Need help to set up RTA measurement

[CauYem]

I need help from the expert to make a set up to measure audio response. Please advise on which RTA program to use & equipments needed. I don't want to spend a lot of money & end up with a whole bunch of useless stuffs as I did with other hobbies.

Thanks.
Cau Yem

[richluvsound]

Google "SMAART"

[Robh3606]

Try the free version of True RTA. If it works well in your computer you can purchase an upgrade for reasonable money. Make sure you check it out before you order an upgrade. I have had issues with it in 2 different computers and sound cards so make sure it's working well first. You are going to need a measurement microphone and a phantom power source. The Behringer ECM 8000 is good for the money and you can get a battery powered Crown PH-1A phantom power source off E-Bay or find another alternative like an inexpensive mixing console.

That's probably the cheapest way to get an RTA set-up unless you go hardware and purchase one of the inexpensive Behringer set-ups like the 8024 that have the RTA built in. In that case you won't need the software or the phantom power source. If you go the hardware route you can sell it once you are done with it. Any of the free or inexpensive software you will not be able to that.

Price it out.

Rob

http://www.trueaudio.com/rta_down.htm

[CauYem]

Thanks for the quick response!
I spent many hours last night (stayed up until 3:30 am) to search on the net, and came across many RTA (including SMAART) with different prices with different recommended equipments. Most RTA programs work (recommend) with certain sound card, microphone & calibrator.

I need help from the from the experts, who already have a working set up so I can get it running the first time. My intention is to get a medium level set up for long term use. I can spend some money for the set up, but not the exuberance price for some of the RTA/equipments I found on the net.

Robh3630,
Thank you for suggesting True RTA along with the Behringer ECM 800 & Crown PH-1A. What are using for your measurements? Would please advise me on the complete list of equipment needed?

If you have pictures of your working set up, would you please send or post them up so?

Thanks,
Cau Yem

[boputnam]

If it were me being you, I'd think about starting with the Gold Line 30M8 RTA.

This example will surely sell inexpensively, and has some good functionality. A great starter unit.

The description sounds identical to the way mine works - I'll bet there is nothing wrong with this unit.

[Robh3606]

I use a Behringer 8024 as my RTA. It's a stand alone unit. Here's another free software package you would need a Microphone and Phantom power source for.

http://www.libinst.com/SynRTA.htm

http://www.cheapbandgear.com/MICROPO...00_p/ps400.htm

Rob

[Mr. Widget]

For ease of use I'd suggest a stand alone unit like one from Rane, Behringer, or one of the many others.


Widget

[Zilch]

http://audioheritage.org/vbulletin/s...ad.php?t=19843

[grumpy]

A laptop, cheap measurement omni, TrueRTA, (as have all been mentioned)
and toss in one of these:

http://www.fullcompass.com/product/344718.html

(Mic preamp with phantom power and USB output)

make for a portable system as well, and inexpensive if you already have
some of the components.

I don't -strongly- recommend this particular unit, but it is inexpensive
and will work with normal listening levels. Note that at higher SPLs, even
at the lower gain setting, you can unintentionally run it into clipping
(which you can monitor with the oscilloscope function of TrueRTA).
If you don't pay attention to this, your results may be somewhat ...
confusing until you realize what's going on.

Regardless, get a stand for the instrument or mic. Helps with placement
repeatability... and your body -will- affect the measurement.

[CauYem]

Thank you all for your help!

I can afford a mid to hi-end set up for more accurate measurements. I don't want to buy more stuff than I need. This is for a long term project. I'm thinking of either the "Clio" or "Spectraplus" (www.spectraplus.com) set up. I need help to avoid any rookie mistakes. All of your advises are much appreciated!

Right now, I need is SPL, Phase & Impedance measurements for my presentations at first, but any "value added" graphs will help. I'm working on some custom crossover designs.

Thank you all for your help & advices.

[Zilch]

CLIO Lite.

Upgrade later.

[CauYem]

CLIO Lite.

Upgrade later.

Thanks Zilch

What do I need for the set up?

[Mr. Widget]

What do I need for the set up?

You need a PC or Laptop that has XP on it and $1200 for CLIO Lite and the mic.

http://estore.websitepros.com/1736754/Detail.bok?no=129

http://estore.websitepros.com/1736754/Detail.bok?no=272

It is very easy to learn and if you buy this book and read it, you will be able to make meaningful measurements.

http://www.madisound.com/catalog/pro...roducts_id=143


Widget

[Robh3606]

I don't want to spend a lot of money

Your looking at CLIO?? So what's your real budget in dollars??

Rob

[CauYem]

Your looking at CLIO?? So what's your real budget in dollars??

Rob

Willing to pay around $1,500.00 or more for an accurate set up. I've been searching around the net & found there are many more RTA set ups than I thought.

I'm interested in both Clio & SpectraPlus systems. Need more advise on microphone & misc stuffs.