Generating REW test signals -- anyone doing it?

[Mike-48]

I am starting with REW but have some experience with audio measurements. Because of system configuration, I am planning to generate test signals with REW ahead of time and store them as FLAC files, to be played for measurements. (That is explained somewhere in the manual.)

Is anyone else here doing that already? If so, would you care to offer tips on exactly what signals to record? Any other tips on the technique will also be welcome. Thanks!

 

[Sonnie Parker]

I record timing reference sweeps to play back in Roon using my UMIK-2 for measurements... when needed.

 

[Mike-48]

Hi Sonnie,

Thanks for the info!

So I guess a good set of test signals to have at hand for use with REW would be a pair (L, R) of what you have shown (though I'd do it at -12 dB or less)? Got to say, I'm surprised you have it at 0 dB.

For when working only with bass, is there any value in having a pink noise signal as well? It can be easier on the ears and speakers, perhaps, but I don't know if REW makes use of it or not.

Oh, also -- do you find a 10-sec sweep is really necessary for measuring? Or would a shorter sweep do as well?

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Hi Sonnie,

Thanks for the info!

So I guess a good set of test signals to have at hand for use with REW would be a pair (L, R) of what you have shown (though I'd do it at -12 dB or less)? Got to say, I'm surprised you have it at 0 dB.

For when working only with bass, is there any value in having a pink noise signal as well? It can be easier on the ears and speakers, perhaps, but I don't know if REW makes use of it or not.

Oh, also -- do you find a 10-sec sweep is really necessary for measuring? Or would a shorter sweep do as well?

Thanks,
Mike

Yes... -12dB ... I opened REW up on my computer here at the shop and copy/pasted, where I actually never use it. I suppose it is defaulted to 0dB. I did change the other settings, but didn't catch the 0dB.

I think anywhere from 5-10 seconds is fine. The 10s appears to be the default, and I believe that is what I've been using. I've got those on my Roon server at home.

I do have pink noise recorded too, but that's for level matching.

 

[Mike-48]

Thanks, @Sonnie ! Helpful. I look forward to experimenting with REW soon.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Thanks, @Sonnie ! Helpful. I look forward to experimenting with REW soon.

It's a blast for sure... love that software.

 

[wus]

I generated bandwidth limited pink noise recordings, too, recently, for the same reason Sonnie is using them for - had to check out sensitivities of a bigger number of small full range drivers, to select matching units for line arrays.

 

[Mike-48]

Another product I owned could generate FR plots from pink noise picked up by the measurement mic. These were not accurate at above 5 kHz or so, but they were great for adjusting subs -- pink noise being a little easier on the ears (and I'm told on speakers) than sine sweeps. Can anyone tell me if this is achievable (and a good idea) in REW, and maybe point me to a page in the help?

Or would I be better off just generating a sine sweep from, say, 10 Hz to 600 Hz and using that for the purpose?

 

[John Mulcahy]

If you just want frequency response magnitude you can use the RTA to see the response to Pink PN.