National Instruments AudioMaster? (vs ARTA, HolmImpulse)

[squidgetx]

Hi, new to the forums, and looking for speaker evaluation software. I've been digging around, looked at ARTA, HolmImpulse, DSFF3e (YMEC), etc. Budget isn't a major consideration. I'd like something that can take a variety of measurements:
-frequency response
-impulse response/colouration testing
-harmonic distortion
-mic/environmental noise calibration
and I'd really prefer if it could also plot spectrum v time waterfalls and deal with directivity measures. Anyway, so far it seems that ARTA satisfies most of these needs, though it seems a little clunky UI-wise. Currently I'm looking at the NI AudioMaster suite (NI AudioMASTER for Analog and Digital Audio - Analog and Digital (S/PDIF) Audio Measurements - National Instruments) and I'm wondering if anyone knows anything about it; what are its capabilities, is it worth the price (vs ARTA for example), and also is it recommended (in general) to have extra hardware (audio interfaces, etc.) for speaker testing?

[stolbovoy]

I'd also add to the list REW: REW - Room EQ Wizard Home Page
Not exactly speaker builder tool, but useful

[jcx]

National does some things OK, but are not known for deep audio specific expertise

Klippel Introduction (cruise the whole site for lots of great info) has serious tools for measuring dynamic drivers - selecting the drivers is essential to loudspeaker design

Audio Precision : High Performance Audio Analyzer & Audio Test Instruments is the gold standard for audio measurement hardware

lab grade calibrated mics will add some cost too


Dr Geddes Audio Precision : High Performance Audio Analyzer & Audio Test Instruments has done some audio preceptual research, posts here on diyAudio (Gedlee) - has some opinions on what to measure, aim for in speaker directivity, what distortions are audible

I believe Dr Geddes gets by with a soundcard and his own software

[jcx]

whoops AP link got pasted twice:

Originally Posted by jcx

...
Dr Geddes has done some audio preceptual research, posts here on diyAudio (Gedlee) - has some opinions on what to measure, aim for in speaker directivity, what distortions are audible

I believe Dr Geddes gets by with a soundcard and his own software

should also add Liberty Instruments, Inc. Home Page to any list of audio analysis tools