pros and cons ECM8000 vs CM-140 or CM130

**djgaloot** · **10-27-08, 10:53 AM**

I am getting ready to buy all the "equipment" needed to check out my speakers and integrate an IB subwoofer. I plan to get a Sound Blaster live external USB card for my laptop and a BFD. My question is about mics and SPL meters. I am new to this and it is a bit confusing. Could someone explain to me the pros and cons of the ECM8000 mic and Galaxy CM-140 or CM-130 SPL meters? Is there any other support equipment required with either one? I assume the SPL can be used by itself to check sound levels while the ECM8000 needs to be used with a sound card and PC to read a sound level. (But it is a lot less expensive) Do both do a similar job for the whole frequency spectrum of 15hz to 20khz? Is one easier to use than the other?
Thank you.

**tonyvdb** · **10-27-08, 01:39 PM**

Hello Dave,
The CM-130 SPL meter does not have a line output and thus can not be used with REW or any other software that requires the direct hookup to the SPL Meter. The CM 140 is the best low cost option for a meter as the radio shack meter is not accurate above about 12,000Hz and has some issues below that.
The ECM8000 is a good mic but as you still require an SPL meter your spending allot more than you need to.

**djgaloot** · **10-27-08, 03:14 PM**

Quote:

tonyvdb wrote:

The ECM8000 is a good mic but as you still require an SPL meter your spending allot more than you need to.

Does this mean that you cannot use the ECM8000 directly with REW rather than the CM-140? Or in other words, is the output from the two devices different?
Thank you for your insight and help

**tonyvdb** · **10-27-08, 03:36 PM**

REW needs some sort of reference point to know what is 75db without a db Meter you would have to guess and thats not always the easiest thing to do.

**djgaloot** · **10-27-08, 03:42 PM**

Ahhhh, okay. Thank you.

**brucek** · **10-27-08, 03:46 PM**

Quote:

in other words, is the output from the two devices different?

Well, the CM-140 is a line-level device and can be used stand alone.

The ECM8000 requires a mic preamp with phantom power to bring its output level up to the required line-level.

brucek

**djgaloot** · **10-27-08, 04:00 PM**

It seems like for my simple needs that the Galaxy is the easier path. Any deals out there?

**tonyvdb** · **10-27-08, 04:07 PM**

Quote:

djgaloot wrote:

It seems like for my simple needs that the Galaxy is the easier path. Any deals out there?

Ocationally Musicians Friend has them on sale for $99

**Jason Schultz** · **10-31-08, 11:20 PM**

I read somwhere that the ECM 8000 is more accurate and extends down to 15 Hz but the SPL CM-140 is only speced to 31.5 Hz. I too am embarking on the mission to REW my system (and to boldly go where no WAF has allowed me to go before)

**djgaloot** · **10-31-08, 11:40 PM**

I hear you! Some stealth is required

**tonyvdb** · **11-01-08, 12:20 PM**

Quote:

Jason Schultz wrote:

I read somwhere that the ECM 8000 is more accurate and extends down to 15 Hz but the SPL CM-140 is only speced to 31.5 Hz.

Yes, this is true. but you need to spend a fair bit more cash if you go the ECM8000 route.

**brucek** · **11-01-08, 12:27 PM**

Quote:

SPL CM-140 is only speced to 31.5 Hz

You'll find a calibration file on our download page that extends the CM-140 down to at least 10Hz fairly accurately when used with REW.

brucek

**djgaloot** · **11-01-08, 12:37 PM**

That's great, thanks!

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