It is time for me to learn how to measure sound in my room so I can try to improve things. I have seen some videos on Room EQ Wizard that I think I would like to look into but don’t know if there are other cheap options. Yes, I know about Baach, but I can’t afford it and need something much cheaper.
I was thinking of buying a UMIK-1 and trying to learn Room EQ Wizard but maybe you all have better alternatives I’m ignorant of. Would it be worth it for me to spring for the UMIK-2 over the 1?
I had considered trying MiniDSP earlier but am a bit worried it would downgrade the sound from what I currently have with relatively nice components.
Thanks for the advice.
REW is donation-ware. You can use it for free, if you like, and decide if or when you’d care to donate for using it. Get a UMIK-1 that has its own cal file. For REW a UMIK-2 really brings no value. I have and have used both. If you go with REW, read the online user guide. There are folks here who can help once you’re ready.
I used REW with great results. It will let you see what issues you may have with frequency response, RT60 (reverb time), etc.
The next obvious question is how you plan to make adjustments when you find these issues. I have a dBx Venu360 LMS (loudspeaker management system) that is DSP-based and allows lots of adjustments to correct for any anomalies you are likely to find. Also, do you have a subwoofer and does it have adjustment for phase, EQ, etc.? Finally, do you have or are you planning to have room acoustic treatments?
Lots to learn but very much worth the effort when you hear what a properly treated room with dialed in FR/RT60, etc.