Who's using a spectrum analyzer?

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djcrazychris

DJ Extraordinaire
Jun 12, 2018
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Anyone? Everyone?

Any thoughts on the subject? recommendations of a good one? tips on understanding the readout fully?

cc
 
Anyone? Everyone?

Any thoughts on the subject? recommendations of a good one? tips on understanding the readout fully?

cc
I used one occasionally (with pink noise) to balance sub and top energy when I used the DriverRacks. With most analyzers, you're looking at SPL per frequency slice. With pink noise, the slices are per octave, which corresponds to what most analyzers will do.

If you have an iPhone, I would suggest the Studio Six tools ... The AudioTools Platform | Studio Six Digital - (https://studiosixdigital.com/audiotools-modules-2/the-audiotools-platform/)
 
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I've played with it, and it does help, but the problem is the sound-field changes once the dance floor fills up with lots of bodies. I'm a firm believer in walking out on the dance floor right in the middle of a big jam, and using my ears.

IMHO, people's perception of sound is also effected by non-sound factors such as lighting and alcohol, to the degree that you do not want a flat frequency response. What then? In fact, if not for alcohol (which numbs your brain and your ears), the 15" two-way might have died off long ago!!
 
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Are you talking about an audio spectrum analyzer or an RF spectrum analyzer for mics. I have both and I rarely use either. Here's why...

Audio - These assume you have an omni-directional pickup pattern. That is not the case if you are holding the unit in your hand. The mic needs to be on a stand without nearby reflective or absorbative surroundings. Second, the mic cannot differentiate between direct sound and reflected sound. Therefore, it can't tell you whether the best treatment is to move the speaker or reset the EQ. Third, the built-in averaging feature produces a result that does not exist anywhere in the room. Fourth, the EQ settings need to change as the room fills with people. I've got more important things to do once guests arrive. I was hired to run a party first, not provide pristine sound. So while I find audio spectrum analyzers to be a great learning aid, experience is able to guide me further.

RF - These are critical when running more than a dozen mics. With less than that, you can check FCC databases to know what your starting point should be. Then you can just listen to see if the channel is clear from local sources.
 
Are you talking about an audio spectrum analyzer or an RF spectrum analyzer for mics. I have both and I rarely use either. Here's why...

Audio - These assume you have an omni-directional pickup pattern. That is not the case if you are holding the unit in your hand. The mic needs to be on a stand without nearby reflective or absorbative surroundings. Second, the mic cannot differentiate between direct sound and reflected sound. Therefore, it can't tell you whether the best treatment is to move the speaker or reset the EQ. Third, the built-in averaging feature produces a result that does not exist anywhere in the room. Fourth, the EQ settings need to change as the room fills with people. I've got more important things to do once guests arrive. I was hired to run a party first, not provide pristine sound. So while I find audio spectrum analyzers to be a great learning aid, experience is able to guide me further.

RF - These are critical when running more than a dozen mics. With less than that, you can check FCC databases to know what your starting point should be. Then you can just listen to see if the channel is clear from local sources.

I was actually referring to RF ...haha... thanks for the info!

cc
 
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I've played with it, and it does help, but the problem is the sound-field changes once the dance floor fills up with lots of bodies. I'm a firm believer in walking out on the dance floor right in the middle of a big jam, and using my ears.

IMHO, people's perception of sound is also effected by non-sound factors such as lighting and alcohol, to the degree that you do not want a flat frequency response. What then? In fact, if not for alcohol (which numbs your brain and your ears), the 15" two-way might have died off long ago!!

I'm with him :eager:
 
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Along these lines, I have wondered does anyone use a db meter out somewhere in the room broadcasting wirelessly back to the dj booth so you can keep an eye on volume levels?
 
I use the RTA that's built into my PA2 to set a base line then tweak from there. I still walk out on the floor and tweak during the event if things change.
I have used the same PA system for so long I know what it should sound like and don't need the RTA but I still use it for a starting point. Thats really all it's good for is a starting point.