Links Re: Equalizers (EQ)

— You can start with just a basic SPL meter: http://www.vellemanusa.com/products/view/…

And some test tones that you either make yourself: http://www.audiocheck.net/…

Or from a CD: http://www.rivesaudio.com/software/softframes.html

Then manually plot your readings on graph paper. —

— You can upgrade to a better SPL meter: http://www.galaxyaudio.com/CM140.php —

— The next step is to start using your computer and some software: http://www.hometheatershack.com/roomeq/ —

— You can start by using a basic USB sound card to plug in your SPL meter: http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/UCA222.aspx

This tutorial can show you how: http://youtu.be/ial9y0ipNeU —

— Next, if you’re only worried about relative differences in your readings (which are all that are necessary for setting an EQ), you can upgrade to a calibrated USB microphone: http://cross-spectrum.com/measurement/calibrated_umm6.html

This requires that you have a good audio output from your computer, though. Either HDMI or S/PDIF —

— For the most accurate readings, you’ll need a good microphone and a USB microphone pre-amp.

Mics range from inexpensive: http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/ECM8000.aspx

To slightly more expensive for being calibrated: http://www.cross-spectrum.com/…/calibrated_dayton.html

To expensive: http://north-america.beyerdynamic.com/shop/mm-1.html

To an expensive combo: http://www.rivesaudio.com/software/softframes.html

To very expensive: http://www.earthworksaudio.com/microphones/m-series/m30/

And there’s a range of USB pre-amps, as well: http://astore.amazon.com/crossspectrum-20… —

— The Room EQ Wizard Online Help: http://www.hometheatershack.com/…/html/index.html

And Forum: http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/rew-forum/

Are great places to help you figure out what measurement equipment to buy.

This tutorial can help you further in using REW: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4uSR3cUUSY —

— Finally, you’ll need the Equalizer itself. REW recommends a couple in particular: http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/DSP1124P.aspx

And: http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/FBQ2496.aspx

You can program those manually, or you can connect a MIDI interface to have REW configure them automatically: http://m-audio.com/products/en_us/Uno.html —

— Lastly, make note of what cables you might need. Many of these devices use XLR or 1/4″ TRS plugs, rather than regular RCA plugs. Do not worry, you can always use cables that have one plug type on one end, and a different plug type on the other. But just be aware of what you’re buying so that you can also get the correct types of cables!

And don’t forget a good tripod or mic stand with a boom. It really helps when you are positioning the microphone for your measurements. —

— HAVE FUN! —