Audio Test CD?

skanter · 29th March 2004, 07:00 PM

Can anyone recommend a good audio test CD or other hardware that can test the response of speakers and audio system in general?

Hopefully, not tooo expensive...

TIA,

Timn8ter · 29th March 2004, 10:33 PM

What exactly are you trying to accomplish? Do you want to produce graphs for XO design or are you just testing levels, etc. for setup purposes?

skanter · 30th March 2004, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Timn8ter
What exactly are you trying to accomplish? Do you want to produce graphs for XO design or are you just testing levels, etc. for setup purposes?

Just want to test frequency response of speakers...

leadbelly · 30th March 2004, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by skanter

Just want to test frequency response of speakers...

But how? By ear? Hand held meter? Soundcard with mic input? Or are you asking more about what these things are?

And what is your goal? To fine tune a completed design, or build speakers starting from scratch?

skanter · 30th March 2004, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by leadbelly

But how? By ear? Hand held meter? Soundcard with mic input? Or are you asking more about what these things are?

And what is your goal? To fine tune a completed design, or build speakers starting from scratch?

I was considering either refoaming or replacing the woofers on the old Optimus T-200 systems that I recently obtained. I'm curious what type of response I'm getting now, so I can compare it to after I repair or replace.

I assume a meter is a more accurate method of testing than just the ear, but cost is a factor. Can you tell me what my options are, and approximate costs of testing CDs, hardware, software, etc.?

TIA,

Timn8ter · 30th March 2004, 06:27 PM

Depends on how accurate you're trying to be. The cheapest method would be to download some MP3 test tones (free) run that through your amp and use a Radio Shack SPL meter to measure response. This is not very accurate but will give you an idea if you made things better or worse. A more accurate method would be to get a measurement microphone ($30) and you might need a mic pre-amp (another $30) and some measurement software like True RTA or JustMLS ($100). There's some software that's less expensive (maybe free) but I've not used it. Someone else probably knows about it.

BobEllis · 30th March 2004, 07:06 PM

Don't forget speakerworkshop from http://www.audua.com/ - it's free and does a nice job measuring output. Add a WM-61 capsule, a 5532, a couple resistors and a battery you can make a decent measurement system for $25 or less.

skanter · 30th March 2004, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Timn8ter
Depends on how accurate you're trying to be. The cheapest method would be to download some MP3 test tones (free) run that through your amp and use a Radio Shack SPL meter to measure response. This is not very accurate but will give you an idea if you made things better or worse. A more accurate method would be to get a measurement microphone ($30) and you might need a mic pre-amp (another $30) and some measurement software like True RTA or JustMLS ($100). There's some software that's less expensive (maybe free) but I've not used it. Someone else probably knows about it.

Quote:

Originally posted by BobEllis
Don't forget speakerworkshop from http://www.audua.com/ - it's free and does a nice job measuring output. Add a WM-61 capsule, a 5532, a couple resistors and a battery you can make a decent measurement system for $25 or less.

Thanks...I'll try the free software first and see how it checks out.

29th March 2004, 07:00 PM	#1
skanter diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: NYC	Audio Test CD? Can anyone recommend a good audio test CD or other hardware that can test the response of speakers and audio system in general? Hopefully, not tooo expensive... TIA, __________________ Sam Kanter, NYC

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29th March 2004, 10:33 PM	#2
Timn8ter diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Seattle, WA	What exactly are you trying to accomplish? Do you want to produce graphs for XO design or are you just testing levels, etc. for setup purposes?

30th March 2004, 06:27 PM	#6
Timn8ter diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Seattle, WA	Depends on how accurate you're trying to be. The cheapest method would be to download some MP3 test tones (free) run that through your amp and use a Radio Shack SPL meter to measure response. This is not very accurate but will give you an idea if you made things better or worse. A more accurate method would be to get a measurement microphone ($30) and you might need a mic pre-amp (another $30) and some measurement software like True RTA or JustMLS ($100). There's some software that's less expensive (maybe free) but I've not used it. Someone else probably knows about it.

30th March 2004, 07:06 PM	#7
BobEllis diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Upstate NY	Don't forget speakerworkshop from http://www.audua.com/ - it's free and does a nice job measuring output. Add a WM-61 capsule, a 5532, a couple resistors and a battery you can make a decent measurement system for $25 or less.

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