Average dB SPL of Frequency Sweep for IR Capture?

[dr bonkers]

Oh hall of elders, when using the frequency sweep to capture a Cab IR, how loud should that sweep be playing through the cab?

Should it be 60 dB SPL, 70 dB SPL, or higher?

I am just curious, at what point is the volume of the sweep not enough and what point is it too much?

 

[dr bonkers]

Hi everyone who has shot an ir, do you have any guidance on how loud you should play that frequency sweep through the speaker?

 

[paranoid]

I have played with shooting IR's and had the best results with it pretty loud, like playing a hard rock gig. I never got an IR I was happy with though so I leave it to the pros!

 

[aziz]

I did mine at 100-105db. I didn't do any comparisons with low SPL's, I just figured that's the SPL the speakers usually work at. I don't think there would be any differences, but that's one thing to test!

 

[PerChr]

I usually shoot them in the 90-100 dB range.

 

[dr bonkers]

thanks so much

 

[dr bonkers]

I am happy to report during a test capture last night, 90 dB SPL seemed to be the sweet spot. Thanks again for the help!

 

[sam]

Cool! I'm curious how are you measuring SPL?

 

[barhrecords]

Cool! I'm curious how are you measuring SPL?

I crank up until I can't hear my wife... then add 3db.

 

[aziz]

I have a cheap spl meter. I tried the phone apps too but they were totally useless.

 

[dr bonkers]

Cool! I'm curious how are you measuring SPL?

I used to have a Radio Shack one that worked well for years. Now I use Sound Meter Pro from the Android app store and it works pretty well for this purpose.

It was calibrated to my local police force's sound meter when I complained about the football field next to my house blaring gangsta rap, so loud it was 96 db SPL in the house with all the doors and windows closed. We got that situation under control really quick.after the officer & I both had the same reading.

 

[dr bonkers]

To thank everyone for the guidance, I will post a "mystery IR" that you should find good for bass guitar.

You will find it pairs especially well with the following amps, Mesa Bass, SVT, & Band Commander.

Let me know what you think.

I produced this as a dress rehearsal of techniques & hook ups in advance of an IR session I am doing tomorrow night.

 

[paranoid]

Be carefull the rapsters at the foot ball field may take care of you pretty quick playing and sending those space noises at 90db!LOL!

 

[DrNick]

Cool! I'm curious how are you measuring SPL?

For what it's worth, there are (free) SPL-measuring apps around. They're fun to play with, though I can't vouch for their accuracy.