AudioAficionado.org  

Go Back   AudioAficionado.org > Audio & Video > Acoustical Treatments

Acoustical Treatments Because the room matters

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10-29-2017, 11:59 PM
For The Love of Music's Avatar
For The Love of Music For The Love of Music is offline
Ultra-Fast 69
 
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Spanish Castle Magic
Posts: 1,926
Default DB Levels

Since the wall treatment went in, I got curious on what the DB level was of the room since I noticed there is zero fatigue and the volume now is cranking at 50%, up about 20-25% prior to room treatment. I just wanted to make sure I was not unknowingly damaging my ears.

If I was thinking, I should have measured prior to the treatment but recall at 50%, it would have been too loud, distorted with other issues followed by fatiguing.

I searched and found dbMeter on iTunes, it cost $2.99. I don’t know the accuracy of this and I am sure there are better out there. Anyway, it was a start for me. Again, I wished I measured before the treatments, that way you can see a direct result, although it is very obvious.

At 50% volume, the db level was around 70-75%, and at that level the music is singing loud, clear and dynamic, no fatigue.

I have done so much over the last few weeks, its hard to discern what the individual contributions are but I know the level of volume I am now playing is directly related to the wall treatments. Going through this process, made the sound way better then expected despite still having the ceiling and traps to address.

Does anyone else look at this? If so what do you use to measure?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10-30-2017, 12:28 AM
GaryProtein's Avatar
GaryProtein GaryProtein is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: NY
Posts: 5,393
Default

The iPhone dB meters are of no value. I have a couple of those on my iPhone and they don't correlate at all with my REAL, true blue dyed in the wool, AudioControl RTA/dB meter.

For $2.99 you are getting what you paid for.

Maybe if you have a real, calibrated meter that you can compare with an iTunes/iPhone meter you can make some comparisons.

Last edited by GaryProtein; 10-30-2017 at 12:31 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10-30-2017, 12:33 AM
Masterlu's Avatar
Masterlu Masterlu is offline
AA Founder, Legend AV Owner



 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: South FL & Cape Cod MA
Posts: 78,466
Default

My personal favorite

__________________
Ivan
FLORIDA
MX136, MC1.2KW(10) MC2KW(2), MCD1100, MS750(2) MVP881, C1000C/P/T, MPC1500, HT-2 SUBS(2) HT3F(2) WS350(2) XRT2K, XCS2K, XR27(2) XCS350(2) JL GOTHAM v2 SUBS(2) SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, LUMAGEN RADIANCE SCALER, SONY VPH-G90U 4K PROJECTOR, STEWART 120" MOTORIZED SCREEN, CINEMA-TECH SEATING, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Reference System: ACCUPHASE A300 AMPS, C3900 PRE-AMP, DP1000 CD/SACD TRANSPORT, DC1000 DIGITAL PROCESSOR, DG-68 DIGITAL EQUALIZER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, PS1230 POWER SUPPLY, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, WW PLATINUM CABLES
CAPE COD

MX150, MC501(2) MC1.2KW(10) MC2301(2) MR88, MVP881, MCD1100, MDA1000, C1000C/P/T, MPC1500, ESOTERIC K-01X 30th ANNIVERSARY (BLACK) SACD/CD PLAYER, G02-X CLOCK, HT3F(2) XRT2K, XCS2K, XR27(2) JL GOTHAM v2 SUBS(2) JL FATHOM F113v2 SUBS(4) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) KALEIDESCAPE STRATO & TERRA SERVERS 80-TB, LUMAGEN RADIANCE SCALER, SONY VPH-G90U 4K PROJECTOR, STEWART 120" SCREEN, SONUS FABER STRADIVARI, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, FORTRESS SEATING, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Analog Rig: CLEARAUDIO INNOVATION WOOD, UNIVERSAL ARM w/ Da VINCI' CART, 2nd UNIVERSAL ARM w/ GOLDFINGER STATEMENT CART, HRS-MXR REFERENCE RACK-GLOSS BLACK w/ M3X SHELVES, AESTHETIX RHEA SIG PHONO-PRE, BRYSTON BHA-1 HEADPHONE AMP, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Reference System: BURMESTER 911MK3 AMP(3), 088 PRE-AMP, 089 CD PLAYER, 100 PHONO PRE-AMP, 948 POWER CONDITIONER, ACCUPHASE DG-68 VOICING EQUALIZER, AVID ACUTUS REFERENCE SP TT, GRAHAM PHANTOM II SUPREME ARM, BENZ MICRO LP-S CART, GRANDIOSO P1X/D1X STACK, G1X RUBIDIUM MASTER CLOCK, N05 NETWORK PLAYER, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, SONUS FABER AIDA SPEAKERS, JL FATHOM F113v2 SUBS(2) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) WW PLATINUM CABLES

Library System: GRANDIOSO M1 MONOBLOCK AMPS, C1 LINESTAGE PRE-AMP, K1X CD/SACD PLAYER, G1 MASTER RUBIDIUM CLOCK, E02 PHONO-PRE, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, AERIAL ACOUSTICS 20T V2, AERIAL SW12 SUBS(2), CANTON REF K1’s, VPI HRX TT w/ SDS POWER SUPPLY, ORTOFON CADENZA BLACK CART, KLAUDIO RCM, SHUNYATA DENALI 6000/S v2, SHUNYATA OMEGA QR’s, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Esoteric/Bryston System: ESOTERIC C02-X PRE-AMP, P-02X TRANSPORT, D02-X DAC, G02-X CLOCK, BRYSTON 28B3 CUBED MONOBLOCK AMPS(4), BRYSTON BHA-1 HEADPHONE AMP, SHUNYATA DENALI 6000/S v2(2) EVEREST 8000 POWER CONDITIONER(2) ALTAIRA CG & SG HUBS, AMR-DP777-SE DAC, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, QUADRASPIRE RACK, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Accuphase/Canton System: ACCUPHASE E800 INTEGRATED, DP570 CD/SACD PLAYER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, DG-68 VOICING EQUALIZER, PS530 POWER SUPPLY, CANTON REF K3’s, CANTON REF K5’s, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, HRS MXR REFERENCE MAHOGHANY RACK w/ M3X2 SHELVES, WW GOLD CABLES
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 10-30-2017, 06:49 AM
SL1800 SL1800 is offline
Guest
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: OK
Posts: 756
Default

I just ordered a calibrated microphone from Audiocontrol for use with iPhone and iPad in conjunction with their StudioSix app.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 10-30-2017, 07:45 AM
jdandy's Avatar
jdandy jdandy is offline
Merry Christmas to all



 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: North Central Florida
Posts: 53,224
Default

My Extech 407750 sound pressure level meter serves my purposes well. Easy to use, accurate, and can be tripod mounted. Measures 30 to 130 decibels. Meets ANSI and IEC 651 Type 2 standards. Data hold and Min/Max functions. Backlit display allows use in dimly lit areas. The meter also has an RS232 interface for capturing data directly to your PC using optional Windows compatible software. Available from Amazon.


__________________
Dan



STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital cable, Sonos Connect, PurePower 2000, Stillpoints, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Wireworld, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario
LIVING ROOM - McIntosh C2300, MC75 (2), MR85, Magnum Dynalab 205, Simaudio MOON Neo 260D-T, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil, Aurender N100H, Shunyata Sigma USB cable, Micro Seiki DD40, Ortofon Cadenza Blue, Nakamichi BX-300, Sony 60ES DAT, PS Audio P10, Furutech Flux 50, Sonos Connect, Stillpoints, Wireworld, Kimber, PMC EB1i, JL Audio f113
VINTAGE - McIntosh MA230, Tandberg 3011A tuner, Olive 04HD, Sony DTC-59ES DAT, McIntosh 4300V, JBL 4312A

Last edited by jdandy; 10-30-2017 at 07:52 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 10-30-2017, 08:28 AM
crwilli's Avatar
crwilli crwilli is online now
Racing Hoopties

 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Bluffton SC
Posts: 9,757
Default

Radio Shack - 33-2055. ~$40
IMG_0164.JPG
__________________
Main Equipment: Kharma Elegance dB11-S, JL Audio F113v2 X 2, Esoteric Grandioso C1X Solo preamp, Bricasti M21 DAC/PRE & M32 Mono Amplifiers, Antipodes Kala K-50 Server with 2 X 4TB internal SSD
Power: Shunyata Everest 8000, Sigma XC v2, Sigma NR v2, Alpha NR v2 PCs, Defender, ADDPowr Wizard, 4 X 20 AMP lines
Grounding: Shunyata Altaira CGS - 4 X Alpha CGS cables,
Network : Supra Cat 8+, Twin (Nenon) Modified Buffalo GS2016 Switches with fiber in between powered with Keces P3 LPSU,
Cables: Wireworld Platinum 8 USB, Wireworld Platinum Eclipse 8 Speaker cables, 6M & 1M Tubulus Concentus ICs,
Other: GIK & Stillpoint Apertures, Stillpoint Minis and Ultra SS, Three dedicated 20 Amp lines w/Furutech GTX - Gold outlets, Adona 5 Shelf rack, Roon sometimes running self made convolution filters
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10-30-2017, 12:53 PM
SuperD SuperD is offline
Guest
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Texas
Posts: 557
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by jdandy View Post
My Extech 407750 sound pressure level meter serves my purposes well. Easy to use, accurate, and can be tripod mounted. Measures 30 to 130 decibels. Meets ANSI and IEC 651 Type 2 standards. Data hold and Min/Max functions. Backlit display allows use in dimly lit areas. The meter also has an RS232 interface for capturing data directly to your PC using optional Windows compatible software. Available from Amazon.


I use this as well. I listen with my kids most of the time and always want to know when we push the limits.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 10-30-2017, 11:37 PM
For The Love of Music's Avatar
For The Love of Music For The Love of Music is offline
Ultra-Fast 69
 
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Spanish Castle Magic
Posts: 1,926
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by GaryProtein View Post
The iPhone dB meters are of no value. I have a couple of those on my iPhone and they don't correlate at all with my REAL, true blue dyed in the wool, AudioControl RTA/dB meter.

For $2.99 you are getting what you paid for.

Maybe if you have a real, calibrated meter that you can compare with an iTunes/iPhone meter you can make some comparisons.


Today, I spoke to Mark with Audio Control located in Mountlake Terrace Washington, just north of Seattle. He indicated the cell phone app from iTunes is not as bad as I thought and is within 5db, but limited (back to you get what you pay for).

He did say he keeps this app on his phone when he gets pulled over in his supped up Mustang because I guess legally you can’t be over 90db, and since it’s off a tad, works in his favor.

Anyway, they offer a iTestMic2, the only direct-connect iOS calibrated test & measurement microphone.

You need to pair this with an app from their partner Studio Six Digital, here is a link that really lays out the detail, all for around $220.00.

http://www.studiosixdigital.com/audi...are/itestmic2/

Thank you to everyone for their suggestions!
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 10-31-2017, 10:24 AM
SL1800 SL1800 is offline
Guest
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: OK
Posts: 756
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by For The Love of Music View Post
Today, I spoke to Mark with Audio Control located in Mountlake Terrace Washington, just north of Seattle. He indicated the cell phone app from iTunes is not as bad as I thought and is within 5db, but limited (back to you get what you pay for).

He did say he keeps this app on his phone when he gets pulled over in his supped up Mustang because I guess legally you can’t be over 90db, and since it’s off a tad, works in his favor.

Anyway, they offer a iTestMic2, the only direct-connect iOS calibrated test & measurement microphone.

You need to pair this with an app from their partner Studio Six Digital, here is a link that really lays out the detail, all for around $220.00.

http://www.studiosixdigital.com/audi...are/itestmic2/

Thank you to everyone for their suggestions!


Ed that’s the mic I have on order, hopefully it arrives soon.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 10-31-2017, 11:06 AM
Cohibaman's Avatar
Cohibaman Cohibaman is offline
Senior Member


 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: USA
Posts: 4,578
Default

Although I never thought or even expect the phone-based apps to be accurate, I use two different ones all the time for ‘relative’ measurements, whether for my sound system, in a car, a concert, on a plane to measure the spl just out of curiosity, or someone else’s system.

While the repeatability of an app should be quite good, I’d never trust the absolute number shown. I’d also expect the app to show different values when used on an iPhone 5 vs a 6 or a 6S, 7, or 8.

For me, the app(s) is more of a convenience to have something literally at my fingertips anywhere I go rather than a precise measurement.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Audioaficionado.org tested by Norton Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:44 AM.



Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.10
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
©Copyright 2009-2023 AudioAficionado.org.Privately owned, All Rights Reserved.
Audio Aficionado Sponsors
AudioAficionado Subscriber
AudioAficionado Subscriber
Inspire By Dennis Had
Inspire By Dennis Had
Harmonic Resolution Systems
Harmonic Resolution Systems
Wyred4Sound
Wyred4Sound
Dragonfire Acoustics
Dragonfire Acoustics
GIK Acoustics
GIK Acoustics
Esoteric
Esoteric
AC Infinity
AC Infinity
JL Audio
JL Audio
Add Powr
Add Powr
Accuphase - Soulution
Accuphase - Soulution
Audio by E
Audio by E
Canton
Canton
Bryston
Bryston
WireWorld Cables
WireWorld Cables
Stillpoints
Stillpoints
Bricasti Design
Bricasti Design
Furutech
Furutech
Shunyata Research
Shunyata Research
Legend Audio & Video
Legend Audio & Video