Virtins - Multi-Instruments Software

[BlueWizard]

First, this is not an advertisement, and I have no association with this company.

I'm just curious whether anyone has any knowledge or experience with this software.

http://www.multi-instrument.com./page2.html#Instrument

This certainly wouldn't do for designing speakers, but it might come in handy for testing them, and the price is certainly right.

The basic Multi-Instrument Standard package for $99.95 includes-

Oscilloscope
Spectrum Analyzer
Signal Generator
Multimeter

The Multi-Instrument PRO package for $199.95 includes all of the above PLUS -

Spectrum 3D Plot
Data Logger
LCR Meter
Device Test Plan

That's not dirt cheap, but it seem very reasonably priced.

There are also an assortment of individual 'Pocket' applications that are similar to above, but stand alone. Their price is usually about $25. Though there is a pocket version of the Multi-Instrument that included Oscilloscope, Spectrum Analyzer, and Signal Generator for about $50.

Again, this just came up in another forum, and I wonder if anyone has any experience or knowledge of this product?

Since I know nothing about this product, I am certainly not posting this as an endorsement of it. If the Mods feel this steps over the line, I'll have no problem with them closing or deleting this post as they see fit.

Opinions?

Steve/bluewizard

[soundchaser001]

Hi Steve;

Funny you should ask. I just started playing with it (demo version) on a 1.2GHz PIII using a Soundblaster Audigy 2. It seems to work pretty well. I'm using it for amplifier measurements and may well wind up purchasing it. There is a LITE version as well for 49.95. It doesn't include the multimeter, various FFT processes and some gain/phase plot functions which would be useful for amps. The square wave from the signal generator is pretty ringy. That may be more a function of the sound card I'm not sure. Sometimes the scales on the spectrum analyzer does wierd things but none the less it works prtty well.

For speakers I use SpeakerWorkshop. It takes some getting used to but I have found it great for MLS testing and impedance measurements. It's also free.

Hope this helps a bit.

Matt

[BlueWizard]

I'm curious if you can do a screen capture in the Spectrum Analysis software? That is, is the screen alway dynamic, or can you freeze it and capture the spectrum at a point in time?

Though somewhat very tangential, what are good sound cards to be used for speaker testing?

Not interested in a multi-media or surround sound card, which seems to be the way everything is heading.

The M-Audio Audiophile 192 for $199 with 24 bit/ 192kb DACs seem like the ultimate.

The M-Audio Audiophile 2496 for $129 MSRP with 24/96k DACs might be an acceptable alternative.

Anything better than this?

Anything equal but cheaper than this?

That's a lot of money for a sound card.

Steve/bluewizard

[mcmahon48]

I just have the audio spectrum analyzer it comes also with scope I will be using speaker workshop in conjunction. I am working on get the op amp jig together first. You can down load the full demo version that has the multimeter, which I did not need, it has capture data but not for the 3d that would be if you are really into have a labratory type setting and a champer with multi reading.
I person found no need for the multimeter part for I prefer a hand held unit that you can carry around. I just bought a real nice multimeter that will great help in calculations.

[soundchaser001]

All of those cards are good. I have the Soundblaster Audigy II Platinum EX in the PC that I used for lab stuff. It works well but will not sample at 192kHz. It will output at that rate. There is a lot of overhead with that card (extra stuff installed). I have the M-Audio Audiophile 192 on my music PC. It's a lean card with great performance and can be had for less than 199.00 if you look around. (179.00 at Audiomidi and used for 159.00 on Amazon). The Virtins guys recommend USB EMU products as that's what they have used.

Yes you can output screens from Virtins software. Just hit ENTER when you have the measurement you want (that freezes the screen). Right click on the screen and select export. Pick the BMP format and save the file. It will be quite large (4MB for a full screen) so you might want to compress it maybe to a jpg. I've attached a plot of a 1kHz THD meaurement. They look better than this when not overcompressed. Hitting ENTER again returns the screen to a live measurement.

[soundchaser001]

If there's no built in print function and you want to capture data and the measurement is pretty stable I'd recommend Printkey. It's a little application for doing screen grabs and it's free.

[ted4412wilt]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Audiotrak-Prodig...C294%3A50#shId
I have been using this new AUDIOTRAK PRODIGY 7.1hifi sound card for a few weeks with great results. It costs US $99.99 on ebay and has 108 dB SN at 24 bit 192 Mhz. You may not want 8 channels now but you will probably change your mind when you find out how easy it is to use a PC crossover with free software.

[mcmahon48]

I have received an op amp design from a fellow DIY that greatly improve the accuracy