Easy Monitor Calibration For 83Db Accuracy

Calibrating your monitor to 83db is a common standard for audio engineers and producers. The process involves adjusting the monitor's settings to achieve a flat frequency response, ensuring that audio is reproduced accurately. This is typically done using a calibration tool, such as a colourimeter, or by ear with the aid of test patterns and audio files. The goal is to set the monitor's volume, brightness, contrast, sharpness, colour temperature, and white balance to comfortable and accurate levels. This can improve the listening experience, enhance audio accuracy, and prevent hearing damage.

Use a pink noise file for calibration

Calibrating your studio monitors is an essential step to achieving the best possible audio quality in your recordings and mixing. Studio monitors should be set to produce a flat frequency response in your specific listening environment, and one of the methods to achieve this is by using pink noise.

Pink noise is a random noise that has equal energy per octave, making it an ideal reference signal for equalization and calibration tasks. It is important to note that the SPL (sound pressure level) meter should be set to C-weighted and slow response.

• Download or generate a pink noise audio file: You can find pink noise files online or use audio software such as Adobe Audition, Audacity, or FL Studio to generate one. Ensure that the file is at least a minute long to provide enough time for calibration.
• Connect a sound level meter to your listening position: A sound level meter is a tool for measuring the volume output of your studio monitors. You can purchase a physical meter or download a smartphone app that can measure sound levels.
• Set up your studio monitors: Place your studio monitors at equal distances from each other and your listening position. An equilateral triangle configuration is ideal as it allows for accurate evaluation of the stereo imaging and frequency response of your monitors.
• Adjust the volume levels of your studio monitors: Using the sound level meter, adjust the volume of each studio monitor to the desired level, typically between 75-85 dB. This range is considered the sweet spot for critical listening.
• Play the pink noise audio file: Play the pink noise file on your audio system while monitoring the sound level meter at your listening position.
• Adjust frequency response if needed: If there are significant dips or peaks in the frequency response, you may need to adjust your room's acoustics or reposition your studio monitors. In most cases, adjusting the EQ settings on your audio interface or monitor controller should be sufficient.
• Test your calibration results: After calibrating your studio monitors with pink noise, test the results by listening to familiar music or audio material. If the sound is balanced and accurate, your calibration is successful.

By following these steps, you will be able to optimise the sound quality of your studio monitors using pink noise and achieve better results in your audio production projects. It is worth noting that the specific steps may vary depending on your equipment and listening environment.

Measure sound-pressure level with an SPL meter

To measure sound-pressure level with an SPL meter, you need to understand what sound-pressure level (SPL) is and how it is measured. SPL is a ratio of sound pressure and reference sound pressure, expressed in decibels (dB). It is a measure of the physical strength of a sound wave and is used to describe the loudness of audio signals.

SPL is measured in decibels (dB) and is typically measured using a sound pressure level meter (SLM). An SLM includes a microphone, processing section, and display. Sound pressure waves set a microphone membrane in motion, which are converted into electrical signals by the SLM. The electrical signals are then converted into digital signals so they can be displayed in the form of decibels.

There are different types of SLMs, including Class 1 (Type 1) and Class 2 (Type 2), which differ in the microphones used and their level of precision. Class 1 meters are more precise and versatile but are generally more expensive, while Class 2 meters are more limited in their capabilities and are usually more affordable.

When choosing an SLM, consider factors such as accuracy, frequency range, data logging capabilities, and compliance with industry standards like IEC 61672. The ideal meter will depend on your specific needs, such as monitoring workplace noise, conducting environmental assessments, or ensuring public safety in entertainment venues.

To use an SLM, follow these general steps:

• Place the SLM in the desired location, typically the listening position.
• Adjust the SLM settings according to the type of measurement you want to perform. This may include selecting the appropriate frequency weighting (e.g., A-weighting, C-weighting) and time weighting (e.g., Slow, Fast, Impulse).
• Set the SLM to the desired sound pressure level range, which will depend on the application. For example, environmental noise measurements may require a range that goes as low as 25 dB, while industrial settings may require a range up to 140 dB.
• Ensure that the SLM is calibrated to a known reference source to ensure accurate and reliable measurements.
• Take measurements by pointing the SLM microphone towards the sound source.
• Review the sound pressure level readings on the SLM display or connected device, such as a mobile app or computer software.

By following these steps and choosing the appropriate SLM for your needs, you can effectively measure sound-pressure levels with an SPL meter.

Work out your preferred listening volume

Now you need to work out at what volume you want to listen to your audio in your studio. 85dB SPL used to be a common suggestion for monitoring levels, but this figure was intended for larger spaces such as a cinema. This level is close to the more flat portion of the equal loudness contours (a more accurate update of the Fletcher-Munson curves). It was later discovered that the method used for measuring the pink noise signal was slightly inaccurate, and the reference level for cinemas was changed to 83dB SPL. This level would be super loud and overwhelming in most home studios.

Most home studios are smaller than 142 cubic meters, so 73-76dB SPL C is a more appropriate target. Below is a table created by Sound On Sound with recommendations based on room size:

| Room Size | SPL |

|---|---|

| 42-142 m³ | 76dB |

| 142-330 m³ | 79dB |

| 330-1000 m³ | 82dB |

| 1000-2000 m³ | 85dB |

If you're calibrating your monitors to 83dB, you'll need to work out your preferred listening volume. This will be a level that works with the size of your room and the loudness of the music you want to create.

You can also use this new monitor level to help you find a similar level in your headphones. (It’s extremely difficult to accurately measure loudness on headphones at home.)

If you're calibrating your studio to 85dB, you'll need to work out your preferred listening volume. This will be a level that works with the size of your room and the loudness of the music you want to create.

If you're calibrating your studio to 83dB, you'll need to work out your preferred listening volume. This will be a level that works with the size of your room and the loudness of the music you want to create.

Calibrate to a reference level for your studio

Calibration is the process of understanding and setting the level coming out of your DAW relative to the SPL that’s leaving the speaker. This lets you know that when your mixer is set to unity or your output level is at a marked spot, you’re able to hear the volume level your speakers are calibrated to.

To calibrate your speakers, turn the independent level controls on the back of each of your studio monitors all the way down. Set your interface output to unity if there is one. If it doesn’t have a unity level, then you can choose where you’d like your output knob to be when you reach the desired level you’re calibrating to. Mark the spot on the output knob with a white china marker or a piece of console tape.

You’ll need to set up a track in your DAW with a tone generator to output pink noise. Set the level to -18dbfs (you can use 0dbfs if you want more headroom). If you did step 1 correctly, then you shouldn’t hear anything yet. (We are calibrating to -18dbfs because it is considered to be the equivalent of 0 dB VU, which is the sweet spot for analog gear).

Now you’ll need an SPL meter. You’ll need to make sure the SPL meter has a C-weighted scale. Unlike the A-weighted scale, the C-weighted scale does not cut off the lower and higher frequencies that the average person cannot hear, which makes it more suited for calibration purposes.

Point the SPL meter at the sweet spot in the centre of the speakers where you would typically have your head. Make sure the meter is at about the same level as your ears.

Now pan the pink noise all the way to the right so it’s only coming out of the right speaker. Start turning up the volume knob on the back of the right speaker until the SPL meter reads 78-85 dB SPL, depending on what you decide to calibrate your speakers at. If you’re sitting closer to your speakers, you can calibrate them lower. Renowned mastering engineer Bob Katz likes to monitor at 79 dB.

Now pan the pink noise to the left and repeat the previous step with the left speaker.

You’ll now know where to keep your monitor’s output level to ensure you listen at the desired level!

Place the SPL meter in the listening position

To calibrate your monitors to 83 dB, you'll need to place the SPL meter in the listening position. This is where your head will usually be when you're listening or working.

Most SPL meters are designed to have the microphone pointed towards the ceiling, rather than the source. However, some sources suggest that pointing the microphone towards the source is more accurate. Check the instructions for your SPL meter to be sure.

If you're calibrating a surround system, point the microphone upwards or downwards to avoid favouring any one speaker.

Frequently asked questions