In using my SPL meter is it just pointed at the front of the room for all speaker settings? Or do you point it directily at the speaker being measured in a 5.1 setup?

In using my SPL meter is it just pointed at the front of the room for all speaker settings? Or do you point it directily at the speaker being measured in a 5.1 setup?

Good question. My experience with my spl meter has shown that it seems to be pretty directional. I point it at the speakers that I'm measuring. Good luck.

I found a thread that said to point it at the ceiling at ear height.

That's correct. Point it at the ceiling according to Avia.

What does the manual say to do?

What does the manual say to do?

The Rat Shack manual says to point at the speaker. Pointing at the ceiling doesn't make sense to me. Maybe it will work either way.

If you're setting the 5.1 levels point it at the ceiling. (at you're main listening position)
If you're doing a frequency response run on one speaker point it at the speaker.

If you're setting the 5.1 levels point it at the ceiling. (at you're main listening position)
If you're doing a frequency response run on one speaker point it at the speaker.

Good to know. I wonder how much the volume measurement will vary from pointing directly at the speaker. I'm going to mount my spl meter on a tripod and check it out.

Both are correct... for different uses.

Pointing at a sound source is for directly measuring the volume of that source. Think situations like measuring a noisy machine in a factory.

The more you point the meter up toward the ceiling, the more of the room you are measuring and the less of the direct sound from the speakers. Position of the meter in your room will depend on what you are trying to measure and accomplish but when toning a pro re-recording studio, the engineers will hold the meter at a 45 degree angle.