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Looking for Room Measurement / Speaker Setup Software

I’ve gotten to the point where I am happy with the equipment I have (PS Audio Digital / VPI Super Scoutmaster Reference, NAT Preamp, Maker Audio Amp, Hansen Prince speakers), but I know the speakers could be better optimized. The setup is in a crappy room (too open, with a big couch) but it still sounds really good. Not great though.

Can anyone recommend software / hardware that I can by to measure frequency response at my listening position that I can use to adjust speaker placement? If I need separate hardware above & beyond my laptop that’s fine, though obviously something that works with the laptop’s hardware is more economical. I’m guessing we’re talking a good USB mic and some software but I have no idea what to get.

Thanks!

Ian     Palm Beach County, Florida
ihmeyers
mikexxyz
66 posts
 

I’m a big fan of REW software.  I agree with others that there is a learning curve so, to get the most out of it requires some time and effort on your part.  I enjoyed the learning process and the SQ of my system benefited from the effort.

Audiogon is not the right forum to discuss measurements.   AVNirvana (where you get the REW software) is a good place to ask “how to” and "what does it mean" questions.  Gearslutz (pro audio) is a good place to read about acoustic problems and solutions.  They generally don’t answer questions from the 2 channel hobby crowd but every question you can think of has already been asked.  Search the forum.

You want a smooth frequency graph but I find the distortion graphs and the time domain stuff (ETC) more useful.  Finding solutions in the time domain helps resolve problems in the frequency domain.   Of late, I’ve been trying to lower the T30 values per Floyd Toole’s recommendations.

Lots of info in these books:  “Sound Reproduction” by Floyd Toole.  “Master Handbook of Acoustics” by F. Alton Everest and Ken C. Pohlmann.


erik_squires
15,657 posts
 
The trouble with measurement software, is, you still have to move the speaker. It won’t tell you where the right place is, it just lets you measure several places.


One of the best ways to find the ideal location for a speaker is to swap it with your chair.

Walk around the room until the bass sounds best, and mark it with tape. Put your speaker there. :) If you are using REW or OmniMic, same applies. Walk around potential speaker locations until you locate the best curve.


Also, if you don’t have any, bass traps can really improve your options.
tomcarr
1,468 posts
 
Jim Smith's book Get Better Sound is very helpful for getting the speakers and listening seat positions correct.
chili5555
15 posts
 
The problem I have with phone or tablet-based applications is that the quality of the mic is unknown and therefore deficiencies in the frequency response of the mic are not accounted for in the measurement. Do your speakers have a big droop at 7 kHz or does the mic in your phone??

In REW using UMIK-1, the quality is known and a specific calibration file for the mic is accounted for in the software and, therefore, the measurement results.

I use and recommend REW.
erik_squires
15,657 posts
 
Hey @Chili5555

You can get a calibrated phone mic for around $20-$30

https://amzn.to/2Qr7LyK


Best,


E
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