Nando,
the generic calibration file works, while a real calibration file works very well. It's a matter of how precise your measurement needs.
the generic calibration file works, while a real calibration file works very well. It's a matter of how precise your measurement needs.
Interesting !
How much did you pay for the microphone and pre-amp ? Did it come with calibration file ?
Claudio, if the masurement accuracy have an error of +/- 10% is okay... Do you think that is possible to achieve it this way ?
How much did you pay for the microphone and pre-amp ? Did it come with calibration file ?
Claudio, if the masurement accuracy have an error of +/- 10% is okay... Do you think that is possible to achieve it this way ?
Prices around USD 50. to 60. each
http://www.musiciansbuy.com/APEX_220_Measurement_Microphone_APEX220.html
http://www.musicworksgroup.com/cata...preamp-preamplifier-phantom-power-p-1064.html
These types of mic are flat enough in typical crossover frequency ranges to be useful even if uncorrected. Kudos to those who are advanced enough in crossover development that the mic calibration makes or breaks a design (that would not be me 🙂 ).
http://www.musiciansbuy.com/APEX_220_Measurement_Microphone_APEX220.html
http://www.musicworksgroup.com/cata...preamp-preamplifier-phantom-power-p-1064.html
These types of mic are flat enough in typical crossover frequency ranges to be useful even if uncorrected. Kudos to those who are advanced enough in crossover development that the mic calibration makes or breaks a design (that would not be me 🙂 ).
As for generic calibration files be very doubtful when applying them. My 2 mics have same Panasonic capsule but in one its burried in its edge for ruggedness (outdoors use) and in the other is protruding a little being sensitive if hit on the floor. Edge diffraction for the rugged mounting gives a monotonic last octave rise of +4dB vs +1dB for the sensitive one! Both are compared to B&K calibrated system and compensated with suitable calibration files offcourse. But just dont trust that a mic assembly keeps with the capsule characteristics. Beautiful thing when we have a reference though is that we can compensate ANY mic against reference. I have algebrically deducted my Radioshack's SPL meter response from my references and used the outcome as a calibration file. Its the most handy one now, bcs it has a built in preamp, shows SPL by its own and its rugged. Plus it mounts directly to that tripod.
Attachments
Re: Store-bought mic and preamp + Camera Tripod
I agree 110% about using a dedicate PC. It will save you a ton of time. Right now I have to adjust the volume levels every time I measure, which wastes about 15 minutes.
Right now I'm assembling a PIII 450mhz for Speaker Workshop, which I bought at Boeing Surplus. The whole computer was just $40 IIRC.
http://www.boeing.com/assocproducts/surplus/retail/
bzdang said:
I agree 110% about using a dedicate PC. It will save you a ton of time. Right now I have to adjust the volume levels every time I measure, which wastes about 15 minutes.
Right now I'm assembling a PIII 450mhz for Speaker Workshop, which I bought at Boeing Surplus. The whole computer was just $40 IIRC.
http://www.boeing.com/assocproducts/surplus/retail/
Re: Re: Store-bought mic and preamp + Camera Tripod
I've worked with Speaker Workshop a lot, and it simply can't compare with ARTA. It's much simpler, consistent and a joy to use in comparisson.
http://www.madaboutsound.com/prod.asp?pname=MPKSvein_B said:
I've worked with Speaker Workshop a lot, and it simply can't compare with ARTA. It's much simpler, consistent and a joy to use in comparisson.
Again, having been through all this, I decided to offer to the Wallin Preamp PCB (or kits), and the WM-61A capsules in the UK through Mad About Sound.-_nando-_ said:
With Speaker Workshop, Quickmix is the answer to reverting your volume levels in a second.Patrick Bateman said:
I've spent ages trying to figure out Speaker Workshop. I know that most people here are in love with SW, but I find it one of the most user unfriendly tools I've encountered 
It took me half an hour to get ARTA working, and it's what I'd use if needed to make speaker measurements again. Great tool, intuitive, provides minimum required and not more.
It took me half an hour to get ARTA working, and it's what I'd use if needed to make speaker measurements again. Great tool, intuitive, provides minimum required and not more.
Guys,
just to remember you that Arta is a measurement tool, Speaker Workshop is a speaker oriented design and measurement tool.
They are both free, with some limitation on Arta, and in my agenda there is a measurements comparison test of the two programs, since I like Arta too.
just to remember you that Arta is a measurement tool, Speaker Workshop is a speaker oriented design and measurement tool.
They are both free, with some limitation on Arta, and in my agenda there is a measurements comparison test of the two programs, since I like Arta too.
-_nando-_ said:
And precise too!
Vikash, the mic kit looks terrific.
Do you plan to offer a Wallin Jig as well?
You should back such bold statements up!-_nando-_ said:
Off course ARTA doesn't replace SW by any means, in fact I import all my ARTA measurements into SW. As Claudio says, ARTA is only the measurement part and not for complete speaker design. In fact ARTA's overlay functionality is a royal pain to use. However for actual measurements it is far better than any of the other measurement suites I've tried regardless of cost.
No plans to offer the jig, although I must say that it is an indispensable tool. If you think of building one then I would add a chip amp inside at the same time. It's the only thing I didn't think of doing and wish I had. 😉
I went one step further and also added VU meters to the front panel of my measurement box.
I always hated to do "on site" measurements and when no result start the quesswork if it's the PC acting up or software or a bad connection. With the VU meters I have feedback of measurement box outputs - so makes the faultfinding much faster.
I always hated to do "on site" measurements and when no result start the quesswork if it's the PC acting up or software or a bad connection. With the VU meters I have feedback of measurement box outputs - so makes the faultfinding much faster.
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
Hey all,
I spent a little bit of money, and bought an M-Audio Transport for an electrical interface, and bought the personal version of WinMLS, 2000. I think the Transport was like $65 on eBay, and WinMLS was $80. Looking back, I should have spent another $20 on the software to get whatever next step they had. The M-Audio USB audio is wonderful. It is capable of 24bit 96kHz sampling, and has a very low noise floor, somewhere around -80db. I can post some measurements if you would like to see them. I'm going to be using Linkwitz's recommended microphone and preamp, you simply cannot get any better quality or reliability for the price!! All in all, I am very happy with the quallity for the price.
Matt
I spent a little bit of money, and bought an M-Audio Transport for an electrical interface, and bought the personal version of WinMLS, 2000. I think the Transport was like $65 on eBay, and WinMLS was $80. Looking back, I should have spent another $20 on the software to get whatever next step they had. The M-Audio USB audio is wonderful. It is capable of 24bit 96kHz sampling, and has a very low noise floor, somewhere around -80db. I can post some measurements if you would like to see them. I'm going to be using Linkwitz's recommended microphone and preamp, you simply cannot get any better quality or reliability for the price!! All in all, I am very happy with the quallity for the price.
Matt
Hi ! 🙂
I finishied my Speaker Workshop configuration !
I already calibrated the sound card, amplifier and microphone, but where should I "click" to start the measurement 😕
I finishied my Speaker Workshop configuration !
I already calibrated the sound card, amplifier and microphone, but where should I "click" to start the measurement 😕
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