Testing a tweeter

[Pez]

I need to see if the tweeter on my center channel is working properly. Are there test tones I can downlaod and burn to cd? And can it play high frequencies specifically so I can hear just the tweeter? I would think if it wasnt working correctly it would be very easy to tell but I am just not sure. It seems ok just a little weak. It could be the room acoustics but thats another thread once I check the tweeter.

[JonMarsh]

Presuming this is connected to an HT system, the problem will be directing the signal to just the CC, or disabling the mains so that they don't confuse you.

Generally, all you should really need to do is play the pink noise calibration source used for setup in most surround processors, and see if you hear output from the tweeter similar to what you hear from the mains. If you want to do more qualitative tests, then you need more specialized stuff- a calibrated microphone, preamp for a test PC or notebook, and free software like Speaker Workshop, or purchased software. The cheapest decent mic I'd consider for this type of "testing" would be something like a Behringer ECM8000, but then you'd need a balanced mic preamp with interface to a PC, like products available from M-Audio.

Just how much "testing" do you really need? This kind of stuff is done routinely by folks in the DIY forum section, "Mission Possible DIY".

You might get more suggestions and inputs posting your question there.

~Jon

[Pez]

I dont need to do anything to crazy, just want to make sure its working.

I did run the test tones and the sound from the cc seemed no different than in the past so its seems the tweeter is fine. The problem I believe is the room. I just moved into a house and was expecting better sound as the dimensions of the living room and set up for the my home theater gear is better than my previous place. However the former place as wall-to-wall carpeting and the new place is hardwood floors through-out. If anything I was expecting the sound the be more lively but seems more dead.

[JonMarsh]

Hardwood floors can cause reflections that result in comb filtering (as series of notched nulls, resulting from a strong reflection with a different time delay (due to path length), which sort of whites out the upper midrange and presence region. You'd need fairly fine detail measurements to estimate the effect. get in your main seating position, figure out a spot on the floor where dropping a small mirror allows you to see your speaker in the mirror, and consider a small throw rug there. Or try it temporarily, see if it helps.

[Pez]

Good info Jon, thanks!

I had a feeling it had something to do with sound bouncing around and cancelling out. I guess I was assuming a lively room so I was a little worried when the sound was so dead sounding. Eventually I will get a throw rug for the room but unfortunately that wont help with the big coffee table between me and the cc.

The good thing is a lot of houses my wife and I looked at wouldnt even fit my TV let alone all my HT gear. So in that regard I am very happy. I wont be able to do much in this living room in terms room treatments but sometimes you have to make sacafices. It just stinks since I have a lof money invested in this stuff and will not be getting the best of what it has to offer for some time. But I think owning my own place makes up for it.

Thanks again for your input Jon. Room reflections and the science behind HT sometimes is a little over my head.