GoodSoundClub - Romy the Cat's Audio Site

In the Forum: Audio Discussions
In the Thread: Learning to interpret RTA

Post Subject: Introductory RTA sources on the internetPosted by scooter on: 6/11/2010

You might check out the following website for a relatively easy to use and free RTA program for your computer. The site also has an active forum that can help get you up to speed with respect to getting the software working, mic sorted, and your initial readings:

http://www.hometheatershack.com/roomeq/

Don't expect miracles as it is a home theater site so people look for powerful explosions not timpani crescendos. They can however provide some basic assistance on some lower fq measurement and room issues.

Over time I found the iterative process of measuring, moving stuff around, and listening were very helpful in better understanding my goals and optimizing my systems. Romy has some interesting discussions about flat/boosted bass on his site that are worth contemplating.

One note of caution: some people use digital equalization to "fix" things. Digital equalization has some visual appeal (e.g. pretty charts) but there are some major fundamental flaws related to things like trashing bits, time, mic placement, and room interaction. Unless you are looking to degrade your system, I don't think this is the correct path. Romy has wasted time here as well and posted his more developed views (use search function).

(BTW I am not fully convinced eq is a terrible tool for major low fq problems below say 60-70hz range that just can't be solved via all the other tools at your disposal but tempting as it may be I am staying away)

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