http://people.kth.se/~johk/jdft/index.html




A simple, free RTA program for anyone needing to either tune a room, check a mix or ring out a PA system. It isn't Smaart, but it isn't $900 either.


p.s.

Two more free RTA's, more complex, but more in depth:


http://www.trueaudio.com/rta_abt1.htm


http://www.roomeqwizard.com/

BTW, you can get a cut down version of SMAART inside of Audio Tools for iOS from Studio Six Digital.

http://www.studiosixdigital.com/audiotools-modules-2/acoustic-analysis-modules/smaart_for_audiotools/

I forget how much I(my employer) paid for it, but it was silly cheap compared to past pricing of SMAART. At the time I also purchased the calibrated measurement mic that Studio Six Digital markets as well.

http://www.studiosixdigital.com/audio-hardware/itestmic/

If you end up having interest, some things to keep in mind with the iTestmic:
1. The cable is only about 12" long
2. It does not come with a case

FWIW everyone that has a PGMusic product likely has their (included free) RTA also.

Didn't know that (another hidden gem in PG Land). Does it operate stand alone, or just within RB? I need a stand alone program.

As DX/VST plugin, requires a host

Thanks man. I'll stick with my freebee stand alone. It takes a lot of guesswork out of ringing out a PA with a 31 band GEQ.

For sure, a question that shows my lack of knowledge but I'm going to ask anyhow because I really want to know.

What is the function of a RTA program or application? I think I know but want to confirm what I think.

On a related subject, what are the differences between a calibrated mic, reference mic and regular mics?

RTA stands for Real Time Analyzer. When you 'pink' a room, or 'ring out a room' you normally play pink noise through your mains (and monitors if you are using wedges) and use the RTA to look at the frequency response of a measurement mic feeding the RTA.

You then adjust the EQ settings you have on your bus to your mains until you get the frequency response at the measurement microphone that you desire.

Devices like dbx drive-racks have made this sometimes a chore task into something that is nearly automatic and they do a fine job in my opinion.

I think you can run any VST plugin as a standalone with Hermann Seib's savihost, but I've only done it with VSTi, not VST.

In addition, the RTA mic has an almost completely flat frequency response throughout the audio spectrum. Regular mics typically have frequency "humps" mid-spectrum, and severe dropoffs at the low and high end of the frequency spectrum.



"On a related subject, what are the differences between a calibrated mic, reference mic and regular mics?"


http://realtraps.com/art_microphones.htm

Just bookmarked that Parts Express mic for future purchase reference. Thanks 90 dB. I love Ethan Winer's no nonsense approach to audio. If you've never seen his audio myths debunked YouTube, schedule yourself an hour and sit back and enjoy.

You don't need a calibrated mic for the purpose of ringing out a room. You only need calibrated mics when you are doing measurements for SPL for reports, which I'm sure you already know. I seem to recall that your handle relates to past familiarity with OSHA's noise exposure law.

-Scott

Thanks to the both of you for your answers. Very informative.

OOohhh man, 90 dB, with Parts Express, you just gave me some additional GAS. Check this out:
http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-imm-6-calibrated-measurement-microphone-for-iphone-ipad-tablet-and-android--390-810

With that, and Studio Six Digitals Audio Tools (which is pretty dang cheap), and this little 16$ mic, you have a real single channel SMAART analyzer nearly in your pocket.

Here's the audio tools package at the App store for you interested iOS folks:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/audiotools/id325307477?mt=8

Note that the SMAART single channel module is $50 in-app purchase.