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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
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.
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
Have any of you guys ever been to a true high performance discotheque?

Have you been inside the control rooms?

Do you know how they are equalized?

Do you know why they sound so good, even though they are using Technics 1200s with DJ cartridges?

The answers will enlighten you...seek them.
nicks
7 posts
 
Does CARA have a speaker model for Vandersteen 2Ce Signatures?
pls1
432 posts
 
After some basic modeling of your room and speakers I think it becomes easier to have in room real time measurements made. I used the much simpler RPG software to get some general ideas about speaker placement, room treatments and listening positions. Then I improved on these with in room measurements. You can hire an audio engineer for about $100 per hour anywhere near most large cities to do the measurements for you.
sean
6,231 posts
 
Thanks "Meta" for clarifying the issues. Sounds like this program is REALLY worth the money and FAR more versatile than any of the others. Since your 1 gig puter can do it overnight, my older 200 can probably swing it within 2 - 3 days or so : )

Psychicanimal, what is a GOOD sounding "disco" ??? If you think that nightclubs have "good" sounding audio systems, i can understand why you went with the 1200. I'm not trying to be rude, but there is a BIG difference between what a sound reinforcement type PA system and a home audio system do well. Sean
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