Incorrect dB settings in REW?

[Shellacattack]

I think I'm doing something wrong when using REW. Although I've calibrated it using my Radioshack SPL meter, and calibrated my audio interface, my graphs dB reading on the side is much higher than all tutorials I've watched/read.

Am I correct in my assumption that I've set something up wrong?

Link below.. I couldn't get the pic attached.


https://plus.google.com/photos/11164461 ... 9889209761

**Edit**

I should mention that I tried to keep the sine sweep at around 85 dB reading on my SPL meter, as that is pretty much the loudest I monitor. Much of the tutorial material doesn't mention how loud the monitors should be. If I should turn my monitors up, and lower my mic pre, please let me know. I did have the pre (CAPI VP28) just a notch (for gain & fader) below max.

[Nick Sevilla]

Being as I have no idea what REW is...

I'll just mention about your gain staging.

Just make sure to do your gain stagin in one direction, starting from your microphone,
And ending with your monitoring.

Once you get that, all your stuff should work as it should.

But always start from the input side.

Cheers

[GIK Acoustics]

First off, yes - you should be driving your speakers very loud, with mic reading at ~18dB in REW. To get correct dB readings in REW, have your speakers very loud (obviously, not distorting/limiting, but very loud). In REW, go to Tools -> SPL Meter. Press"Calibrate" and select whichever cal signal you want (speaker cal unless you're doing a sub only measurement). It will play white noise. Set your SPL meter next to the mic, and enter the measured SPL in the window that pops up and click "finish"

Now you should have accurate dB readings!

But either way, accurate dB readings are not necessary for treatment. But, frequency response doesn't really tell you what you need to know about the room. Upload the .mdat file or post your waterfall graphs and we can get a much better analysis of your room.