Joe:

Here is an option. Kind of like SMAART only much cheaper. 1 oct free, 1/3 is about $39, 1/6 $69, 1/24 $99. I use a Fastrack Pro interface with a dbx mic and a Win 7 laptop. Works great..

https://www.trueaudio.com/rta_abt1.htm

I have used a standalone 1/3 rack unit for years but it is just clunky to carry around and I lost ability to print from it..Can store and print on True RTA.

Another thing I have used lately. A couple of well known engineers in Nashville created a disc years ago. One of them is a close friend of mine so I got a copy of it. It has a full range pink noise for 1 min, then a 1K filtered noise for 1 min to calibrate an SPL meter to what you want. Say 80-90db or whatever. Then it goes in 1/3 octave filtered cuts down to 31hz, then starts at 1.25K and up to 16K. The filtered cuts are sharp Q’s with obvious slight side band but are centered on the selected freq. Just make a list of how each band compares to the reference 1K. After you have done that then use your EQ to adjust to correct based on that. You will be likely cutting a lot which is best anyway.
It works great. I have made otherwise crappy rooms and systems really shape up. I do use my ears for final adjustments. The disc has several very nice music cuts to listen to. I listened to them on nice control room speakers and headphones to orient myself with how they really sound to compare. Then I use a mic usually the type that will be used for primary use to see how it sounds. Vocal mic, podium mic etc. A combination is what is the final decision on it. Just never ever solely use pink noise as a lot of people wrongly do. Also auto eq’s don’t work that well either.

George, MIDCOMM AV, Paducah, KY USA

GLD 80
AR2412

quote:

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Originally posted by Joe Hinkens

I could use some ‘Live Sound 101’ advice relative to using the tools (RTA, pink noise generator, etc) on the GLD 80 to EQ the different venues we play. The only prior experience I have in this area is the Smaart Wizards built in to the Presonus StudioLive software. Their method uses a simple setup that walks the user through the steps of setting up a reference mic, feeding some pink noise to the mains, and then displaying the response curve on a screen where a 4-band PEQ is used to flatten the curve. The first time I tried it, I was amazed at how much improvement I could achieve with just a few relatively minor tweaks.

That being said, I’d like to employ the same principles to my new GLD 80 but I’m lost as to what steps to take. Is there anyone out there who could list the basic necessary steps and recommended software to achieve this? I’ve checked out the Smaart web site and it looks like a heavy piece of software. I was hoping for a simpler approach if there is one.

If anyone can point me in the right direction, it would certainly be appreciated.

For the record, I’m running the GLD 80 to Fulcrum Accoustics FA28ac tops and have a pair of RCF 8004AS subs that should be delivered within the next few days. Prior to the RCF subs, we’ve been using QSC K subs. Everyone is on in-ears so no wedges.

Thanks,
Joe

GLD-80 w/M-DANTE, GLD-AR2412, MacBook Pro, Studio One 2

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“EQ wizards” are widely regarged as useless, particularly below 100Hz, and especially if you are only measuring in one location in the room.

I would suggest playing pink noise from your GLD, then using an inexpensive measurement mic like the one Rational Acoustics sells with the GLD RTA. Use the graphic EQ to get things sort of flat, then move the mic and repeat. You’ll start to see how the room affects the sound in different locations and make a more educated compromise.

Joe: As for True RTA. I understand what you are saying but it is a get what you pay for solution. I would pay for the real thing if I felt it would make THAT much of a difference. Most guys I see and myself don’t go to overboard on delays anyway FWIW.

As for the disc, it is not commercially available to my knowledge. They just produced it for their own use. I was offered a copy since I am also a commercial studio owner in Nashville. I have my facility leased out now. One of the 2 helped me do some voicing a few years ago. I got much better results than just broadband noise. I just did an auditorium that I did an installed last week. I thought it was OK with some minor tweaking but then after I went through the process with the disc and reset it I was amazed as was everyone else how much better it sounded. Clearer, cleaner, better fidelity.

GLD 80
AR2412

Have to be careful with tones. Standing waves will give false readings mainly at LF. That was the design premise of the famous UREI Sonopulse system popular back in the 70’s and 80’s. Pulsed tones with built in meter, microphone…

GLD 80
AR2412

Joe:

This is NOT the CD I referred to although it should prove useful. The disc I have is 1/3oct filtered noise not tones. As I said, you have to be careful with tones. They will react completely different in a room depending on the acoustics especially at low freqs..

Good luck,

GLD 80
AR2412