Oscilloscopes - what specs to look for?
Bob : That's a plug in to a music production system. I don't think that's exactly what the OP was looking for. I think these are a little closer: https://listoffreeware.com/best-free-oscilloscope-software-windows/ |
I agree about modern digital scopes are the way to go. As a no-longer professional, if I had to start all over again as a student I’d look for combo systems though, get all 3 of your needs in terns of signal generation, measurement and observation. If you are starting into the hobby, you may even do well with NO scope at all. Just use your PC’s sound card for the signal generation, measurements until you’ve learned what the limits are and where you want to go. In the audio spectrum, what a PC can do is amazing (compared to the 1980s), and certainly good enough to work your way through most Op Amp and simple amplifier text books with the right software, some of it free. Of course, who doesn’t want the best gear possible? But if you are starting... save your money for text books, courses and experimental parts. Best, E |
Again, nothing at all wrong with a good scope, but if I was doing this from your starting point, I would suggest you look at something a little more specialized, like this: https://quantasylum.com/products/qa401-audio-analyzer I have no financial interest, just that after being in the hobby for a while, I want more audio specific tools the scopes never gave me. In the old days a scope and audio analyzer and signal generator were 3 different pieces of gear, now I’d rather forego that all and have one. You may also want to go look at Audio Science Review were they use several bits of kit to analyze audio gear, see what they do. Oh, also, if you want to play with tubes, make sure you have gear that has probes for the high voltages. :) Please suit yourself. Best, E |
20 MHz is overkill for audio gear, unless you are going to start poking around in digital devices like a streamer or DAC. You might want to look into some PC based solutions. There's a number of capabilities the old school style oscilloscope may not have built in, which are useful:
Best, E |
