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Frequency Spectrum Analyzer Software

I believe I've read about a few software packages for frequency spectrum analysis. I'm interested in this to tune the room as best as possible and to equalize the bass (not something I really want to do, but I think it is necessary). Although I can use a pressure meter and one of the stereophile CD's, I would prefer a spectrum analyzer that looks at all frequencies at once (for wave addition or nulls). What software is out there? Has anyone used it and with what results? Where can it be purchased? How important is a good quality microphone with this type of software? Also, my room is not rectangular so the programs that evaluate wave addition and nulls will not work for me.
abstract7
4 responses Add your response
sedond
1,387 posts
 
i have a cheap adc equalizer/spectrum analyzer - it includes a 10-band equalizer, pink noise generator, and microphone. it has been helpful for tuning/placement of my system, which includes an active crossover & subwoofer system. i think i paid ~$150 for the thing brand-gnu, 15 years ago... there are several of these not-too-expensive devices on the market; i think audio control currently mfr's these. i can't recommend using the equalizers on a hi-rez system, tho, but for adjusting x-over settings, & for subwoofer/speaker placement, they can be wery helpful.

doug

abstract7 OP
541 posts
 
Thanks for the current input. This is for a high resolution system. The active eq is only for the bass (it's bi-amped, so any added noise is limited to the bottom end only). I'm currently using a McIntosh EQ, but may upgrade to a TACT. Accuphase is a little too expensive right now. But I really want to optimize what I have now before I upgrade.
sedond
1,387 posts
 
hi abstract7, re: using equalizers on a hi-res system, i'm only talking about not using these *cheapie* equalizers. but, the pink-noise generators are useful for adjusting your current bass eq, &/or x-over adjustments. this is very useful for my x-over, as it has adjustable volume pots for the x-over setting as well as for the lo-pass & hi-pass settings.

doug

onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,229 posts
 
You might want to consider Terrasonde's Audio Toolbox. It's not software, but a hardware product. I don't have first hand experience, but it appears to do everything you want and much, much more. It features a display screen, signal generator(s) and has a built in microphone. The website is www.terrasonde.com
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