sonusman-type question (mixing levels)

[participant]

our dearly departed sonusman aka "Ed" stated in his legendary thread that monitoring levels should be set like this:

1) 1kHz reference tone, mastered to -6dbFS.
2) 85db SPLs (c weighted)...

Now after swimming thru about 6 pages of bumps, thank yous, and the occasional flame (started by VOXVENDOR )... nowhere did I see this asked, or clarified:

85db SPL... measured WHERE?? In front of each speaker cone? On the median plane at ear height?

I figured I was mixing at a decent level, so I brought in a meter to confirm: assuming "median plane at ear height", with the 1kHz reference tone, it wavered between 85-89db (SPL).

Anyone confirm that this is how it's done, or should the measurements be taken in front of each monitor one by one? (Further adding to the confusion is Ed's suggestion to measure each monitor by itself)


Chad

 

[knightfly]

I don't profess to be Ed, but here goes nuttin' -

First, 85 db C weighted, if I remember correctly, is about the maximum OSHA recommends for 8 hours exposure without hearing protection. It's also close to the lowest you can listen without the Fletcher-Munson stuff getting in the way too much -

That level would be measured at your ears, sound follows the inverse square law so if you measured it at 6" from the speaker, then went to 1 ft, 2 ft, 4 ft where your ears are it would be divided by 2 3 times by the time it got to your ears, assuming you have nearfields 4' apart and 4' from your "sound holes".

I think the comment about each one separately may have been to confirm balance, but I don't remember.

Even more important than the absolute level (although not by much) is CONSISTENCY. When I'm mixing, I re-check the SPL meter every time I make a noticeable change in the mix; I shoot for 85, with less than 90 dB peaks on actual program material.

Your ears cannot tell when the ambient sound level increases or decreases over time, unless it's sudden. the value of re-checking SPL regularly is twofold - One, you won't have SPL build up enough to damage your hearing, and Two, you'll always be mixing at the same average level (Translation of mixes improves when you're always working at the same point in the Fletcher-Munson range)

I think this was mentioned in the "Ed Chronicles", but if not... If your mixes consistently are too bassy on other systems, it may be because you're monitoring at too low levels. You'll tend to put too much bottom on stuff to compensate.

Hope that was what you were looking for... Steve

 

[participant]

That level would be measured at your ears...

...Hope that was what you were looking for... Steve

Yes, thanks Steve. That confirms the suspicion. Very detailed, informative answer. It would be a nice addendum to Ed's "chronicles" The re-checking bit is nice to know, as well.


Thanks again

Chad