I had the idea to measure the frequency response of my system, and perhaps add/change components appropriately. I went through all the business of making a bunch of frequency sweeps and getting the right software for my laptop. But then it occurred to me that I would be measuring the response of my system + mic. So I suppose the $8.99 RadioShack mic. wont work. I need a microphone with a flat response across a wide range. Any thoughts?
Replies (4)
swez on 10/27/2005 12:41:43
You are correct in the assumption that a quality microphone is needed to get an accurate plot on your systems response curves. But, even a low budget mike will work if it can register 30 - 15Khz within +/- 1dB. That's close enough for any human ear to calibrate off of.
Also, you can usually rely on a decent SPL meter to give adequate results. As the sweeps are mapped, you will note spikes and dips in SPL as monitored by the meter at given frequency ranges. This will tell you where to cut/boost EQ for a desired result.
NOTE: Most guys rely on a signal generator (pink noise) and a calibrated mike to do this kind of adjustments. That, coupled with a real time analyzer, are the proper tools to use. Some computer programs are out there and can use a laptop to collect data. This is what Pro installers and techs in the field use to set room acoustics on a given system.
Also, a totally flat response plot is very hard to achieve w/o lots of EQ power. Many use Parametric EQ's for this function. However, a perfectly flat plot sounds pretty bland to the average ear. But, this is how to EQ a system to a given rooms' reference point.
You may be well off to have a Pro do the system preset for you and mark all the settings once the job is done. Keep a record of them for future references, if you find the system off kilter down the road.
Swez
Victor on 10/27/2005 17:02:20
This post just gave me a thought, wud anybody volunteer to do an article or FAQ post on equipments needed and step by step calibration for a flat response for measuring SPL etc, and also what programs , where to get them, how to use them etc... it wud be a great asset for the site..
THINK..
Victor...
swez on 10/27/2005 17:43:38
I'll offer up part of this project if you wish. Can give you a step by step detail how Dale & I set up a system based on room acoustics, speaker placements and calibration steps.
I will write it up on a word processor and copy to this site after we get the rest of the details in readable order. Will coordinate my efforts with Victor and others that wish to collaberate on this project. We need a "Point Man" to gather all the info and write the final draft for this project.
Swez
Victor on 10/27/2005 17:49:01
if you are around, get me on yahoo..
Replies (4)
swez on 10/27/2005 12:41:43
You are correct in the assumption that a quality microphone is needed to get an accurate plot on your systems response curves. But, even a low budget mike will work if it can register 30 - 15Khz within +/- 1dB. That's close enough for any human ear to calibrate off of.
Also, you can usually rely on a decent SPL meter to give adequate results. As the sweeps are mapped, you will note spikes and dips in SPL as monitored by the meter at given frequency ranges. This will tell you where to cut/boost EQ for a desired result.
NOTE: Most guys rely on a signal generator (pink noise) and a calibrated mike to do this kind of adjustments. That, coupled with a real time analyzer, are the proper tools to use. Some computer programs are out there and can use a laptop to collect data. This is what Pro installers and techs in the field use to set room acoustics on a given system.
Also, a totally flat response plot is very hard to achieve w/o lots of EQ power. Many use Parametric EQ's for this function. However, a perfectly flat plot sounds pretty bland to the average ear. But, this is how to EQ a system to a given rooms' reference point.
You may be well off to have a Pro do the system preset for you and mark all the settings once the job is done. Keep a record of them for future references, if you find the system off kilter down the road.
Swez
Victor on 10/27/2005 17:02:20
This post just gave me a thought, wud anybody volunteer to do an article or FAQ post on equipments needed and step by step calibration for a flat response for measuring SPL etc, and also what programs , where to get them, how to use them etc... it wud be a great asset for the site..
THINK..
Victor...
swez on 10/27/2005 17:43:38
I'll offer up part of this project if you wish. Can give you a step by step detail how Dale & I set up a system based on room acoustics, speaker placements and calibration steps.
I will write it up on a word processor and copy to this site after we get the rest of the details in readable order. Will coordinate my efforts with Victor and others that wish to collaberate on this project. We need a "Point Man" to gather all the info and write the final draft for this project.
Swez
Victor on 10/27/2005 17:49:01
if you are around, get me on yahoo..
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