White Noise vs Pink Noise: Which is Better for Room Calibration?

When it comes to room calibration, audio professionals and enthusiasts often debate the efficacy of white noise versus pink noise. Let's take a closer look at each type of noise and its application in room calibration to determine which might be the better choice for your needs.

White Noise for Room Calibration

White noise contains all frequencies at equal intensity, creating a 'static' sound. This property makes white noise suitable for identifying problematic frequencies within a room as it evenly distributes energy across the audible spectrum. White noise can be effective in pinpointing resonances and reflections in a space.

However, because white noise is equally loud across all frequencies, it does not align well with the human ear's frequency response, which perceives some frequencies more prominently than others.

Pink Noise for Room Calibration

Pink noise, on the other hand, has a power density that decreases with frequency, adhering to a 1/f frequency response. This results in a balanced, natural sound that more closely aligns with the human auditory system. When using pink noise When using pink noise for room calibration, you get a more realistic representation of how sound behaves in a space, as it emphasizes lower frequencies similar to music and human speech.

Due to its spectral characteristics, pink noise is often the preferred choice for room calibration among sound engineers. It helps in assessing how sound will interact with the environment during real-world listening experiences.

The Verdict

If you're aiming for precision in identifying individual frequency issues, white noise could be beneficial. However, for a more natural and representative approach to how sound will travel and be perceived in a room, pink noise is generally the better choice for room calibration.

Regardless of the type of noise you opt for, ensure that your sound level meter or calibration equipment is properly calibrated to achieve the most accurate results.