Posted by Mark in Ohio on August 21, 2001 at 11:58:06:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Sound Level Meter posted by Scott on August 20, 2001 at 17:51:35:
I would recommend A-weighted & slow response. Comments below are for Tuba, or any bass instrument for that matter.
While c-weighting is more "flat", it will also pick-up more of the low frequency modes of the room you're in --unless you're in a really large room (larger than anything in a house)-- and give you a false & irregular impression of your output.
A-weighting will give a much better impression of relative sound levels.
"fast" response will make the needle jump around so much that readings will be useless in most situations. "slow" averages the peaks and troughs of your waveforms somewhat, to get the needle to settle in on your net sound level.
Make sure the meter is in the same place at all times, relative to your bell. putting it on your music stand may be fair game.
Hope this helps.
-- Mark "trusted ears can more often tell ya all you need to know" Mazak