Topic: inexpensive spectrum analyzers

[rocksuitcase]

Hello all,

Tapping the TSKB:

I have a friend who is a soundman for a local theatre group.  HE is looking for some info about spectrum analyzers.  I have been out of the game long enough so that I do not know what's available these days.  I have already had the discussion with him about which mic to use etc, but if any of you have info on mics that are not Josephsons or B&K's then he would liek some info on those too.! I appreciate in advance any answers you all may supply. 

Thanks,
Kyle

[DisturbedPyro]

audacity analyzes spectrums. although for a soundman hed prolly want something a bit more comprehensive than what audacity provides

[rocksuitcase]

Thanks for your reply.  IS Audacity a software program?  I guess I should have mentioned that I spoke with him about JBL's SMAART, but he doesn't have a laptop to use.  So he is looking for a piece of hardware.

Thanks again for your reply!   

[Lil Kim Jong-Il]

A cheap laptop off craigslist and audacity is probably cheaper than a contained portable unit.  It might not be as accurate depending on the quality laptop's line in and DAC but it might be more than good enough for a lot of applications.

What about one of those eeepc for about $300 and audacity?

[rokpunk]

he needs a laptop and SMAART.

/end of story

ps. SMAART is made by EAW, not JBL.

[MattD]

he needs a laptop and SMAART.

/end of story

ps. SMAART is made by EAW, not JBL.

What about SpectraFoo? Also, I've seen Earthworks QTC-1s used for analysis.

[notlance]

A laptop and SMAART or other FFT software would work, I'm sure, but it might actually be more than he needs.  He will have to add a mic and probably phantom power and maybe a mic pre and make sure the laptop has a decent sound card.

Is 1/3 octave good enough?  If so, and if he wants a simple all in one unit, there are two brands that come to mind.

The first is the old stand by Audio Control SA-3051 or SA-3052 or SA-3055.  All these models are about the same.  They have been around for years, they have good filters, and are just about bullet proof.  They can be bought off eBay for about $500.
http://www.audiocontrol.com/t37/5650/Acoustic-Analyzers.html

Smaller self-contained SSAs are the Phonic PAA2 and the PAA3.  Both units are similar, the biggest difference is the PAA3 can measure RT60 and the PAA2 can't.  These Phonic SSA don't have as good filters as the Audio Control units, but they are much more portable.  Prices are about $300 for the PAA2 and $400 for the PAA3.  Here are some links:
http://www.phonic.com/en/testers/paa2.html
http://www.phonic.com/en/testers/paa3.html

There are other companies that make all-in-one SSAs (Gold Line and Ivie come to mind) but I have not used them.  I own both the Audio Control and Phonic units and I know they work fine.

[rocksuitcase]

Thanks for the replies folks.  I forwarded the responses with links to my friend.  I am grateful for the different answers and most of the bases seem to have been covered here.  I do remember using the Ivie with some sound companies' I worked with.

I have also linked him to TS.com- maybe he will join but hopefully not become addicted as many of us are!

If any one else has ideas, please post them today as he may be checking in here after he gets my e-mail.

Thanks Again,

Kyle