[Rclark]

Ahh that sucks. I was hoping more along the lines of.. $40...

When it comes time to buy a nice external, I'll spend some good money on it, more than $120. But for this purpose, right now, it's gotta be cheap.

[ebag4]

Ahh that sucks. I was hoping more along the lines of.. $40...

When it comes time to buy a nice external, I'll spend some good money on it, more than $120. But for this purpose, right now, it's gotta be cheap.

There are cards that have been used sucessfully (according to the REW forum) that are less than $40, for instance this one at $28:
http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UCA202-Audio-Interface/dp/B000KW2YEI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314103699&sr=8-1

You would need to sign up for and check the REW forum however, as there are caveats for some of the units with regard to the OS you are running.

This is the section from the REW setup sticky regarding soundcards:

LAPTOP Note:
If your laptop is limited to a mic-in port with no line-in, then you'll require an external USB soundcard. There are basically two flavors of external USB soundcards.

One type contain an internal microphone preamp(s) with phantom power for condenser mics (such as the ECM8000 or EMM-6). The popular manufacturers of these type are Tascam, EM-U, and M-Audio. The connection diagram for these soundcards is shown at the bottom of the page, but be sure to read through this entire article first.

The second type do not contain a microphone preamp, and have analog line-in and line-out only. The interconnects for this type are the same as for an internal PC soundcard.

Most brands of external soundcards work fine with REW. Many members are using the Creative SoundBlaster Live 24bit external card. It's inexpensive and the REW HELP files have a section on setting up the Creative SoundBlaster Live 24bit external card.
In the earlier days of VISTA, there were reports of some soundcards not working well. The drivers for VISTA are now readily available and there shouldn't be any problems. I personally use VISTA 32 on my laptop and use a Turtle Beach Audio Advantage SRM Soundcard. It works very well with VISTA and REW. Here's a post on my experience with it and how to set it up.



Read more: REW Cabling and Connection Basics - Home Theater Forum and Systems - HomeTheaterShack.com


Best,
Ed

[JohnR]

Don't forget the (calibrated) microphone.

[jtwrace]

Don't forget the (calibrated) microphone.

http://www.cross-spectrum.com/measurement/calibrated_behringer.html

[ebag4]

Don't forget the (calibrated) microphone.

Right John.  There are various microphones available.  However for a down and dirty setup, if you own a Radio Shack soundlevel meter you can use the mic from it.  There is a calibration plug-in for the radio shack meters that is said to correct the response of the average unit.  I have read that it is only good for frequencies up to 3000 hz, this is what I used.

Best,
Ed

[JohnR]

Oh I see, there's an RCA jack on the side of it. Never noticed that before!

I'd honestly suggest nonetheless that if someone is going to spend any money to do measurements (as opposed to using what you already have) that a minimal investment threshold be considered. I tried to help a friend do it on the cheap and it was just money wasted. Better to have bit the bullet and spent a little more to do it right. Otherwise just use an app on your phone.

[kip_]

If your system literally took a leap forward, you had better move it back.

(The word you were looking for is "figuratively".)

But on a serious note, congratulations on dramatically improving your system.  Enjoy!

Larry

http://theoatmeal.com/comics/literally

[LarryB]

LOL.

If I had a nickel for every time this expression is misused, I would (literally) be rich.

Here is a quote from a designer with his own Circle on AC:

[These speakers] are extremely transparent and literally disappear into the room for that "you are there" experience.

The other rampant mistake is using "that" for "who," as in "We need more people like Danny that have thorough knowledge of cross-overs."

Larry

[Rclark]

John is it really that dire if I take measurements through an inexpensive soundcard? What exactly happened with your friend?

[JohnR]

John is it really that dire if I take measurements through an inexpensive soundcard? What exactly happened with your friend?

Heh, no it's not "dire" by any means, and I'd certainly encourage you to give it a go However if you are serious about doing measurements then you can get a calibrated measurement mic and a known USB interface for not too much north of $200. And then you're set forever (unless you need to measure above 20 kHz), with accurate results, and for any future project as well.

[Rclark]

Oh yeah? Package deal? Where?