ADC Model #SA-1 Spectrum Analyzer Real Time -info needed please?

[wpod]

Greetings-( long time-no post) Is anyone familiar with this particular model RTA? I found one of these locally and the guy is asking $100.00 for it. Not sure if it's the same company (ADC), but there was an ADC (Audio Development Co.) back in the 60's, 70's that made some fine professional equipment and great transformers as well. Need your advice. Thank You, Paul http://cgi.ebay.com/Spectrum-Analyze...item35a2c5d831 No affiliation with seller, etc., etc.

[grumpy]

$100 is about the same as a day-trip at Disneyland... so if such a unit would
provide hours of nostalgic pleasure, it would seem well worth it.

On the other hand, a $50 microphone, a USB-mic/pre, a laptop, and some
free or modest-cost software is now a technically superior solution. One
can pay much more for incrementally improved detail in information, and
better calibrated hardware, but for most applications, and as a learning
tool, such a start-up system is adequate.

[JSF13]

$100 is about the same as a day-trip at Disneyland... so if such a unit would
provide hours of nostalgic pleasure, it would seem well worth it.

On the other hand, a $50 microphone, a USB-mic/pre, a laptop, and some
free or modest-cost software is now a technically superior solution. One
can pay much more for incrementally improved detail in information, and
better calibrated hardware, but for most applications, and as a learning
tool, such a start-up system is adequate.

Grumpy, maybe you could refer us to a couple of the better sites where this software is available?

Thanks.

[Earl K]

Click on the pics to see more info !













>< cheers

ps; IME, it's best for the novice to start with the simplest software . Therefore download the free version of TrueRTA and go through it's learning curve first .

[toddalin]

For just a little more coin, you can get a used Behringer and have 31 bands of eq and 62 bands of RTA (as opposed to 12 bands) and a whole bunch of other features that were never even dreamt of when the ADC was produced.

[grumpy]

http://www.fesb.hr/~mateljan/arta/ (windows only)

http://www.hometheatershack.com/roomeq/ (java based, have to join forum)

http://www.trueaudio.com/ (windows only, free to get an education... a few $$ to be really useful)

I've probably missed a few good s/w packages... I currently/mostly use FuzzMeasure
on an intel/Mac ($150)

Some packages expect you to have a serious understanding of the tools
that are presented/available.

Full/comprehensive packages (s/w+h/w) are available, such as CLIO.
http://www.audiomatica.com/clio/overview.htm

SpectraFoo and Smaart are also useful tools (and priced as pro-level tools)
http://www.mhlabs.com/metric_halo/products/foo/
http://www.eaw.com/products/software...art/index.html

Where I bought my calibration mic:
http://www.rationalacoustics.com/store/microphones

[Mr. Widget]

On the other hand, a $50 microphone, a USB-mic/pre, a laptop, and some free or modest-cost software is now a technically superior solution.

I'm with Grumpy... I used to use an RTA... when I first got CLIO I continued using it's RTA function... but even using it's 1/6th octave RTA with about 60 bands I quickly learned that using MLS measurements was a far more useful tool.

CLIO is not inexpensive, but it is a self-contained and calibrated solution that is quite convenient... most of these other alternatives offer nearly the same functionality for a fraction of the cost... they are just not quite as convenient and perhaps not quite as accurate.


Widget

[Don C]

I used to own one of those ADC units, and a matching eq. It is useless junk, if you try to set up your system to measure flat with that gear it will just sound awful.
The display can be kind of cool though, so just watch the bouncy lights and don't try to use it as a setup tool.