SPL meter instead of RTA?
 

can a sound pressure level meter be used in place of a real time analiser with a pink noise generator to set your system?
I have a digital SPL meter I use to turn my home theater system and was wondering if you can do the same and what kind of processor can be used on old systems like mine, and won't break the bank:thumbsup:

thanks

You can use an SPL meter, it just takes a long time. You play test tones at each frequency and map the SPL, creating a graph much like what an RTA would display.

All of the processors out there have RCA inputs on them. I'd look for an older Alpine H700 / H701 if trying to save a little money.

That sound processor unit looks like it rocks!
I read from the user manual that it can auto adjust the signal delays with the microphone, but does it auto adjust the EQ for flat response with sound tones?

wish I had one:D
Blaupunkt and Alpine.... could be a deadly combo :thumbsup:

thanks

randy

I don't know of anyone who really used the auto adjust in those units. They're older so the processing wasn't all that fantastic.

I don't like auto adjust but if you are really into it, the JBL MS8 does it best and they can be had used in the $500 area.

BTW, if you have an iPhone 3GS or 4 or a newer gen Touch you already have a useable RTA. It's not as precise as an AC3055 but certainly gets the job done.

so do you think using one of the better freeware RTA options with a laptop/mic would be an effective solution (tuning it through the alpine unit or similar)

thanks

randy

the rta is usually the better tool and certainly faster and easier, but the spl meter is a good tool as well and is better at identifying resonance issues. But the spl meter must be accurate over the entire frequency band it is used in (and this is not a given). most of the spl meters car audio enthusiasts use are inexpensive and of limited accuracy and frequency band, you will have to use your ears to verify the spl meter.
either way the quality of the electronic tool is paramount to the accuracy of the results