Testing frequency response??

whjr15

whjr15

New member
How would you go about testing the "flatness" of a speaker? Would I just be able to play something through it while close mic recording it, and then subtract the mic's frequency curve from the curve of the recording?

The reason I ask is because I'm broke as a joke right now, but want to experience mixing with the best possible source. I know it's not the ideal setup, nor am I expecting a miracle, I just want to figure out which of my speakers would be best for this task, and also learn a little while doing so.

So if anyone could shed some light on this topic for me, I'd appreciate it.
 
whjr15 said:
How would you go about testing the "flatness" of a speaker? Would I just be able to play something through it while close mic recording it, and then subtract the mic's frequency curve from the curve of the recording?

The reason I ask is because I'm broke as a joke right now, but want to experience mixing with the best possible source. I know it's not the ideal setup, nor am I expecting a miracle, I just want to figure out which of my speakers would be best for this task, and also learn a little while doing so.

So if anyone could shed some light on this topic for me, I'd appreciate it.
Click to expand...

Hiw15,
mmmmm.....your question may be more complex than we realise...and is one that can be broken down into at least 2 types of responses.......

Speaker companies can litterally spend thousands of (insert currency here) on specialised equipment/technology and technicians to come up with very specialised data that leads them to 'publishable' and honest sets of numbers, that you and I can use to make comparisons, while we shop for our speakers.

My second response is more practical....why would you need to know the 'flatness' of your current/potential speaker set up?....you may well be very well versed in math and have the specialised technology/equipment right now to generate comparitive numbers.
But numbers can equate to nothing sometimes, and testing as you suggested will probably give you more frustration and erroneas data than anything else.

.....or......

you could take 1 or 2 of your most preciouse, well known and well recorded CD's to various shops and run very real and practical comparisons using just your ears....you could make these same comparisons with the speakers you have now!! :)


If I'm understanding you correctly, you're not in the 'money growing on trees' boat, as am I. :p ;
but maybe more reading about what 'Frequency' response actually entales, how it effects equipment, how it effects the 'listener', how to basically measure it AND taking those CD's and playing them on everything you can will make YOU a more valuable commodity to yourself and to this fantastic business we call home recording. :D

Don't know if I helped...but hey...I found your question interesting!! :D
Kindest regards to you,
Superspit.
 
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I think you're too worried about the 'flatness'. I've been mixing on little desktop speakers and a sub since I started. At first, my translations were horrible, now I only usually make a few minor adjustments; sometimes more, sometimes less.

Also, more important than flatness of your monitors/speakers is how well treated your room is. You should read this: http://www.ethanwiner.com/acoustics.html

With that said, if you're still set on testing your response, I would pick up a measurement mic like the Behringer ECM8000, they go for about $50. You could also use it for measuring/tuning your room for treatment.

And if that doesn't work out, you'll have a nice microphone for recording. It works great on acoustic guitar. :)
 
danny.guitar said:
I think you're too worried about the 'flatness'. I've been mixing on little desktop speakers and a sub since I started. At first, my translations were horrible, now I only usually make a few minor adjustments; sometimes more, sometimes less.

Also, more important than flatness of your monitors/speakers is how well treated your room is. You should read this: http://www.ethanwiner.com/acoustics.html

With that said, if you're still set on testing your response, I would pick up a measurement mic like the Behringer ECM8000, they go for about $50. You could also use it for measuring/tuning your room for treatment.

And if that doesn't work out, you'll have a nice microphone for recording. It works great on acoustic guitar. :)
Click to expand...

yerrrrrrrr......
So Danny, I remember when you were looking to buy that 8000 Berry mic......you reckon it's ok mate?
 
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