In the early years of P.A. and concert sound systems, RTAs (Real Time Analyzers) were about all that was readily available to help set a sound system equalizer in the field. Analog 30-band RTAs (with 30-LED ladders) were basic compared to what followed.
Audio analyzers for laboratory use existed at the time, yet Crown’s TEF and later, Meyer Sound’s SIM System became more advanced, accurate industry-standard loudspeaker measurement systems for use in large rooms for a few decades. While these are still in use, they (along with WaveCapture), are no longer in production. Like the vintage Ivie IE-30 and Gold Line’s handheld RTA, the Audio Toolbox compact analyzer is no longer made. So, this month let’s look at some of the audio analyzers currently in production.
All-in-One Handheld RTAs
The Phonic PAA3X (www.phonic.com) is a low-cost handheld RTA with a calibrated microphone. It features both 61-band and 31-band RTA, T60 reverb time, SPL and line meter, internal signal generator, EQ setting program, microphone calibration and speaker phase checking abilities.
NTi Audio’s (www.nti-audio.com) XL3, is its latest Class-1 handheld acoustic analyzer with a large color touchscreen, and multi-language interface. This acoustic analyzer is dedicated to acoustics applications, along with a range of optional software modules and functions.
Larson Davis’ SoundAdvisor handheld sound level meter (www.larsondavis.com) can turn into an FFT analyzer by adding Model 831C-FFT Firmware. Functions include: 1/3 octave RTA, single-channel FFT measurements, tone detection and total harmonic distortion.
Brüel & Kjær (www.bksv.com) offers a range of Class-1, premium-precision handheld SPL meters and optional FFT spectrum analyzer software modules. The B&K Type 2270 offers the functionality of the Type 2250 — with the addition of being capable of two simultaneous measurements.
Audio Analyzer Bundles/Kits
The AudioControl DM-RTA Pro Kit (www.audiocontrol.com) includes: mic, cable, case and cables for several tests. It connects to a Mac, PC or to a Bluetooth device. See the “Tech Feature” in the June, 2022 FRONT of HOUSE for features and details of the kit.
Audiomatica’s CLIO Pocket Version (www.audiomatica.com) is a complete electro-acoustical multi-platform measurement system from Audiomatica of Italy. CLIO has a full suite of measurements including: Amplitude, Frequency, Phase and Delay/Time. It also “accurately and easily determines Thiele-Small parameters.” It includes an interface, precision mic, cables and a case.
Dayton Audio’s OmniMic V2 (www.dayton.com) is an omnidirectional measurement mic and software system for audio and acoustic engineers, and audio system integrators.
JL Audio MAX™ (www.jlaudio.com) is a dual-channel FFT measurement system. The MAX-KIT includes the hardware interface (for five compact microphones included and two-line inputs), a five-mic fixture, power supply, mounting accessories, cables and a waterproof case.
NTi Audio’s XL2 Kit for Front of House (www.nti-audio.com) includes the XL2 Analyzer, M4261 mic, Minirator MR-PRO, power adapters, cables and case. It confirms that all speakers have the same polarity and measures delay.
Rational Acoustics (www.rationalacoustics.com) has seven Smaart bundles/kits to choose from. For example, the Smaart v8 Starter Bundle includes: One license of Smaart v8, a Focusrite Scarlett 18i8, three Rational Acoustics RTA-420 mics and 3-foot patch cables. See its features in the next section.
RTA Mac/PC Software
An RTA has very few settings; this can be a huge advantage when you don’t have time for tweaking parameters. But RTAs are single-channel and cannot provide an accurate sound measurement at a distance — such as the typical FOH location in a reverberant venue. Most RTA apps are now intended more for small-room, direct-field and free-field applications.
No-to-low cost RTA software is offered by:
- Room EQ Wizard (www.roomeqwizard.com)
- Studio Six Digital — RTA (www.studiosixdigital.com)
- TrueRTA (www.trueaudio.com)
RTA iOS app Software
AudioTools by Studio Six Digital (www.studiosixdigital.com) offers the most iOS (for iPhones and/or iPads) audio design and testing app choices including: acoustic and audio analysis, audio calculators, design tools, tone generators, sound level meters and various speaker test modules. You can create a low-cost real time mobile analyzer with its FFT iOS app — it certainly has more resolution and many options — but its 1/3 octave band RTA app is simpler to use.
Smaart Tools’ Single-Channel Module was developed by Studio Six Digital in collaboration with Rational Acoustics and is based on the proprietary algorithms in the Smaart v.7 audio measurement software.
There are several other high-resolution RTAs for iOS. All are available on the Apple Store (www.apple.com/app-store)
* Audio Control
* RTA Audio
* Sonic Tools
* SoundMeter X
* Spectrum Analyzer RTA
* Spectrum Analyzer for iOS
* Spectrum Pad
* VisualAudio
Next month, we’ll continue our look into audio analysis tools with a focus on basic and high-end professional measurement mics — to fit anyone’s budget.
David K. Kennedy operates David Kennedy Associates, providing acoustic and sound design consulting services, with an emphasis on loudspeaker arrays for educational and religious facilities. Visit him at www.d-k-a.com.
