PC Based RTA and Measurement Suite Recommendation

[David McGown]

I just picked up a Win10 laptop for my workbench and am looking for recommendations for inexpensive (open source preferred) software for measurement and testing. Also, since the cheapo laptop I bought does not have a mic input or line output, I will need to get a USB sound card to provide connections for signal output and input, so recommendations in that area would be helpful.

I will probably dual boot or virtualize Linux on the box, but so much open source software is now out on Windows, I may still with this platform for now. Once I got Classic Shell on the computer, it was usable without driving me nuts.

Thanks.

David

[brombo]

https://www.roomeqwizard.com/

You will need a calibrated microphone

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N4 ... d31c8d59a9

Note that this is a usb microphone, you won't need a sound card.

[David McGown]

Thanks for the recommendation, I will check it out.

David

[tomp]

Dave:

My old Windows 98 PC running LAUD is pretty much dead so I opted for the ARTA series of applications and for the USB input I got a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2nd gen interface. The load for the Scarlett went without a hitch and when I opened ARTA it recognized it immediately. I'm going to start testing it next week.

Here are some links:

http://www.artalabs.hr/

https://us.focusrite.com/usb-audio-inte ... arlett-2i2

https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarle ... tt+2i2+usb

The ARTA suite is free but that version cannot store settings. The open version costs around $90.

[tomp]

Dave:

For a microphone you might want to try the Parts Express EMM-6. One came with my DEQX but I don't use it because I have the ACO Pacific 7012 measurement mic. It comes with a calibration file. You can try mine if you want before you decide to buy.

Here is a link:

https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-au ... e--390-801

Tom

[tomp]

https://www.roomeqwizard.com/

You will need a calibrated microphone

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N4 ... d31c8d59a9

Note that this is a usb microphone, you won't need a sound card.

Depending on the measurements you will be taking a direct input mic may not work. For example if you are testing frequency response of a speaker you have to not only need an input device but also an output device. I'm attaching a PDF showing one type of connection. Generally for the greatest flexibility in testing you have to have an interface device that has both inputs and outputs. Also if you are doing electrical tests you need a protective device between the DUT like an amplifier and the sound card to keep it from frying if you make a mistake. I built and wrote up such a device for "Speaker Builder" magazine and can supply you with the info.

Tom

Attachments

Speaker measurement.pdf

(48.52 KiB) Downloaded 638 times

[HAL]

Another possibility is Audiomatica Pocket CLIO system runs on Win10 as well. Makes calibrated measurements for SPL with the included mic and electrical measurements.

http://www.parts-express.com/audiomatic ... m--390-900

Only drawback is not removing the calibration curve for the mic, but it is very flat response. It does take into account mic sensitivity for calibrated SPL below 1KHz. The system calibrates itself for accurate voltage and impedance measurements with the interface unit.

[David McGown]

Thanks all. I have some research to do checking out the options out there. Glad I asked.

I hope that everyone has had a great holiday season and have found a new audio toy or two to play with.

David

[Pelliott321]

I use TureRTA it is free for 1/3 octave version
With the Beheriger measurement mic, been great for years.
I upgraded to 1/6 octave version and had mic mic laboratory calibrated in two O position, horizontal and vertical posistions

[Stuart Polansky]

I'm also using Room Equalization Wizard, but with the Dayton UMM-6 Mike. It's on sale right now.
https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-au ... e--390-808