dB Meter

[Mo-Kay]

Kinda similar to the spectrum analyzer question I saw here somewhere...

How would one use a db meter (you know, a L&R VU bar with leds) in a recording/mixing situation and what would one hook it up to?


I've seen one in my local shop and it's really cool looking, blinking lights and all, but what could I use it for?

thanks

Mo-Kay

 

[dgatwood]

Kinda similar to the spectrum analyzer question I saw here somewhere...

How would one use a db meter (you know, a L&R VU bar with leds) in a recording/mixing situation and what would one hook it up to?


I've seen one in my local shop and it's really cool looking, blinking lights and all, but what could I use it for?

If it has an audio output... drum overheads?

Seriously, I use it to measure the noise level of gear to figure out what gear to stick in the next room. I'm also using it to get an idea of the noise level at potential building sites so that my next home doesn't lie in the $#*&^&*%^ approach path for a major airport.

 

[scrubs]

I have a sound level meter from radio shack. I use it to set the levels on my monitors. You don't "hook" it to anything, because it has a built in microphone. Just hold it about where your head would be when mixing and set your monitors so the meter averages 80-85dB with whatever music you're mixing. You can also point it at other stuff (amps, drums, etc.) to get an idea how much they're damaging your hearing also.

 

[dgatwood]

Just hold it about where your head would be when mixing and set your monitors so the meter averages 80-85dB with whatever music you're mixing.

I like my hearing, thank you very much....

 

[CoolCat]

i thought i read somewhere that 80-85db is where all freqs are "theoretically" equal...this is why it became the standard level for mixing.

 

[ermghoti]

I like my hearing, thank you very much....

TABLE G-16 - PERMISSIBLE NOISE EXPOSURES (1)
______________________________________________________________
|
Duration per day, hours | Sound level dBA slow response
____________________________|_________________________________
|
8...........................| 90
6...........................| 92
4...........................| 95
3...........................| 97
2...........................| 100
1 1/2 ......................| 102
1...........................| 105
1/2 ........................| 110
1/4 or less................| 115

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9735

Your ears should be pretty safe. Whether fatigue will set in is a different matter entirely. I do most of my mixing at somewhere around 75-80, and step up to 85 for the fine tuning. I just don't like hearing 85dB for very long.

 

[Farview]

If you are talking about an SPL meter, it measures the volume in the room.
If you are talking about a VU meter, you would use it to measure the signal level of a line level signal. Most mixing boards have these built-in.