True RTA spectrum analyzer

[West]

Has anyone used this (True RTA spectrum analyzer)? Its a free download and claims to be able to do a lot.

Looking to see if its legit before I download.

Click to read more...

 

[quackhead 10+ year member]

Has anyone used this (True RTA spectrum analyzer)? Its a free download and claims to be able to do a lot.
Looking to see if its legit before I download.

Awesome uses..the free download is cool to get the hang of the software, but the paid version is sooo much better(I got the $70 1/6 octave resolution version, IIRC)..takes the place of a few different measurement tools in one program.

The free version is cool for checking SPL, sending various types of signals at any frequency and amplitude, the Oscope is ok, but what you really pay for in a purchase is the resolution of the RTA.

 

[West]

Awesome uses..the free download is cool to get the hang of the software, but the paid version is sooo much better(I got the $70 or $80 version, IIRC)..takes the place of a few different measurement tools in one program.

Thanks man! Should I buy a better microphone than the one on my pc? If I can tune this deck I will be a LOT happier.

Or should I maybe try this?

Real Time Audio Spectrum Analyzer,Sound Level Meter,RTA | eBay

 

[quackhead 10+ year member]

Thanks man! Should I buy a better microphone than the one on my pc? If I can tune this deck I will be a LOT happier.
Or should I maybe try this?

Real Time Audio Spectrum Analyzer,Sound Level Meter,RTA | eBay

The ebay set up has much better resolution and the mic makes up most of the differences between the 2 software costs. I would say go with the e-bay set up. you will need to purchase a measurement mic and adapters for the TRU RTA to be most effective anyways.

 

[West]

The ebay set up has much better resolution and the mic makes up most of the differences between the 2 software costs. I would say go with the e-bay set up. you will need to purchase a measurement mic and adapters for the TRU RTA to be most effective anyways.

Right on man. Really hope this ballances everything, appreciate the advice.

 

[quackhead 10+ year member]

Dayton Audio OmniMic V2 Precision Audio Measurement System 390-792

even better.

 

[West]

Dayton Audio OmniMic V2 Precision Audio Measurement System 390-792
even better.

I'll go with that one then, Thanks.

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

I'll go with that one then, Thanks.

good choice.

I use TrueRTA constantly. I use a Behringer ECM8000 mic. The only other piece needed is a USB powered mic pre with 48V phantom power. i have two laptop RTA setups - one that uses an expensive SoundDevices USBpre, and another that uses a cheaper Rohls mic pre with an Audyssey PCIMA sound card.

you do want the 1/24th octave unlock feature - that is very useful with identifying resonance issues.

note when taking measurements: move the mic around, in a fig-8 pattern or similar so you even out the phase interference from reflections in the car. that way the measurement includes time and displacement and evens out the response to be more realistic of what the system is doing.

i take full advantage of the 20 memory locations. i have a note pad with me, and i measure each driver separately, then combinations of drivers. i save each one to memory and note what each memory is. then i can go back and investigate. i even used TrueRTA to measure RCA outputs to verify crossover slopes on my HU - and was surprised at what i found!

my build log includes screen shots.

 

[West]

good choice.
I use TrueRTA constantly. I use a Behringer ECM8000 mic. The only other piece needed is a USB powered mic pre with 48V phantom power. i have two laptop RTA setups - one that uses an expensive SoundDevices USBpre, and another that uses a cheaper Rohls mic pre with an Audyssey PCIMA sound card.

you do want the 1/24th octave unlock feature - that is very useful with identifying resonance issues.

note when taking measurements: move the mic around, in a fig-8 pattern or similar so you even out the phase interference from reflections in the car. that way the measurement includes time and displacement and evens out the response to be more realistic of what the system is doing.

i take full advantage of the 20 memory locations. i have a note pad with me, and i measure each driver separately, then combinations of drivers. i save each one to memory and note what each memory is. then i can go back and investigate. i even used TrueRTA to measure RCA outputs to verify crossover slopes on my HU - and was surprised at what i found!

my build log includes screen shots.

I always appreciate the advice!

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

you can buy the ECM8000 for $50 new.

and this (huge sale) to interface the mic with the laptop. thats $80 total!

OSP XLR to USB Microphone Adapter

i am going to order one right now!

a similar piece:

CEntrance MicPort Pro | Sweetwater.com

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

yep. for $30 i just bought a usb powered XLR mic preamp (with phantom power and headphone monitor).

now i can make a third laptop RTA setup!

 

[West]

yep. for $30 i just bought a usb powered XLR mic preamp (with phantom power and headphone monitor).
now i can make a third laptop RTA setup!

I picked up the 30$ preamp. I will hunt for a cheap microphone.

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

Behringer ECM8000 Measurement Microphone 248-625

or

Dayton Audio EMM-6 Electret Measurement Microphone Allows For Accurate Acoustic Measurements At A Fraction Of The Price 390-801

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

FYI - we have 18 of the ECM8000 mics. we use them for all kinds of purposes. they are pretty accurate for the money (compared to our $1500 Earthworks M50)

 

[hispls 5,000+ posts]

I had attempted to play with this. Seems like a great piece of software, but only as good as your soundcard and mic.

I may well order one of those USB interfaces.