Noob question on procedure

[mstailey]

Being new to this world I've a question on procedure. I'm currently trying to master the basics of repeatable results so, here is the question:

Simply running pink noise I've set my RS meter to read 75db and without logging any freq. results and after playing with the eq (adjusting the bands at various gains and cuts) I've noticed after moving the bands and without touching the volume control of the source unit, the DB on the meter would drop or pick up different readings. Is it good practice using the volume control on the source unit, to reset to reference level (75 db as in my above example) between taking measurements / adjustments?

Thanks.

[brucek]

Simply running pink noise I've set my RS meter to read 75db

Why would you not simply use a sine wave at the center frequency that you are applying the filter to, and monitor the change with the RS meter?

It is indeed important to return to a known reference level before each measurement.

Why not use REW and take some sweep measurements?

brucek

[mstailey]

brucek,
Thank you for taking time to answer my question.

Why would you not simply use a sine wave at the center frequency that you are applying the filter to, and monitor the change with the RS meter?

I follow you on this and that's an excellent question. I was simply using a CD with Pink Noise on it.

Why not use REW and take some sweep measurements?

I'm dying to jump right in but first wanted to understand the basics on setting up the measuring equipment with the goal of getting repeatable results.

[brucek]

Before everyone here started using REW we used single sine wave tones and entered the measured results into an Excel spreadsheet.

Those excel spreadsheets produce a response graph that you can use to set up filters with. There are three different spreadsheets for the three types of RS meters...

The spread sheets are here including the sinewave test tones that you download and burn. You could give it a try.. all free.....

brucek

ps. I will upgrade your account so you can do downloads...