Calibrating Your Speakers

[Snikt]

Hey guys, if your system comes with a calibration microphone, do you recommend using it?

In other words, is it really worth it and does it make that much of a difference?

Thanks again guys.

[crazyBLUE]

Originally Posted by Snikt

Hey guys, if your system comes with a calibration microphone, do you recommend using it?

In other words, is it really worth it and does it make that much of a difference?

Thanks again guys.

Yes , Use the Microphone ! Put it facing towards the ceiling at ear level at the seating position .

[Snikt]

Originally Posted by crazyBLUE

Yes , Use the Microphone ! Put it facing towards the ceiling at ear level at the seating position .

How much of a difference does it make? I'll definitely do it, but do you notice a major difference?

[crazyBLUE]

Originally Posted by Snikt

How much of a difference does it make? I'll definitely do it, but do you notice a major difference?

It will calibrate all the speakers so they are at the proper level as far as the distance to the seating area . Yes it will sound better having them properly calibrated .

[progers13]

To elaborate a bit on CrazyBlue's post, the calibration tool and microphone is a good tool to start with. It will set your speaker distances and levels. In my experience, it helps to do this than to try to set it all by ear yourself. However, using an SPL meter to calibrate my system resulted in much much better results than the tool and microphone. Ideally you want all speakers' volume at the same level (I calibrate mine at 75 db because 85 is just too loud IMHO). You can pick up an SPL meter at Radio Shack for $50. If you search online you can probably find one cheaper. A great investment.

[crazyBLUE]

Originally Posted by progers13

To elaborate a bit on CrazyBlue's post, the calibration tool and microphone is a good tool to start with. It will set your speaker distances and levels. In my experience, it helps to do this than to try to set it all by ear yourself. However, using an SPL meter to calibrate my system resulted in much much better results than the tool and microphone. Ideally you want all speakers' volume at the same level (I calibrate mine at 75 db because 85 is just too loud IMHO). You can pick up an SPL meter at Radio Shack for $50. If you search online you can probably find one cheaper. A great investment.

progers is right about using an SPL meter , Here is A sticky by Big Daddy on using one if you choose to get one .

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=38765

[GeologyNut]

Originally Posted by progers13

To elaborate a bit on CrazyBlue's post, the calibration tool and microphone is a good tool to start with. It will set your speaker distances and levels. In my experience, it helps to do this than to try to set it all by ear yourself. However, using an SPL meter to calibrate my system resulted in much much better results than the tool and microphone. Ideally you want all speakers' volume at the same level (I calibrate mine at 75 db because 85 is just too loud IMHO). You can pick up an SPL meter at Radio Shack for $50. If you search online you can probably find one cheaper. A great investment.

+1, an SPL meter is a great investment and one that can improve how your speakers sound!

Use your microphone first and then if you decide to get an SPL meter you can adjust volumes so all of your speakers are at the same dB level!

[Irrob]

Originally Posted by progers13

To elaborate a bit on CrazyBlue's post, the calibration tool and microphone is a good tool to start with. It will set your speaker distances and levels. In my experience, it helps to do this than to try to set it all by ear yourself. However, using an SPL meter to calibrate my system resulted in much much better results than the tool and microphone. Ideally you want all speakers' volume at the same level (I calibrate mine at 75 db because 85 is just too loud IMHO). You can pick up an SPL meter at Radio Shack for $50. If you search online you can probably find one cheaper. A great investment.

Agree 100%
As recently mentioned, another cost effective option is an SPL app for iphone users.