Advice on the Velodyne SMS-1

[Vaughan Odendaa]

Hi,

I'm contemplating buying the SMS-1 and I need your advice on the unit. I've read the reviews on the unit and it seems to be all positive.

For those who have this unit, what are your comments ? The only thing which is preventing me from going out and getting this is the resolution. I've been told that it's 1/6 octave.

Is that enough ?

Because I need to know if it's going to be enough for accurate readings. Would I be able to use Room EQ with it's 1 hz resolution (I think) in combination with the SMS-1 ? I think the only reason why I'm not currently using REW is because I'm struggling to get the software to give me a good reading. Problems with either the sound card or with setup and it's a headache for me.

This is the main reason why I want the SMS-1 because it gives real time measurements and again, everyone has had positive reviews, so I think that this would be a godsend for me. I know that audioholics also praised the unit.

So the resolution is the only thing that I'm a little unsure of.

Any comments would be appreciated.

--Regards,

 

[avaserfi]

I know there are quiet a few members around here who have one so hopefully they will chime in. Mine is in the mail and should be here in a few days so I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[OttoMatic]

For those who have this unit, what are your comments ? The only thing which is preventing me from going out and getting this is the resolution. I've been told that it's 1/6 octave.

I think that it may measure at 1/6 octave points, but I think its filtering capabilities have finer resolution than that. Perhaps it's in the manual.

Is that enough ?

I'm sure it would work. If it really only filters at 1/6 octaves, I would think "maybe"...

Would I be able to use Room EQ with it's 1 hz resolution (I think) in combination with the SMS-1 ?

Well, you can always use REW to measure and then manually set your filters in the SMS-1. However, there is currently no selection for REW to interface with the SMS-1 via MIDI, as it does with various other processors.

I think the only reason why I'm not currently using REW is because I'm struggling to get the software to give me a good reading. Problems with either the sound card or with setup and it's a headache for me.

Vaughn, I've seen your posts at "the other forum", and I really believe you can get REW going. Initial setup can sometimes be a task, depending on a bunch of variables. But if you persist with it, I know you can do it. Especially if you are a tweaker and want to experiment -- the REW/BFD combo is the way to go. If you want a slicker system, less fiddling around and a plug-and-play setup, the SMS-1 is the way to go. Just depends on what you're looking for. Of course, REW, even by itself is a much more flexible measurement tool than the SMS-1, and it's free, so there's some merit for it either way. I'd say just keep pushing your questions on REW setup, and we will get you going with it. Either way is cool, of course, and I'm not trying to keep the SMS-1 down at all! I've just personally taken a lot of enjoyment out of REW, so I'm a proponent.[/QUOTE]

 

[MACCA350]

The only thing which is preventing me from going out and getting this is the resolution. I've been told that it's 1/6 octave.

Are you referring to the resolution of the onscreen graph?

cheers