Newb needs some help with acoustic analysis

[throttle]

I am looking for some help in interpreting some results from an RTA tool. I downloaded this tool YMEC software - DSSF3 - Audio spectrum analyzer, professional acoustic measurement and analysis and took some measurements. The catch is I have no idea how to analyze this stuff. I took me a long time to get it to work with my protools rig but I think I finally figured out how to take measurements and start worrying about my room just a little more

I used a behringer ECM 8000 as my reference mic, I know it’s cheap but I figured I would start with something I already have laying around before I go out and spend the big bucks.

Here is what I did to get some measurements: I fired up some pink noise via the included signal generator then took some snapshots from some of the FFT screens. Next I fired up the frequency response tool and took some snapshots of those screens via a sine sweep of about 10 seconds. Now the hard part, how do I interpret this crap? When I look at it I say “wow 100hz looks like crap, so does 205hz so does 600hz etc.” I already have some homemade bass traps (owens 703) covering the walls and the ceiling (right above the mix position) so I am curious if I over did it. When I listen to my mixes in the car I tend to over do the low end and also have some mud (maybe that’s the 100 and 600hz?)

If anyone can read this stuff and let me know a couple of things it would be appreciated. First if I am doing things the right way as far as measurements go and second take a look at the data and give me some pointers on what needs fixing in my room!

I attached two files, with the first one (room1), I might have had the mic input to hot which could have skewed the results so I took them again paying closer attention to all ins and outs..

[Ethan Winer]

Originally Posted by throttle

The catch is I have no idea how to analyze this stuff.

What matters most in domestic size rooms is the low frequency response, which you can see is not flat, and modal ringing. That software doesn't appear to have waterfall plots. You may do better with Room EQ Wizard, which is excellent and free:

Room EQ Wizard

I used a behringer ECM 8000 as my reference mic, I know it’s cheap

Actually, that microphone is fine for room testing. See this:

Comparison of Ten Measuring Microphones

When I listen to my mixes in the car I tend to over do the low end and also have some mud (maybe that’s the 100 and 600hz?)

Yes, this is very common, and is due mainly to the bass nulls in your room. So you hear too little bass when mixing and then add too much.

If anyone can read this stuff and let me know a couple of things it would be appreciated.

This article explains how I use ETF, but the principles apply to all such programs including REW linked above.

--Ethan

[brandondrury]

You may do better with Room EQ Wizard, which is excellent and free:

Oh wow! I didn't know this was free. Awesome!

Brandon