Specifications

EAW Smaart 6 Operation Manual Applications

The Spectrum tab of the Options dialog contains additional display options (page 93).

Spectrum measurements can identify feedback frequencies, analyze room noise, and

study the spectral content of music. When properly calibrated, the RTA display can be

used for real-time, banded SPL metering and is used to calibrate Smaart’s broadband

SPL metering functions as well (see page 57).

Figure 4-4 Spectrograph and SPL displays

Historically, RTA methods have been employed to measure the frequency response and

EQ a system. However, since Spectrum measurements are inherently unable to distinguish

direct from reflected sound, or discriminate between the excitation signal and uncorrelated

noise, its accuracy for system response optimization is severely limited. Therefore, we

recommend using Frequency Response measurements because they provide more

complete and accurate information about the system’s behavior.

4.2 Measuring an Analog Equalizer

This example uses Smaart’s real-time Frequency Response measurement capability

to measure the frequency response of an analog equalizer. This exercise requires an

equalizer, crossover, or some other filtering signal processor.

Because digital devices include some throughput delay from input to output, which

requires compensation before making a frequency response measurement, use an analog

device for this example. Smaart can measure and compensate for propagation delay

and it is discussed in later examples (see page 77). But let’s keep things simple for

now, so raid the attic for a piece of analog gear for this exercise.

The following components are required for this measurement:

• Analog equalizer – The EQs on an analog mixer channel (or another analog

device that can alter frequency without adding delay) may be substituted if a

standalone EQ is not available.

• Cables and adapters for required connections, including one Y-cable