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Testing for Dummies?

If I want to test what comes out of my system, what do you recommend using?

Is this roughly the testing process? 1) load the testing software onto your laptop, 2) buy a mic and mic preamp and plug it into your computer's sound card (I assume these need to be compatible), 3) plug the mic output from the soundcard into your system's preamp in, 4) play something from the test software, and 5) bingo... read the computer's measurement of what the mic pics up coming from the system's speakers. I imagine you must calibrate some stuff.

Does this work (for the audiophile hobbyist, not laboratory) and what product did you find works well? Jeff
jj2468

Showing 1 response by kr4

kr4's avatar
kr4
3,649 posts
 
Well, the direct answer is: It depends. Your description is, in general, correct but imperfect in details.

However, the question is: What do you want to measure? It seems like you want some idea of what your speakers/system is doing in your room.

I suggest that you look at TrueRTA and Room EQ Wizard. Both have websites with descriptions what they do, how they work, what other items they require and what you will get out of them. The base version of TrueRTA and REWQ are free-ware.

Kal
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