ages.

[skinnyfat]

BFD? Not sure what that means.

Behringer Feedback Destroyer

As for SPL meter, would something like this suffice? or too basic for your needs ?

http://avshop.co.za/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/760?osCsid=5d3d0abb00c78b15b08fa3e568589aaa

[Gerhard]

To be honest, I don't know exactly  yet what the application of the SPL meter is i.t.o. setting up the BFD with REW (Room EQ Wizard software) other than to calibrate the sub output level to 75db for measurement. So a very basic SPL meter may suffice. I will spend a little more time researching the BFD/REW/SPL meter thing before I decide on an SPL meter. I am hoping that it does not play a more vital part in the process and thus requiring a more advanced SPL meter.

Has any of you played with a BFD in your HT setups before or are you relying on passive methods to even out room related artifacts?

In theory the BFD should work a treat to tailor your bottom end to suit your exact needs, at what I would consider a fairly decent price. I have actually come to a point once of saying to myself that a subwoofer is more trouble than it is worth. In the homes we (read I) live in it is quite difficult to integrate a sub into the sound picture without messing it up completely. That is until one hears a properly set up system with a sub included that one realizes how valuable it can be. The BFD should make integrating a sub a lot easier IMHO. In fact, whenever I get around to building my subs, I am seriously considering using a beefy external amp like the Behringer EP2500 or similar together with my Behringer FBQ2496. I am very skeptical of blade sub amps - especially the Madisound ones. I have bought both the 200W and 300W amps a couple of years ago and both gave out. The 200 watter's output stage is bust and the 300 watter's active crossover doesn't work anymore  . I think keeping the amp/crossover out of the sub box makes for more flexible designs. It also provides for a much easier upgrade path and the active EQ provides for unlimited tailoring in any environment. If the BFD can integrate my current sub properly it can any sub... 

Thanks for everyone's advice.

Regards,
Gerhard

[skinnyfat]

you will need the spl to calibrate REW correctly

[Gerhard]

I figure that, but would I need it for something other than calibration? Would any SPL meter that can give me the SPL be enough?

I will research this tonight or when I get the time...

[skinnyfat]

That one from avshop should be just fine

[Timber_MG]

You don't really need absolute SPL for such aplications, just do it relative and adjust the sub's gain. Freeware measurement software is good enough to let you do that.

The point of me mentioning having that calibration is that one can do a comparisson and then use the difference that the known and unknown device to calibrate. I don't really have the time or inclination for that though (sorry gert) because I am not sure you really need it.

[GearSlave]

I don't really have the time or inclination for that though (sorry gert) because I am not sure you really need it.

Nah, don't sweat it. Like I said, knowing the absolute SPL of the speakers is purely academic really.

[Gerhard]

Yep, I agree. Absolute values don't mean much. I'll play around with my setup as is and see how far I get.

Thank you all for your advice.

Gerhard