Now that the power issues have been taken care of and the system is really, really LOUD!, I would like to get an idea of exactly how loud it is.

Now my ears are saying between 120-130dB, but they are not exactly precision devices......

What's the best (and cheapest) way to get a measurement of my SPL? Get a car audio place with a Termlab to do it, or go to a CAASQ event and do it there, or dB drags? Any ideas appreciated.

go to an exhaust shop

get their db meter, put it in your car...pump tha shizen outa ya stereo

that will give you general idea of how many db's

I was looking to something a bit more accurate than an exhaust shop's meter...... notoriously bad for reading low figures and are not calibrated very often at all....

Any decent car audio place will have all the gear u need. usually give em $20 and they'll give you the arvo with it :)

RTA it while ur there to see how ur response goes.

Yeah tim, I was thinking about doing it that way.

I'm also thinking about heading to a CAASQ day, get some pointers on where to go with the system, check some other installs. Might even win something like you did!

Yep i got one coming up in a few weeks at Show Off. (vic) Check out Caa they have all the dates there.

peace

Tim

Will do.....

I think there was one coming up soon in Sydney, but I may have to plan for a few months time.

I know that Doran Pro Audio used to do a day once a month where everyone could go along a get a reading done, five mintues and you will hav a db reading off a correctly calibrated term pro. Im pretty sure it used to be the last Sunday of the month, drop them a line, im sure they would be happy to help.


http://www.doranproaudio.com.au/home/default.asp

Cheers Hunter, that's exactly the kind of thing I was hoping someone would say.

clicking now...

Tips:
Airvents shut. Seats back, hatch open. glove box etc closed. No square corners in ur sub box, brace ur box, fibreglass the inside of your box... Deadening will usually lower db's :shock:

Play sine waves, If you dont know the best frequency play sweeps. (Can get some for you if you need them)

But SPL is a crazy thing... Soo many factors.

For instance leaving your windows ajar slightly can add a few dbs.... (Go figure) I think it's to do with the flow of air but i really dont know... Maybe its the ambient noise getting into your car... This is also illegal in most comps...

Once u get the basics right trial and error is a big thing.

Play safe

Peace

Tim

air con cranked is meant to get a few more dbs too, but also illegal in most comps these days, iv seen guys rock up to comps in a jumper on a sunny day cause they crank their air con to get the air denser or something like that. Also heard of people packing blankets into the boot and back seat to eat uo cabin room, not sure on these theories maybe tim can clear them up
cheers
jaz

Tips:
Airvents shut. Seats back, hatch open. glove box etc closed. No square corners in ur sub box, brace ur box, fibreglass the inside of your box... Deadening will usually lower db's :shock:
Didn't think of the airvents & seats. Ta.


Play sine waves, If you dont know the best frequency play sweeps. (Can get some for you if you need them)
Yup, already got CDs burnt & ready to go (Thanks Cool Edit Pro 2!)


For instance leaving your windows ajar slightly can add a few dbs.... (Go figure) I think it's to do with the flow of air but i really dont know... Maybe its the ambient noise getting into your car... This is also illegal in most comps...
Tim, it's illegal in comps coz it is the same as turning your entire car into a bandpass box - the slightly open window acts like a slot port.... :nuts: