Recommendations for Measurement PC

thadman · 16th February 2008

Hello all

I'm interested in taking Frequency Response, Harmonic Distortion, Impedance, etc measurements for testing loudspeakers and their constituents. In addition to measurement capabilities, I'm interested in using the computer to actively control several individual loudspeakers (FIR & IIR filters, EQ, Phase manipulation, Room Convolution, etc) and multi-amp them.

I'm looking to build a computer to accomplish the aforementioned tasks, what will get me there?

What platform would you recommend for this task? XP? Vista? Mac?

What CPU, how much Ram, etc

What soundcard would you recommend? From my understanding the card must support internal routing of digital signals and support multiclient drivers that support simultaneous use of ASIO, DX, and MME clients. I also require that all channels use 192khz 24bit DACs. 16 Channels would be great, although 24-48 channels would be much more conducive to my goals (expansion boards maybe?).

What software would you recommend?

FYI, I may be able to get a discount at Sweetwater, so it would be appreciated if the recommended equipment was available through them.

Thanks, Thad

thadman · 19th February 2008

I'm sure somebody has created a setup similar to this or has some experience

Sound Addict · 19th February 2008

Your question piques my curiosity. What will you be using this setup for?

thadman · 19th February 2008

A National Instruments PCI-4474 will be used for all data acquisition, so the soundcard will serve only as the source and crossover for the loudspeakers.

I'll be using it to actively filter (equalization, crossover "ie FIR, IIR filters", phase manipulation, etc) loudspeaker drivers (some of you may be familar with bi-wire, multi-amp studio monitors) for loudspeaker engineering. It will also complete room convolution and serve as the source for my audio setup.

What soundcard (16-24 channels) has the highest sound quality and would suffice for the aforementioned duties? (I'd like to spend under $2000 if possible, the PCI-4474 alone costs $2000).

The brands that come to mind are Lynx, Apogee, and RME...but which model should I go with?

djbrough · 20th February 2008

I'd go Lynx for the sound card. I'm not sure a MADI setup would work for you, but (if it can) you can get 32 channels out of it.

If you're in the US, I've found a PC builder who will build systems to your exact specifications for relatively little money. They are familiar with pro audio, and do build for some of the large studios in Atlanta. They have over 20 years of experience. Check this link out

GIMCOMPUTERS.COM - General Intelligent Machines, Inc..

Don't let the website fool you. They know what they are doing.

Best of luck,
D

16th February 2008	#1
thadman Gear interested Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 20 Thread Starter	Recommendations for Measurement PC Hello all I'm interested in taking Frequency Response, Harmonic Distortion, Impedance, etc measurements for testing loudspeakers and their constituents. In addition to measurement capabilities, I'm interested in using the computer to actively control several individual loudspeakers (FIR & IIR filters, EQ, Phase manipulation, Room Convolution, etc) and multi-amp them. I'm looking to build a computer to accomplish the aforementioned tasks, what will get me there? What platform would you recommend for this task? XP? Vista? Mac? What CPU, how much Ram, etc What soundcard would you recommend? From my understanding the card must support internal routing of digital signals and support multiclient drivers that support simultaneous use of ASIO, DX, and MME clients. I also require that all channels use 192khz 24bit DACs. 16 Channels would be great, although 24-48 channels would be much more conducive to my goals (expansion boards maybe?). What software would you recommend? FYI, I may be able to get a discount at Sweetwater, so it would be appreciated if the recommended equipment was available through them. Thanks, Thad

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19th February 2008	#2
thadman Gear interested Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 20 Thread Starter	I'm sure somebody has created a setup similar to this or has some experience

19th February 2008	#3
Sound Addict Gear interested Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 9	Your question piques my curiosity. What will you be using this setup for?

20th February 2008	#5
djbrough Gear addict Joined: Sep 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 398	I'd go Lynx for the sound card. I'm not sure a MADI setup would work for you, but (if it can) you can get 32 channels out of it. If you're in the US, I've found a PC builder who will build systems to your exact specifications for relatively little money. They are familiar with pro audio, and do build for some of the large studios in Atlanta. They have over 20 years of experience. Check this link out GIMCOMPUTERS.COM - General Intelligent Machines, Inc.. Don't let the website fool you. They know what they are doing. Best of luck, D