Questions about SoundEasy software package

[Eric]

I'm contemplating purchasing the SoundEasy speaker design software from Bodzio Software. I see that it comes with a CD and a dongle key, but what else will I need to purchase to use with this software?

I have a P4 2.6GHz PC with a 16bit sound card. I assume that I will need a microphone, and it looks like I will need some probes for measurement. Do the probes come with the software, or will I need to purchase them somewhere else?

Do I need any other equipment to begin using this package?

Thanks,
Eric

 

[relder]

It depends on what features you want to use. For the crossover simulation you may want a soundcard with many channels, like my M-audio Delta 410. If just measurement you need something that can record while outputting sound. I'd go over to the yahoo groups soundeasy forum and browse the discussion for what has been successful for people before you buy a card (if you end up needing one.) My delta 410 mentioned above has been fine, but is hard to find now that it's discontinued.

Also note that some motherboard sound cards can be pretty bad. I had one that had a huge notch at 16Khz, not very useful for measurement!

 

[Eric]

Thanks for the tip on the sound card. Are there any others that have this capability?

Eric

 

[Dryseals]

You really do not need the "probes" but they can be helpful. All the probes are is two test leads with a voltage divider for the return signals. If you down load the pdf file, I beleive they are pictured in section 16.

The PDF file is helpful but not so if you are new to the speaker game. It is not written for a beginner, it assumes you have some background.

As for sound cards, I have used several, even the el cheapo built ins and have found very few problems. Currently I'm using an EMU 0404 and it works fine, but most any sound card intended for mixing will work. I'm still playing with the software and learnign it's +/-s.

I bought an Behringer ECM8000 Microphone and it seems to work fine. I would suggest getting a calibration file for it if you really want accurate readings, without it, you are just going through the motions. I don't have one for mine, but right now I'm still just having fun. You'll also need a pre amp for just about any measurement microphone out there. I bought the Behringer UB802 which seems to be OK.

I'm going to be pretty busy this week end, but if you can bump this a few times I might be able to get some more info up for you.

 

[Eric]

Dryseals,

Thanks for the info. I just purchased a copy and won't be using it for a little while. It looks quite sophisticated. I'll need to find a sound card and a mic for it - thanks for your suggestions!

I did find the manuals online and will begin reading through them.

Thanks,
Eric

 

[mandoman]

I am also thinking about getting Soundeasy, but where can I find a calibration file for the Behringer ECM8000?