SPL meter as measure mic?

Started by ThomasT on 6 January 2010. 2 replies.

Originally posted at johnlsayers.com, topic 13913.

ThomasT6 January 2010#1

Hi, I have this SPL meter: http://www.thomann.de/de/digital_sound_ ... _meter.htm it has an "audio" output. Can I use this as measurement mic plus preamp for room measurements with Room EQ Wizzard? Thomas [edit] I just read the help of room EQ wizzard and they recommend some SPL meter for exact this purpose. Even with C-Curve compensation. So the question is reduced to the frequency range, since the 8922 goes up to 8k only accourding to specs.

cadesignr9 January 2010#2

Hi Thomas. This is EXACTLY what I was going to post on your "soffit" thread.

When I was teaching acoustics in a music college I used to impress on students that calculating modes was interesting in theory, but not much use in practical. There is no short cut to identifying "boom" frequencies but by lenghty actual measurement with a frequency generator/ or test tone CD and a sound level meter. When you have identified the one or sometimes two fundamentals which are causing problems and treated them by trapping you will be on the way to hearing your equipment/system as the manufacturer intended.

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/ ... z0c32OpgTD My my. don'tcha just love it when a breath of truth emerges. :mrgreen:

Soundman20209 January 2010#3

So the question is reduced to the frequency range, since the 8922 goes up to 8k only accourding to specs.

8k is more than enough for checking the important part of the spectrum. Most of your room issues will be in the low end, under about 300 Hz. That's where you need the most precision and flatest response in your measurement mic. It would be good to check the top end too, and any good studio mic will work for that (use one that has a really flat response curve in the highs) but your biggest issues are going to be the lows, so an SPL meter mic should work fairly well for that.