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CARA - Room Acoustic Software

We're very much not into doing sales-pitch type posts, but after reading through several threads in this forum, we realized that questions regarding software for room acoustics were frequent enough that if we tried to answer every thread, we'd *really* feel obnoxious!

So... the lesser of two evils

CARA is a comprehensive room acoustic modelling package designed and developed by German physicist: Dr. Ulrich Thomanek. Dr. Thomanek worked with ELAC GmbH for many years and used computer models to bring their loudspeakers to be the number two in Germany.

He started ELAC Technische Software as a spinoff dedicated to his computer programs associated with loudspeaker modelling and room acoustics. CARA 2.0 is the product.

Rather than get into too many details here, I'll send you to www.cara.de where they have lots of information regarding CARA and a walkthrough. The site is in both English and German.

Early last year, Rhintek became the US representative for ETS and CARA. We have a strong background in software development, but are relatively new to the high-end audio industry. Our website is: www.rhintek.com

Thanks for your time, I'll probably be lurking around here on occasion as it looks like this forum is a good place for me to gain more understanding.

Kristin VanVranken,
Rhintek Incorporated
kristin3e25

Showing 3 responses by metaphysics

metaphysics
192 posts
 
Fpeel, Thanks for the great review. I'm going to call for CARA RIGHT NOW!

Couldn't tell from your post: Were you able to make a model of your funky room?

My system is located along the long wall toward one side of a very large room. Is this something it seem CARA will be able to help? I know you're not tech support, but I'd appreciate a users impression.

Thanks,
Meta
metaphysics
192 posts
 
I've been using CARA for a couple of months. It works wonderfully and I highly recommend it. I've been able to confirm the results with my Tact RCS.

The only major flaw is that it would take an unrealistically long time (several years) to do an accurate set of calculations for all but an empty rectangular room.

One interesting thing that I've found is that in a model system, I do not end up with anything close to the Cardas placement of speakers even in a room with Cardas' recommended dimensions. This isn't too concerning because my room is no where near perfect.

I noticed an immediate improvement in soundstage and tonal balance when I put my speakers in the weird assymetric places that CARA recommended.
metaphysics
192 posts
 
Sean, Yes; several YEARS for a fully accurate calculation, but it works well overnight (on a 1GHz machine) to give a good approximation.

Yes CARA can accomodate openinings, but it will add to the calculation time unless you treat it as a simple open door, i.e. no reflection or loadin. It can also handle 360 degree speakers.
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