Dolby Level

[Aquarius]

I've been calibrating my 5.1 system to Dolby Level 0 Vu = -20 dBFS = 85 dB SPL./C weight
I feel a bit "strange" because I thought it would be louder...on 1030 genelec + 7070 A.
Maybe I was listening too loud before !
Well, I guess I must adapt my ears to it but still...
What do you pro guys have to say ?
DrTone?

[dr sound]

That's 85db C weighted each speaker, one at a time, with the sub 10db above that (95spl).
Try this link:
http://www.surroundassociates.com/spkrcal.html
and this:
http://www.digido.com/integrated.html
These should help you out.

[Aquarius]

Hi DrTone !

Sorry for chasing you on the entire web [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] .
Thanks again for your patience, I'm having difficulties to solve this matter in France [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img]
What I did yesterday is 85 dB C (Slow) one channel at a time therefore my questions...
I think I''ve made a first mistake by pointing my RadioShack SPL to each speaker in direct alignement. It seems that the device should be handled to particular angles for each speaker reading....aaaargh !!!!
But besides that, I want to explain my setup :
I use the TDIF output from my 192 directly into the TDIF connector / Tascam DS-M 7.1 surround controller.
Then the analog output from the Tascam goes into the 6 inputs of a Genelec 7070 A subwoofer and from there to the 5 1030 Genelecs.
I then output from my PT rig a -20 dBFS Pink noise. Correct me if I'm wrong this far... [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img]
What happens is that I can't trim each 1030 enough to compete with the reading of my SPL (the Tasacam offers -9,9 dB attenuation and I'm already on - 6 dBU on the speakers).
I've found a workaround using the "Dim" button ( setting to -20dB) on the Tascam controller and then re-adjust the levels.
What's your opinion ?

Thanks again for your help [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

PS: I'll post it on the surround pro forum also

[dr sound]

You should sit in your chair where ever you are going to mix at and point the Radio Shack SPL Meter set at 80 SPL C weighted and see it move to the 85 mark. Play each speaker individually and adjust the send to the speaker or the trim on the speaker so that it reads 85spl. Now, how big is your room? If it is somewhat small then you might adjust your level in the room to around 80 spl. The 85 spl is more for the lage Dub Stage Rooms for direct comparisson to Theaters, where around 80- 82 is more for small rooms and TV mixing. And Aquarius, it's dr.sound not dr.tone [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[georgia]

you guys are forgetting a very crucial step...

The dreaded x-curve... You also need to EQ your room to either Broadcast or Film specs, as well as, setting levels.

cheers
georgia

[dr sound]

Georgia,
Definitely not forgetting the "X" curve. I have been discussing room monitor controllers with Aquarius on another Forum and he mentioned he had limited funds, not enough to purchase the Martinsound EX-R which I use in my room along with my JBL 3 ways, and BSS Digital Crossovers/EQ which was tuned by Dolby with an "X" curve. Right now his problem is room level calibration. Thanks for mentioning the "X" curve though. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[protooleriate]

I, and several other people I know have had problems with the protools noise generator, it is not what it claims to be. There are different types of generated noise correlated and uncorrelated, make sure you are using the correct type, I don't know what pt has or if it something else entirely, I do know that its very different from the output of a neutrik. I know it all sounds crazy but I wouldn't line up speakers with the pt sound generator i don't know what it is but it isn't pink noise as every knows and loves. It's great to check i/o line-ups but not much else.

[georgia]

I've noticed the PT sig gen as a few "issues" as well. It does work, but if you have an option get a hardware sig gen and noise generator for this type of effort.

cheers
georgia

[KK Proffitt]

Originally posted by georgia:
I've noticed the PT sig gen as a few "issues" as well. It does work, but if you have an option get a hardware sig gen and noise generator for this type of effort.

cheers
georgia

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Digi's pink noise wasn't pink on Mix systems. They claim to have fixed this with HD sw and they claim it will be fixed in 6.0 on Mix. I wouldn't use it, either, since it is not bandwidth limited. The Holman tapes and CDs have RMS -20dBFS bandwidth limited pink noise, so that's what we use. We also cal to 83 dBSPL these days, since the older 85 dBSPL number was really based on -18 dBFS.

I've been askng them for this capability since the early days of PT 5.1. Thank heavens people are finally coming around to point this out. Maybe they will listen one of these days.

[MattiMattMatt]

Hey KK:

Good to see you here!

You sent me goo-goos!

(If you remember, please don't post my name - thanks).

-MattiMattMatt