With a little luck, many of us will start returning to work in the next few weeks. After that long hiatus, some of our gear (and possibly our ears) will need dusting off. Ensuring your equipment is in top form should always be a priority, and there are plenty of tools to help with testing and analysis. Here are some devices that live sound engineers may find useful.
Audix TM1 Measurement Mic
This omnidirectional condenser mic has a 6mm diaphragm and is intended for use in RTA, room analysis, test and measurement and ambient room miking applications. Response is rated as 20 Hz to 20k Hz (±2 dB). The TM1 operates on 24-48 VDC phantom power, can handle a max 130 dB SPL with less than 1% THD and has a 28 dBA equivalent noise level. Street is around $399. audixusa.com
Galaxy Audio Cricket
Comprised of separate “send” and “receive” units, the Cricket helps determine reversed polarity of audio signals. The Cricket-S (send unit) generates an audio pulse to be routed through a speaker, cable, mic or any other audio device. The Cricket-R (receiver) “hears” that signal, and determines if the pulse is positive or negative. Balanced or unbalanced cables up to 2,000 feet long can be tested, and Cricket can drive a snake with or without transformers. It can also indicate which XLR pin is hot, or connect directly to a speaker cabinet and drive the components. Both devices are powered via a 9-volt battery. Street is around $110. galaxyaudio.com
NTI Minirator MR-2
The Minirator MR-2 is a precision analog audio signal generator capable of producing a range of test signals including pink and white noise, sine wave, StepSweep, GlideSweep or a delay test signal. A pure sine wave can be generated at any frequency from 10 Hz to 20k Hz at levels ranging from -80 to +8 dBu with low distortion (0.0032% at 8 dBu), making it suitable as a source for distortion testing. The MR-2’s output is via balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA connectors. It’s powered using three AA batteries and weighs in at 9 ounces. Street is around $385. nti-audio.com
Phonic PAA3X
This multi-function handheld analyzer can perform a variety of audio measurements — 31-band RTA, RT60 (up to 30 seconds), SPL and polarity check. Onboard signal generator functions include pink noise, sine wave, sine wave sweep and polarity test signals. Measurement input and signal generator output are balanced XLR, and the PAA3X accepts mic- or line-level inputs. Line level measurements can be displayed in dBu, dBV or Volts (AC). SPL can be measured from 30 to 130 dB, with selectable A/B/C/flat weighing options. An RGB LCD display shows measurement function data and screens can be captured and stored to an SD card. An included calibrated measurement connects directly into the unit, or it can be remote-mounted via a 5-meter extension cable. Street is around $399. phonic.com
Radio Design Labs PT-AMG2 Audio Monitor/Generator
This handheld package combines an audio oscillator, precision level meter and monitor speaker. A 700 Hz oscillator section provides a balanced mic/line level XLR output; an unbalanced RCA out operates at -10 dBV. Two inputs are provided for the audio metering circuit: a balanced XLR input can be switched between mic/line level, and an unbalanced RCA input operates at -10 dBV. Either of the two inputs can feed the metering circuit’s LED meter and monitor speaker with volume knob. An “In-Phase” LED illuminates when the oscillator output and metering input are in-phase. The PT-AMG2 can be powered using two 9 VDC cells or an external supply. Test leads and a benchtop support bracket are included. Street is around $325. rdlnet.com
RF Venue Explorer Pro Audio Edition
Given the chronically crowded RF environment, a useful item is the RF Explorer Pro Audio Edition, a portable RF spectrum analyzer designed specifically for monitoring, managing and configuring wireless mic and IEM systems. Features include a scanning range from 15 to 2,700 MHz, low-noise amplifier, input attenuator, and the ability to save and load presets. A BNC input interfaces easily with wireless antennas and distro amps, and a USB port facilitates connection to a Mac/PC for use with third-party applications. A Wi-Fi Analyzer mode can display local activity in the 2.4 GHz range and it runs up to 16 hours on a rechargeable battery. Street is around $500. rfvenue.com
Studio Six Digital iTestMic2
Plugging into an Apple Lightning port and bypassing all Apple analog electronics via digital audio link, the iTestMic2 from Studio Six Digital is the only direct-connect iOS calibrated test and measurement microphone that provides a 3.5mm analog audio output and iOS device charging when used with the included universal power adapter. The mic’s capsule and electronics yield flat response down to 10 Hz for accurate measurements below the audible range. Onboard electronics include a high-res analog preamp, a regulated low-noise power supply, ADC and DAC. The mic’s two gain ranges support SPL measurement across a 25 to 120 dBA range and each iTestMic2’s factory calibration is stored in the mic body for accurate SPL readings. When connected to an iOS device and a Studio Six Digital audio test app, that calibration is automatically transferred to the app. Price is $229. studiosixdigital.com
Whirlwind Cab Driver
Cab Driver can check speaker components within enclosures. A small amplifier drives pink noise to Speakon NL8/NL4, 1/4” TS and banana jacks. Level is adjustable for woofers, cone mids and HF drivers/tweeters, or a XLR line out can feed powered speakers. A DC Ohms Test applies 5 VDC to the output terminals for observing cone movement to see speaker/cabling polarity errors; and three LEDs indicate approximate 4/8/16 Ohm ranges, to help identify blown drivers in cabinets where the cones cannot be observed or in cabs with series/parallel driver configurations. Street is around $225. whirlwindusa.com
Steve “Woody” La Cerra is the tour manager and front of house engineer for Blue Öyster Cult.
