Summit Set Up - Frequency Test Tones?

[edwinr]

Okay Guys. I know this has been discussed before, but I am interested in running some simple test tones through my Summits so I can fine tune the 25Hz and 50Hz controls.

I propose running individual test tones at say 20Hz, 30Hz, 40Hz, 50Hz, 60Hz and 70Hz through my system. If I record the results on my digital spl meter I should be able to transpose the results onto a simple graph. Interpreting the results shouldn't be too hard and I should be able to get an idea where the main bass nodes are in my listening room. Maybe in this way I could get a more accurate result from fine tuning the 25Hz and 50Hz controls on my Summits.

Like most people here I have tuned my Summits by ear, but just when I think it's right, I play a new CD and all my fine tuning is out the window. The trouble is there's no consistency with most CD's as they all have differing degrees of bass eq. I need a control or some simple way to determine the best 'flat' response I can get without major expenditure.

Has Martin Logan considered offering a CD with test tones?

Any suggestions?

 

[Pcar928fan]

Having experienced a recent hearing loss and (thank GOD) return, I can tell you that your ear is NOT like a microphone or SPL meter. You (if you are like me anyway) are going to have some Freq. where you don't hear NEARLY as well as others.

All that means is that if you have a totally flat response on the SPL meter they may sound like CRAP to you because they have to much or to little of one or another freq. YMMV.

I do like the thought though!

 

[sebrof2000]

Has Martin Logan considered offering a CD with test tones?

Any suggestions?

I had a Test Tone CD from Rives Audio, but lent it to someone and never got it back. I just re-ordered one when I looked up the info for you.
From rivesaudio.com (go to products, test and measurement)
Simple and Easy to Use
1/3 octave test tones from 20-20kHz
Compensated tones for the Radio Shack SPL meter
Has Mapleshade Recordings for subjective testing
Has phase testing
Only $21

I used it a lot, along with my $30 (I think) Radio Shack SPL meter.
Take a look at my graph. The fact that the Krell dips between 80Hz and 500Hz when measured at the listening position, and is flatter right in front of the speaker (nearfield) proves to me that the room is causing a lot of what I'm hearing.
Is this what you were looking for, or did I miss the question?

If you're curious, the Quicksilver and Perreaux tests were done with a Quicksilver linestage and a Sunfire Stereo II amp, and the Krell was a KAV 400xi integrated. I dumped the results into MS Excel and generated the graph.
Mike

 

[sebrof2000]

If you're curious, the Quicksilver and Perreaux tests were done with a Quicksilver linestage and a Sunfire Stereo II amp, and the Krell was a KAV 400xi integrated. I dumped the results into MS Excel and generated the graph.
Mike

My bad - The Perreaux test was done with a Perreaux SM-1 preamp and Sunfire Stereo II amp.

 

[sleepysurf]

You can download test tracks from Ethan Winer's Realtraps site...
http://www.realtraps.com/test-cd.htm

One caveat, if you're using the cheap Rat Shack sound meter, it's not fully linear. However, Ethan states the errors are less significant at the lower frequencies, and you needn't bother with "calibration corrections" if that's all you're measuring.

I've been wanting to buy something like ETF or the Room EQ Wizard software (as featured here... http://www.hometheatershack.com/roomeq)
along with a good mic, and USB pre-amp, so I can use my laptop to measure detailed room responses. Just haven't had the time, and it looks a bit daunting to set up.

If anybody knows a SIMPLE way to do all that, please share with us!

 

[Kruppy]

You can download test tracks from Ethan Winer's Realtraps site...
http://www.realtraps.com/test-cd.htm

One caveat, if you're using the cheap Rat Shack sound meter, it's not fully linear. However, Ethan states the errors are less significant at the lower frequencies, and you needn't bother with "calibration corrections" if that's all you're measuring.

I've been wanting to buy something like ETF or the Room EQ Wizard software (as featured here... http://www.hometheatershack.com/roomeq)
along with a good mic, and USB pre-amp, so I can use my laptop to measure detailed room responses. Just haven't had the time, and it looks a bit daunting to set up.

If anybody knows a SIMPLE way to do all that, please share with us!

I'm in the process of setting up the Room EQ Wizard software. Actually I down loaded it a good couple of months ago, but during the spring and summer my audio time is a bit reduced. At first look it does seem a bit complicated, but I just haven't dedicated enough time to fart around with it yet. From what little time I've spent a the HomeTheaterShack, there are people very knowledgeable with the workings of this program and are very willing to help a brother out.

The Radio Shack Cal files are all available on the hometheatershack website too, they're very easy to load into the software. I bought a $20 Sound Blaster external USB sound card directly from Creative (because your lap top will need both rca ins and outs). So far my investment is just the sound meter (which I already had), the sound card and a $4 rca to 1/8" mini plug cable for connecting the meter to the sound card.

My wife and kids are going to be out of town this week, so I'm hoping that I can actually get to mess around with the software this week. If I do, I'll make sure I post my results and impressions.

 

[sleepysurf]

Great! I'll be watching for updates.

 

[sleepysurf]

I dumped the results into MS Excel and generated the graph.
Mike

Nice spreadsheet/graph! I'm sure a LOT of us would appreciate it if you could upload the Excel template!

 

[sebrof2000]

Nothin' to it.
I simply entered the data into a worksheet (see the screenshot below) and then used the Chart Wizard to make the graph. I use Excel a lot at work so it's fairly simple to me, although I realize that it may not be to everyone who reads this. The Chart Wizard will guide you through picking which type of graph (i.e.: pie chart, etc.), and help you choose the data you want to include. Track is the track number on the Test Tone disc.

You'll notice that @ 1 Khz all 3 (Quickie, Perreaux, and Krell) were at the same db reading (+/- 1db). I used 1Khz as the baseline frequency, then went back and started at 20hz and started taking readings. Looks like I forgot to do that when I did Krell Nearfield..oh well. I probably left it at the same volume setting.

 

[edwinr]

Thanks, Mike and everyone else. I'm doing some investigation with the links you've provided. This is just the stuff I'm looking for. I know the spl meter can't really approximate what I'm hearing, but this is just to put me in the ball park. I've got a digital spl meter (not a RatShack) which has 'A' and 'C' weightings plus hold and average options. Even if I don't achieve what I want, it'll be lots of fun...

P.S. I wasn't considering using Excel, but that spread sheet looks interesting.