Calibrating monitoring system

K Bartos · 2nd March 2008, 11:22 PM

Hi all

I just got my Cranesong Avocet and I'm in the process of installing it, after some moving around and acoustic treatment I'm slowly getting my setup together.
I deal mainly in post production (on a humble level) and audio production for radio/tv commercials and multimedia.
My gear includes Genelec 8040, TC Gold Channel, Avalon 737, GT Glory Comp etc.
My initial impression is that the Avocet unit is absolutely superb and the D/A is awesome.
The manual has a great piece on installing a subwoofer (or several) into your stereo- or surround array, but it says nothing about basic calibration.
I'm well aware that gainstaging during different parts of the recording process might differ and make this a moot point, BUT isn't the values (such as the zero) on the Avocet supposed to translate to a spl value - IF calibrated correctly?
Several reviews comment on the repeatable settings of the stepped attenuator. I take it that that means that the gain needs to be properly calibrated for the repeatability to have a meaning, especially if it's something that should translate between different mastering suites and/or post houses.

I appreciate that post prod and broadcasting have level regulations that are very strict compared to music production, which is a somewhat different animal.

Does anyone have some info on this ?

Beg your pardon if this isn't High End enough to ask here.

Kristian

gainreduction · 3rd March 2008, 07:35 AM

Not sure if I understand the question but anyway...

The only "standard" I know about is the K-14 which is a little in that direction but still something quite different. Read more about it in the mastering forum or on Bob Katz's digido.com

The repeatability of the stepped atty is for your comfort in your own room, not between different rooms.

Just make sure your levels going into the Avocet are healthy and get to work.

Congrats on a great piece of gear.

K Bartos · 3rd March 2008, 08:26 AM

Gainreduction
Thanks. Yeah I figured as much, suspected that was a bit on the geeky side

I'll get to work then.

/K

ndogg · 3rd March 2008, 04:54 PM

DUC: UPDATED Room Calibration for Film and TV Post

The above link has what you need for calibrating your speakers. I just went through the process recently to get our new Grace m906 calibrated. It works wonders when you're listening at the right level (dB-SPL). We do mainly post and commercial (TV and Radio) work here. I think going with the Dolby/AES/Grammy recommendations will serve you better than the K-14 system, but that's just my opinion.

Happy reading!

n

K Bartos · 3rd March 2008, 05:58 PM

ndogg
Awesome, that's a great resource - many thanks.

/K

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2nd March 2008, 11:22 PM	#1
K Bartos Gear Head Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sweden Posts: 73	Calibrating monitoring system Hi all I just got my Cranesong Avocet and I'm in the process of installing it, after some moving around and acoustic treatment I'm slowly getting my setup together. I deal mainly in post production (on a humble level) and audio production for radio/tv commercials and multimedia. My gear includes Genelec 8040, TC Gold Channel, Avalon 737, GT Glory Comp etc. My initial impression is that the Avocet unit is absolutely superb and the D/A is awesome. The manual has a great piece on installing a subwoofer (or several) into your stereo- or surround array, but it says nothing about basic calibration. I'm well aware that gainstaging during different parts of the recording process might differ and make this a moot point, BUT isn't the values (such as the zero) on the Avocet supposed to translate to a spl value - IF calibrated correctly? Several reviews comment on the repeatable settings of the stepped attenuator. I take it that that means that the gain needs to be properly calibrated for the repeatability to have a meaning, especially if it's something that should translate between different mastering suites and/or post houses. I appreciate that post prod and broadcasting have level regulations that are very strict compared to music production, which is a somewhat different animal. Does anyone have some info on this ? Beg your pardon if this isn't High End enough to ask here. Kristian Last edited by K Bartos; 3rd March 2008 at 09:06 AM. Reason: typo

3rd March 2008, 07:35 AM	#2
gainreduction Lives for gear Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 1,587	Not sure if I understand the question but anyway... The only "standard" I know about is the K-14 which is a little in that direction but still something quite different. Read more about it in the mastering forum or on Bob Katz's digido.com The repeatability of the stepped atty is for your comfort in your own room, not between different rooms. Just make sure your levels going into the Avocet are healthy and get to work. Congrats on a great piece of gear. __________________ "You always get more than you paid for at gearslutz" - Jules

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3rd March 2008, 08:26 AM	#3
K Bartos Gear Head Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sweden Posts: 73	Gainreduction Thanks. Yeah I figured as much, suspected that was a bit on the geeky side I'll get to work then. /K

3rd March 2008, 04:54 PM	#4
ndogg Gear nut Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 117	DUC: UPDATED Room Calibration for Film and TV Post The above link has what you need for calibrating your speakers. I just went through the process recently to get our new Grace m906 calibrated. It works wonders when you're listening at the right level (dB-SPL). We do mainly post and commercial (TV and Radio) work here. I think going with the Dolby/AES/Grammy recommendations will serve you better than the K-14 system, but that's just my opinion. Happy reading! n

3rd March 2008, 05:58 PM	#5
K Bartos Gear Head Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sweden Posts: 73	ndogg Awesome, that's a great resource - many thanks. /K