2. Test Methodology

The measurements themselves are taken using an all-in-one audio analyzer that can calculate the continuous equivalent Leq level; the duration used for this measurement is 10 seconds. Measurements are taken in a normal household room, on a typical installation of the system being tested, at a distance of 3' (1 m) from the front speakers.

The display of the measurement device we use (a Neutrik ML1 Minilyzer Audio Analyzer)

We can view the levels logged during the measurement period via a PC link and the accompanying software, which lets us record any abnormal behavior. Note that our sound-level measurement is linear, with no correction applied. So the Sound Pressure Level (SPL) values we quote might not be directly comparable to values you see quoted from concerts, which may have "weighting" curves applied that lower the actual values for some frequencies, while raising the values of others.

An example of the sound-level data captured to a PC during an Leq measurement

Here's a summary of our test setup: