Specifications

EAW Smaart 6 Operation Manual Applications
84
4.5 Measuring and Optimizing a Sound System
Before measuring a sound system it is critical to answer the question, “What am I trying
to measure and why?” Sound system performance is qualitative and quantitative. The
following are essential questions to answer when evaluating system performance:
• Frequency response: Can the system deliver sound over the intended frequency
range, within expected deviations?
• Power handling: Can the system handle the desired amount of power without
distortion or component failure?
• Coverage: Does the system cover all areas at all frequencies?
• Subjective Quality: Does the system meet the audience/owners/performers/
operators expectations for perceived sound quality? This is ultimately the most
important criteria.
• Stability: Do mics feedback with the gain set to concert level?
• Noise: Does the system contain unwanted noise?
• Configuration: Do you understand the system configuration? Some sound
systems have groups of speakers driven form a single source. Others are divided
into several sections, each controlled by their own circuitry.
•Are all system components working? Unless you designed the system, take some
time to understand the system designer’s intentions. The system must be operating
properly before trying to make measurements. Systems that seem to be changing
gain or have intermittent noises are not good candidates for optimization. Spend
some time sorting things out first.
• Does the frequency response have any obviously large defects? Reflections
from large surfaces can generate comb filters in the measured signal. The name
derives from the appearance of evenly spaced dips in the frequency response
that are easily seen on RTA and Frequency Response plots.
Another important variable includes whether you are tuning an existing installation, a
newly installed system for the first time, or a touring system in a new venue. This affects
system expectations, the types of problems likely to arise, and how much can reasonably
be accomplished.
No piece of hardware or software can accurately answer all these questions by itself.
Tuning a sound system requires understanding the hardware, a discerning ear, accurate
and relevant measurements, and a disciplined and systematic approach to the problem.
There is no one right or wrong approach. Every experienced and accomplished system
tuner develops his/her own methods which can vary widely, although they may work
equally well.
There are, however, several steps we feel are necessary to any successful exercise in
sound system measurement and optimization. The order in which they are executed
may differ according to personal preference and the specific task at hand. These basic
steps are discussed in the context of optimizing an installed sound system.