Looking for testing software recommendations...

[zappazapper]

A question that I've seen asked quite a bit on this forum, and also one that I'd like to investigate further, is about levels when using 4CM.

 

Back in the X3 days, when I really didn't know better, I used a plugin called Waves Q-Clone/Q-Capture to do some testing. This plugin's intended function is to allow a hardware equalizer to function as a plugin - basically it outputs a test tone to the input of the equalizer, analyzes the resulting output, and then creates a digital equalizer based on the frequency response it detects from the hardware equalizer. Basically you can theoretically own one good hardware EQ and apply that sound to more than one track. I don't own any good equalizers, so I never used it for that, but as it was capable of displaying the frequency response of a device, I used it to analyze what was going at various points between the input of my X3 and the output of my amp, at least in terms of frequency response and level. At the time, with my limited knowledge, it was more than enough, but I would like to do some more investigation and I'm thinking that there must be a better tool, one that is made specifically to test audio systems.

 

So, can anybody point me to Windows-based audio testing program that works in a similar way but provides more information, more precisely? Something that outputs a test tone and then analyses it and displays the results. And maybe not just frequency response but also phase, distortion, etc.?

 

Ultimately I would like to do my testing and then come back to the forum here with some potentially helpful information, not to provide a definitive answer (I'm not qualified to provide such a thing, and ultimately my equipment isn't "measurement grade" equipment anyway), but at least to provide some information that can provide a small bit of insight into the matter.

 

Thanks in advance for any help.

[DunedinDragon]

It sounds to me like what you're describing is what often referred to a Real Time Analysis of room acoustics.  That generally requires some fairly specialized mics and equipment if that's what you're after.  If so this may be a good place to start:  https://www.roomeqwizard.com/

 

[zappazapper]

15 minutes ago, DunedinDragon said:

It sounds to me like what you're describing is what often referred to a Real Time Analysis of room acoustics.  That generally requires some fairly specialized mics and equipment if that's what you're after.  If so this may be a good place to start:  https://www.roomeqwizard.com/

 

Ya, same idea, but no mics involved. Everything from the input of the Helix to the line output of the amp, and all the FX Loop patch points in between. I'll check out that link though. Thanks. 

[HonestOpinion]

12 hours ago, DunedinDragon said:

It sounds to me like what you're describing is what often referred to a Real Time Analysis of room acoustics.  That generally requires some fairly specialized mics and equipment if that's what you're after.  If so this may be a good place to start:  https://www.roomeqwizard.com/

 

 

Freeware too, nice! You can donate to the developer if you like and use it.

[soundog]

I use Q-Clone all the time. Its good stuff. Why not just use that, as it seems good enough to meet your needs. $30. Runs on Windows or Mac.

[zappazapper]

14 minutes ago, soundog said:

I use Q-Clone all the time. Its good stuff. Why not just use that, as it seems good enough to meet your needs. $30. Runs on Windows or Mac.

Because I didn't want someone coming at me saying "Q-Clone isn't a measurement tool". I guess I wanted some credibility?

[soundog]

Buy a good Siglent Technologies oscilloscope. But it'll cost you more than Q-Clone!     ;-)

[zappazapper]

14 minutes ago, soundog said:

Buy a good Siglent Technologies oscilloscope. But it'll cost you more than Q-Clone!     ;-)

Sorry. I wanted free credibility :/