ProAudio Review - December 2008 - (Page 56)

L e ft : T h e S P 4 95 o ff e r s i n p u t v i a ba lanced Neutrik combo connectors. B e l ow : O n t o p , t h e S P 4 95 o ff e r s d i g i t a l I/O, analog output options, and a handy r e f e r e n c e s p e a ke r. consonant loss based on RT60 and level measurement), RaSTI and STI-PA analysis (these last two tests are based on the system resolution of bandwidth limited pink noise modulated by sine waves. The test signals are provided on CD). Various standard noise curves can be plotted across a user’s SPL vs. frequency test data with the Noise Curves firmware module. The Time Delay Analysis firmware graphs frequency response independent of room reflective energy (and includes “3D” waterfall graphs). This function can be handy in helping determine whether poor room acoustics are negatively impacting a sound reproduction system that is, in and of itself, performing as conceived. RT60 measurements can be enhanced with the Multi-Band Decay Analysis module, computing decay time simultaneously across seven individual octave bands for further identifying problem areas. The final firmware module uses the mic input with the headphone outputs to form an Audio Stethoscope for gremlin chasing. The SP495 can be interfaced with Mac and Windows computers via RS232. I used an USB to RS232 serial port adapter to successfully interface the SP495 with both a MacBook and a Windows XP laptop. For Windows, the TerraLink software module provides a “follow-me” type of functionality for test functions, and, with the SP495 in a PC-link mode, recall and display of stored test data. For Mac, there’s a SoundPro module for similar computer display. There’s also an optional Windows report software module for link to a customized Excel spreadsheet. In addition to using the SP495 in the sound reinforcement environment in Ben’s church install, I used the SP495 for home theater evaluation. While the SP495 is equipped with the measurement capability for level and delay settings, and can be informative about room reflections and decay with its extended functionality, automated home theater testing for up to 6.1 systems (DTS and Dolby test signal generation) is facilitated by pairing the SP495 with Sencore’s DAG5161 SurroundPro Digital Audio Generator (not tested). The SD card interface can be used for transfer to computer of impulse response, and the SP495 can also function as a stereo recorder, with the SD card used to “sneaker net” such data (as well as RTA, FFT and other data stores). The SP495 is not inexpensive. Many FOH engineers may opt for a laptop and one of the available software sound analysis packages as a less expensive and more function specific choice for their needs. For the sound consultant set, needing an evaluation tool that provides data more traceable to relevant standards, and who is not simply dealing with the venue du jour but evaluating the space itself as well as sound system performance, the Sencore SoundPro SP495 Audio Consultant competently provides a comprehensive range of tools in a single portable package. For that class of user, simply reading through the feature set is likely to inspire gear lust. RME (continued from page 34) channel. Meters can be set to peak hold or auto reset after three seconds. Red peak flashers illuminate at -.2 dBFS. To set up, since I use the ADI-8 DS for A/D conversion in front of my Digi 003R, all I had to do was move the TRS plugs and Lightpipe from DS inputs to QS inputs. All of my audio projects end up on either CD or DVD. As such, 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz/24bit files work for my needs. I compared 44.1 kHz/24-bit recordings made with the same mic, preamp, and delicate finger-style acoustic guitar through both the DS and QS converters and found their sound was virtually identical. The RME analog and digital gainreduction circuits do noticeably squeeze the audio. I don’t think I’d use them for tracking unless very lightly. I think these features are better suited for sessions when ultimate density and loudness is the goal. The translated-from-German manual is sometimes paradoxical. The vocabulary is frequently above that of standard American English, but sometimes the lack of understanding of our syntax and grammar are apparent and obscure the content. One more pass through an editor for whom English is not a second language would make the manual as spoton as the device itself. Summary The RME ADI-8 QS is a hard-working, good-sounding, flexible box that can extend the capabilities of any studio at any level and even grow with it. Keeping the MADI card as an option is a very good idea; it keeps the unit’s price down for those who will never need it. 56 ProAudioReview | December 2008 www.proaudioreview.com http://www.proaudioreview.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of ProAudio Review - December 2008

ProAudio Review - December 2008 Contents Technically Speaking New Studio Products Opinion: Mastering Matters Review: BIAS Peak Pro XT 6 Review: Zaxcom Fusion ENG Mixer and Multitrack Recorder Review: Sound Devices 788T 8-Track Digital Audio Recorder Review: Universal Audio UAD-2 Solo DSP Accelerator Review: Chandler Limited Germanium Compressor Review: RME ADI-8 QS A/D-D/A Converter Feature: Converters and Clocks: Engineers on Their Choices New Live Products Opinion: From the Road Review: Yamaha IM8 Series Mixing Consoles Review: NTI Digirator DR2 Digital Audio Signal Generator Review: Sencore SoundPro SP495 Audio Consultant Test Set Single Slice

ProAudio Review - December 2008

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