Audio software and testing setups for laptops

[bigpapa]

Aloha guys,

I've been lurking around looking to set up my laptop to generate test tones and calibrate rooms, trying to make a quantum leap beyond just using my handy RS SPL meter.

In the "Test" thread some Audioholic put up a HUGE list of Mac software, but no PC stuff. I'll be looking at his links to see if they produce (they should) PC software.

What I'm trying to accomplish is performance of a mid level calibration or flattening of a room after a hook up, yet short of hiring an actual audio engineer. Plus, this should be a good experience for me to learn. I want to be able to calibrate a mid level reciever with a 7 band EQ, and flatten a room as best I can.

I'm expecting to pay a few hundred bucks for software and a maybe another few hundred for a good mic, but I don't know if I need a new sound card or upgrade to my laptop.

Anybody point me in the right direction?

 

[bigpapa]

I said DOES ANYBODY KNOW OF DECENT AUDIO SOFTWARE FOR A LAPTOP.

Yes, I was yelling. Bump

 

[mpompey]

I do know of an application that works with a Laptop and a RadioShack sound meeting. Room EQ Wizard. Do a search on Google or AVSForums for it. I can't remeber the home page. It'll work with the Behringer Feedback DEstroyer PEQ as well. Check it out.

 

[bigpapa]

Found it at AVS.

Thanks.

 

[niget2002]

I actually use software designed for building speakers:

http://www.speakerworkshop.com/index.htm

In the far-field test, it does a decent job of showing you the frequency response. Only downside is having to hook and unhook speakers to only play through one at a time.

 

[WmAx]

I'm expecting to pay a few hundred bucks for software and a maybe another few hundred for a good mic, but I don't know if I need a new sound card or upgrade to my laptop.

Anybody point me in the right direction?

Here is a list of cost effective hardware for your laptop. Prices listed are averages.:

Measurement equipment:
SoundBlaster Audigy 2 PCMCIA card ($90)
*Behringer ECM-8000 Measurement Microphone ($50)
**Rolls MP-13 Mini-Mic Preamp($70)
Microphone Stand(boom type recommended)($25)
XLR Microphone Cable($10)
Other various cable(s)($15)

*ECM-8000 is generally accurate +/- 1dB from 20Hz-10,000Hz with no correction. A 2 or 3 dB variation may occur by 15,000Hz on some samples, though many may never exceed a 1.5dB error. If you require a known +/- 1dB accuracy throughout the entire 20Hz-20,000 Hz range, you will have to get the item calibrated. This service starts at about $40 USD.

**The Rolls MP-13 needs to be plugged into an outlet. If you need a portable battery powered microphone preamp with phantom power(the ECM-8000 and other such mics will require it), you will have to get a product such as Rolls MX34($90). Alternatively, you can construct a small battery case with parts from Radio Shack to supply the MP-13 with the required 12VDC, or use one of those portable rechargeable universal battery packs made for portable DVD players -- some of these have 12VDC output. About $50-$60 USD for one of these units.

-Chris

 

[bigpapa]

Thanks guys

This is exactly what I was looking for.

I think I'll get the soundcard/preamp/mic first, and give that free software a try.

 

[bigpapa]

Update

With Shipping and everything, I came out about $400. Shipping really killed me.

So, I have all the stuff on the way, thanks for your help. I'll test it out at my home setup first. I have a bunch of Sony ES7100's to calibrate over the next two months, plus an ADA 7.1 preamp with a Symetrix 322 DSP for some dual inwall subs.

Some guy created some free software called Setup Wizard, found it at AVS. I'm going to go with that for now. The price is right.

I'll let you know how much damage I (you) caused

 

[WmAx]

With Shipping and everything, I came out about $400. Shipping really killed me.

So, I have all the stuff on the way, thanks for your help. I'll test it out at my home setup first. I have a bunch of Sony ES7100's to calibrate over the next two months, plus an ADA 7.1 preamp with a Symetrix 322 DSP for some dual inwall subs.

Some guy created some free software called Setup Wizard, found it at AVS. I'm going to go with that for now. The price is right.

I'll let you know how much damage I (you) caused

Note: use the measurement software in 48kHz or 96kHz sample rate mode. The Creative Audigy cards will introduce problems in precision measuring [such as measuring amplifiers, pre-amps, etc.] if using 44.1kHz sample rate due to inherant sample rate conversion issues on the Creative hardware. However, 44.1kHz should be fine for measuring acoustic frequency response and phase such as that of speakers.

-Chris