Tuning My System... Thoughts and Experienced InputWelcome

[Stereo Steve]

To properly set up my studio, finally, here's a plan I thought might work and am interested in input from the experienced masses here.

I was thinking of running test tones from a CD through my system, set up a condensor mic placed in the "listening position", (equally distant from the monitors properly placed and all that), run the signal through Wavelab's Frequency Analyzer and use that to tune my monitors for a flat response. I thought of getting one of those Radio Shack should level meters but figured, why not use the equipment I've already got if I can...

I'd be using a Shure KSM44, Roland DS-8 Bi-Amp Monitors with an M-Audio SBX Sub. The Rolands are tunable for both high's and low's so I'm hoping I can dial them in and/or add/remove any other sound dampening materials as needed. On the surface it sounds like it'll work so I was gonna try it out this weekend. Any thoughts?

 

[JimmyS1969]

My initial thoughts would be; How does your room sound now to you? Have you introduced any treatments? Do you find your room uncomfortable or have issues recording in your space? Do you have any issues regarding playback on other devices in other environments?

Any measurement or advice on treatment will give you direction to what is 'ideal'. Your personal results will depend on your own personal judgements of what sounds good to you. I am anal about this shit myself, but in the end, it really comes down to what works for you, and how you are willing to deal with it.

 

[Stereo Steve]

Do you have any issues regarding playback on other devices in other environments?

You nailed it. As I refine my abilities in the "art, science & magic" of this craft, I find myself saying, "this isn't exactly how I heard it coming out of the monitors", just not nearly as often as I used to and figure setting up the system is likely going to help. Of course I'll take detailed notes, and pictures, in the event I screw anything up need to put it back.

 

[JimmyS1969]

You know, it's funny you say that. I used to be anal about taking notes as to what I did and why it didn't work. Once I found a good set of monitors for my room, I didn't need to question my own opinion anymore. Serenity.......

You nailed it. As I refine my abilities in the "art, science & magic" of this craft, I find myself saying, "this isn't exactly how I heard it coming out of the monitors", just not nearly as often as I used to and figure setting up the system is likely going to help. Of course I'll take detailed notes, and pictures, in the event I screw anything up need to put it back.

I still am an anal freak and listen to my mixes on multiple systems and take notes on what I hear, but I have gone from pages to a few notes now. Ahhh... Lava lamp......

 

[Seidy]

i got also few ideas for tuning:
* make sure that you sub is in phase with your monitors - find the crossover frequency (like 80 or 100hz) and play a test tone. Adjust the phase knob/switch until bass sounds the loudest in the listening position.
* set up mic in listening position and use Room EQ Wizard to find out rooms problematic frequencies.

 

[Stereo Steve]

i got also few ideas for tuning:
* make sure that you sub is in phase with your monitors - find the crossover frequency (like 80 or 100hz) and play a test tone. Adjust the phase knob/switch until bass sounds the loudest in the listening position.
* set up mic in listening position and use Room EQ Wizard to find out rooms problematic frequencies.

Great idea. I just signed up on the HTS forum and will be downloading REW shortly to have a go at it this weekend. Looks like a very comprehensive program with lots of great ways to tune a room.

Thanks again!!!!