At what level of SPL do you listen at?

[PristineSound]

OK, I don't think this topic has been brought up. Using C-weighting from your listening position, what is a comfortable average level (not peak) you listen at, where you can still here all the details and is most enjoyable?

See chart below for more information on SPL weighting:

Weighting	Purpose	Frequency Bias
A-weighting (dBA)	Approximates human hearing sensitivity	Reduces low and very high frequencies
C-weighting (dBC)	Measures loudness including low frequencies	Flatter curve
Z-weighting (dBZ)	“Zero” weighting – flat across the range	True physical measurement

Comment further below.

 

[Haskil]

71 dB - 75 dB or 76 dB - 80 dB : I hesitated

P.S. Is Mr. Censor happy?

 

[PristineSound]

Using a calibrated SPL meter with an accuracy of ±1.8dB (ref 94dB@1KHz) and 0.1dB resolution.

The noise floor in my listening room is about 41/42dBC.

I listen to an average of 72,+/-~2dBC.

Very comfortable and enjoyable.

 

[GD Fan]

Pretty sure there was one of these threads a couple years ago. Not sure if it had a poll attached though. Also can't remember my response!

 

[DVDdoug]

This paper is about pro mixing/mastering levels but there's a lot information about what people like in movie theaters and live performances.

Most people don't like it as loud at home. I haven't measured my home loudness but "live levels" make me uncomfortable in small rooms. I wouldn't want a rock band or full orchestra in my living room, even if they would fit.

My home system can "rattle the walls" but I have nearby neighbors so that's another reason I don't crank it up.

I have a "loud" system in one of my vehicles and sometimes I go crazy and listen loud enough to get a temporary threshold shift (temporary slight deafness) and ringing in my ears. Not good for the hearing! And on the freeway I don't have to worry about my nearby neighbors. I have measured that and it was over 90dB SPL when I was "going crazy".

Using C-weighting

A-Weighting better correlates with how we perceive loudness. It doesn't exactly correspond to the Equal Loudness Curves but it's best "standard" curve.

 

[kemmler3D]

I would like to answer in the 70-80 range, but it occurs to me that I only think this because I casually tried looking at the SPL using my UMIK-1 while music was on one time.

Can anyone comment with the correct way to get this number using REW and UMIK?

 

[RDoc]

Just as a PSA. If you hear ringing in your ears, you've likely to have suffered permanent hearing damage. It's not for certain, but just keep that in mind. Personally, I shot pretty loud rifles as a teenager and have had tinnitus for decades.

 

[IngMishael]

76dBC for dynamic masters

70dBC for wall of sound stuff

 

[Keith_W]

I would like to answer in the 70-80 range, but it occurs to me that I only think this because I casually tried looking at the SPL using my UMIK-1 while music was on one time.

Can anyone comment with the correct way to get this number using REW and UMIK?

Use the RTA and play your music at your normal listening level. Don't use pink noise because music is mastered at different SPL's, and the pink noise won't reflect that.

 

[Mr. Swordfish]

Give me a moment to go downstairs and find my SPL meter...
oops, battery is dead, need a new nine volt...

Ok, working now.

Mid 60s to early 70s . Just like a lot of the recordings I listen to.

 

[MehranB]

I try to find the Mastering SPL by slowly making it louder till you can hear all the instruments, then I go a few dB lower and try to fine-tune it. It is not always possible to get that loud, depending on the mix especially at night or when my wife is around; her preferred loudness is around 55-60. We often have the discussion: Should It be that loud? Well, it has been mixed that loud .

 

[Defi]

That depends heavily on the mood or time. If I want to relax it's 60-65ish. If I want euphoria then 80ish but I don't do that very often or very long. I have learned that listening at low levels is much much better with better speakers/headphones.

Edit: this is with a free app with my phone so I don't know how accurate it is.