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Sound Proofing / Measuring with MiniDSP UMIK-1

IndyHouseGuy

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Nov 17, 2024
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I'm soundproofing a room and I'd like to measure the before and after after soundproofing treatment. I currently have these tools:
  • Tadeto SL720
  • MiniDSP UMiK-1
I'm trying to measure the sound with the UMiK-1 but I'm having trouble. Any help?

I'm currently using the REW Room EQ Wizard but it gives very different numbers than the Tadeto. Very odd as the UMiK-1 is supposed to be the more accurate instrument (+/- 2 dB vs +/- 1 dB) . With the UMiK-1 there is a calibration file but if I change the input volume on my laptop I get completely different decibel readings. I tried adjusting the UMiK-1 so it's close to the Tadeto but I can't even do that. Any help? All I want is accurate decibel readings in the room.


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if I change the input volume on my laptop I get completely different decibel readings.
Make sure that you use the Java EXCL input type in the Soundcard preferences in REW, then input volume can no longer be adjusted and readings will be accurate:

Also make sure that in the Cal file preferences, your UMIK cal file is correctly loaded for the Java EXCL: UMIK-1 input.
 
but if I change the input volume on my laptop I get completely different decibel readings.
That's unusual with a USB mic so make sure you're not picking-up the sound from our laptop's built-in microphone.

And then just set the volume to maximum/100%.

SPL meters are normally A-Weighted to approximate our hearing with more sensitivity in the mid-frequency range. If your meter has Z-Weighting it's more-flat but it's not calibrated like the measurement mic.

I THINK there is an A-weighting setting in REW if you want to compare apples-to-apples.

But check them both with a 1KHz tone and the readings should match (within a couple of dB).
 
On the Tadeto make sure you are using C weighting instead of A weighting. Or use A weighting on it and the Umik.
 
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