Description
The Smaart Operator Fundamentals course is open to all interested persons. Prior system alignment experience is not required but is helpful. However, this course does assume a working knowledge of professional sound system engineering practices and basic audio fundamentals. If you have any questions concerning course prerequisites, please do not hesitate to contact the listed Smaart instructor before registration.
The Smaart Operator Fundamentals covers the fundamentals of setting up a Smaart measurement rig and using Smaart to make primary RTA, Spectrograph, Transfer Function, and Impulse Response measurements. Special attention is paid throughout the course to the subject of how to make valid and proper measurements.
This course begins with an overview of the available system measurement theory and the operational context in which Smaart is used, namely in Sound System Engineering and Alignment. Next, this course focuses on providing the attendee with a functional knowledge of how Smaart operates as a tool before expanding to the application of that tool in sound system engineering and, as much as possible, examines data interpretation as much as acquisition.
The first day of class is primarily a classroom lecture and lab format, relying heavily on in-class measurements. The second & third day involves a hands-on practicum focusing on implementing the information presented on the first days. It uses Smaart to systematically evaluate and adjust the individual system components and the subsequent combination of multiple subsystems into a multi-channel / distributed sound system. Throughout this alignment practicum, the session seeks to reinforce the necessary measurement and listening skills collaboration.
The Operator Fundamentals Class provides:
– A fundamental description of the measurement concepts involved in dual-channel FFT-based analysis (as used in our industry)
– A systematic breakdown of how they are realized in the Smaart measurement software
– A detailed and hands-on (as possible) examination of the requirements for configuring and controlling a Smaart measurement rig.
Topics Covered Include (but are not limited to):
– Fundamental Measurement Concepts: Single channel vs. dual-channel measurements / Time domain vs. frequency domain analysis / What the heck is an FFT?
– Smaart Software Overview: Software install/update & upgrade / Measurement Configuration / Measurement control & interface navigation
– Anatomy of a Measurement Rig: Hardware requirements / Standard Configurations / Basic Troubleshooting
– RTA and Spectrograph Measurements: Averaging and Banding / Feedback identification (& other cool things to do with Spectrograph / Calibration for SPL
– Transfer Function Measurements: Magnitude, Phase & Coherence traces: how they are generated and how to read them / Data Thresholding Functions and Improving Measurement Quality / Data Storage and Trace Averaging
– Impulse Response Measurements: Setting up the delay for Transfer Function measurements: Live IR and Delay Tracking / Measuring delay times for speaker system time alignment / Tips for improving IR measurement quality / The Impact of FFT Time Constant (window length) on Measurements
– SPL logging with Smaart & 10Eazy
– Measurement Position Choice and Microphone Placement
– Measurement position selection – choosing our system alignment decision points
– Microphone placement and coping with boundary conditions (e.g., ground bounce)
– Single vs. Multiple positions
– Measuring and Tuning an Individual Speaker System
– Determining proper loudspeaker operation – near field measurements
– Evaluating loudspeaker coverage
– Measuring and adjusting speaker response in the coverage area
– Extension of Coverage: the Addition of Fill and Delay Systems
– Alignment checklist for each system – Freq. Response, Level, Delay, and Polarity
– LTC: Level – Time – Combine, a systematic process for combining systems
– The 5-minute delay: a quick procedure for setting initial delay system parameters
– Subwoofer Mania – The curious issues involved in measuring subwoofers in the “real world.”
– Timing the crossover between main systems and subs
– Subwoofer arrays – controlling / steering sub energy
The class will be generally taught in English but can also be taught in Norwegian, should all participants agree. The class materials are in English, though. Accommodation is not included in the price. Basic refreshments (coffee, water, etc.) are included.
Please bring a laptop with Smaart (demo or licensed) and a sound card with two channels minimum.