I have played around with my 2 channel 22 channel stereo EQ just to what I think sounds good, but I can never quite get it right. I have heard of microphones that actually test the accuracy of the reproduction of sounds. What are these called? and where can a borrow one, (I don't really want to buy one) just use one once.

 

u mean RTA?

 

I don't know, but it is a microphone that monitors the different frequencies. And then tells you so that you can adjust your EQ for optimal sound reproduction.

 

RTA it is!

u can buy one, but its pretty expensive. over $200 for the equipment.

 

Two things:

1. they are called bands of EQ, not channels
2. a little box of electronic gadgets will tell you nothing about the "optimal sound" - that's what ears are for!

Another tip, if you have to add or cut more then -6dB or so from band to band to get it to sound right, your install is not as good as it should be...

 

Are you compeating? If so you need to use an RTA to make all 30 bands appear flat. Also some great tuners RTA there systems flat first then make changes off that eq curve.

 

I am talking about just trying to reproduce the sound as accurately as possible. My ears will like it if it is accurate. So 200 is the cheapest, thats too much, a shop wouldn't have something like that?

 

The only comp body and still use RTA's is IASCA (IIRC of course). I know USACi has no place on the scoresheet for RTA testing. The RTA curve doens't have to be ruler flat. A 3db deviation between bands is acceptable without a point deduction.

I agree though, an RTA is a good tool, but it isn't the answer to how to tune your car...there's a lot more to it, and your ears are really the only tools you should trust

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by rcurley55 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> and your ears are really the only tools you should trust </TD></TR></TABLE>

Very true. But I think if you compete, you need more than your ears, since everyone likes there music to sound a little differently. And lets not forget, many ears need training

 

tuning by ear is great! Some people do get carried away with RTA tuning though - spending countless hours, time and money to acheive "good" sound. remember - flat sound may not necessarily sound good to you!

-Rage

 

So the consistant pattern that I am picking up is that I don't need an RTA. IT should be tuned just to how I like it, aight. Thanks guys Time to go tune away

 

Another thing you hafta consider is that RTA will take into account frquencies in that are naturally louder in your car. I just feel that RTA would be a good way to establish a baseline to start with.