Rives Test CD 2...Why?

[Buckle-meister]

Dear all

After reading (ages ago) the paper Subwoofer Calibration Using Rives Audio Test CD 2 here, I duly went ahead and ordered the CD. After all, Audioholics consistently gives, I would say, pretty solid/dependable advice.

However, after using the CD's tones with the Radioshack SPL meter and posting results on this site, it was quickly made clear to me that my readings were effectively useless. Why? Because at low frequencies, 1/3 octave measurements are far too coarse.

Since then, I have found that an alternative method of downloading (for free) and using ETF is far superior. It's not a particularly difficult program to use, and the cost of the few cables and couple of adapters required to take the necessary measurements wouldn't, I feel, be appreciably more expensive than buying the Rives CD.

So why do people keep recommending the CD when there's a much better way to take the measurements?

Regards

 

[Audioholics]

It's far simpler and not intended to be used for fine adjusting room acoustics. Rives sells an ETF-based system in-fact, complete with mic, software and external audio card. I think you are wanting too much out of the CD.

 

[Buckle-meister]

It's far simpler and not intended to be used for fine adjusting room acoustics.

Yes, I understand that ETF is far superior to the CD and that the former can do much more than the latter, but I do not think that being able to see only eight points (20Hz to 100Hz for practical sub frequencies for most people) warrants buying the CD. Not when ETF will give one a continuous response in this disproportionately important region.

Rives sells an ETF-based system in-fact, complete with mic, software and external audio card.

So does Acoustisoft, the developer of ETF, or something pretty similar. But they also allow the free downloading of a copy of the program. True, it is a cut-down version of the full program, but in helping to find the optimum placement for the sub, tweaking levels, and even for future use in sorting out one's room acoustics with treatment, ETF remains by far the better option.

I think you are wanting too much out of the CD.

No, I do not think so. If I knew then what I do now, I would not have bothered with the CD and gone with ETF. I'd bet plenty of others would too.

Regards