Stereo subwoofer setup using SPL metre

[One More Solo]

Hi all

I've setup my sub by ear but curious to try using an SPL metre to see if it yields different results. What is the best approach here? Should I be using the same test tone through both sub and speakers and matching the levels? Or a different one reflecting that lower frequency tones are going to be quieter?

Struggling to find a guide on this.

 

[hornetstinger]

Full range pink noise, slow reading

 

[lucid]

SPL meters aren't all that accurate below 50Hz. Where they are used, they have to be calibrated individually to see how far under or over they measure at various frequency points, then a conversion factor can be applied at those frequencies. It's all very messy.

You also have the issue of standing waves at whichever measuring position you choose. Remember too that sound is 3D, so you'll have peaks and troughs relating to the length and width and height of the room wherever the mic is positioned. The bottom line is that you could spend an entire afternoon dialling in the subs but still end up with them sounding awful as soon as you move from that fixed point.