Measurement instrument for measurement novice

[Phorize]

I’m interested in taking sound measurements in my room, to help understand how my speakers are performing and placement etc.

is their such a thing as an entry level sound level meter or similar instrument for spl measurement etc?

 

[PierreV]

I’m interested in taking sound measurements in my room, to help understand how my speakers are performing and placement etc.

is their such a thing as an entry level sound level meter or similar instrument for spl measurement etc?

https://www.minidsp.com/products/acoustic-measurement/umik-1

is a very decent starting point.

 

[RayDunzl]

The UMIK-1 mentioned above and RoomEqWizard software is a common solution.

https://www.roomeqwizard.com/

I use both.

 

[Blumlein 88]

I'm just chiming in with the others. Umik 1, and a computer is all you need. Well and free excellent Room EQ Wizard or R.E.W software.

 

[Webninja]

I just got the UMIK-1, and have started using REW. There is a simple guide here, plus lots of posts on this forum that have helped me start measuring.

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...-measurement-tutorial-for-dummies-part-1.278/

 

[Berwhale]

Here's the video I used to learn basic measurement and EQ calculation with a UMIK-1 and REW...

 

[RayDunzl]

is their such a thing as an entry level sound level meter or similar instrument for spl measurement etc?

Included in REW...

To get the same SPL featues in a hand-help SPL meter would probably cost as much or more than the UMIK-1

 

[phoenixdogfan]

Thanks to the PC, freeware like REW, and low cost calibrated USB mics like the Umik-1, we're in a golden age for this kind of thing. BTW, I'd also invest in a microphone stand--should run aroud $30 at Amazon.

 

[Helicopter]

I am in the same boat except I already have a Focustite scarlet 2i2 audio interface. Would you still recommend a USB Umik, or would I be better off getting a calibrated XLR microphine to get started?

 

[technoian]

I am in the same boat except I already have a Focustite scarlet 2i2 audio interface. Would you still recommend a USB Umik, or would I be better off getting a calibrated XLR microphine to get started?

As you already have the audio interface I would agree that a calibrated microphone would be the way to go. I use a Sonarworks XREF20 but there are others with similar specs.

 

[Sal1950]

Once you folks get accustomed to the REW (free) software and learn how valuable it really is, don't forget to throw the long time developer John Mulcahy a tribute for all the hard work he puts into REW.