Beginner - Spectrum Analyzer help and advice - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Tomer
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2018, 05:25:38 pm
content: Hi all and thank you for helping out.I am in the process of setting my lab, I intend to do Audio work and experiment/design Pro audio gear such as Preamps, Eq's, compressors and effects.I will need a spectrum analyzer.Can you guide me in the right direction for one, it can be PC based as well.I was thinking to use a PICO 2000, but i saw that the resolution is 8Bit, I think that can be a problem with Audio ? don't you think ?Thanks you and sorry for the general question.ThxTom

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2018, 06:37:44 pm
content: I think the Analog Discovery may fit your requirements.

author: Tomer
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2018, 07:26:59 pm
content: Thank youAre you referring me to the following product ?https://analogdiscovery.com/Tom

author: RoGeorge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2018, 07:43:08 pm
content: A good PC soundcard, like 24/192 or more, used as a spectrum analyzer. A dedicated SA instrument for audio doesn't make much sense.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2018, 08:19:40 pm
content: Quote from: Tomer on January 15, 2018, 07:26:59 pmYes, that is the one. IMHO the BNC adapter board is a nice to have as well.

author: Tomer
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 16, 2018, 02:41:26 pm
content: Hi and thank you for the replay.I was thinking about using a sound card but, they can be very expensive with a lot of functions that i don't need.Do you think a basic Studio sound card can be sufficient ? maybe you have a recommendation to one.Thank youTom

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 17, 2018, 11:10:58 pm
content: Quote from: Tomer on January 16, 2018, 02:41:26 pmYou need to be more specific, what is your budget and what do you need spec wise?ie is 20Hz-50kHz enough, what THD level, inputs/output type, balanced in and out?Scarlett solo and UMC204HD are some good <$100 choices, there are much better at higher prices though.https://audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/budget-dac-review-behringer-umc204hd.1658/

author: Krytron
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2018, 11:15:30 am
content: "Posted by: RoGeorgeInsert Quote "A good PC soundcard, like 24/192 or more, used as a spectrum analyzer. A dedicated SA instrument for audio doesn't make much sense."Consider that if you are working with very low level signals, that connecting a computer to the circuit may generate disturbances that will show up in your measurements and data". Computers generate a lot of radio frequency interference. You will note that a lot of computer inter connecting leads have ferrite cores at the ends near the connections and that acts as a low pass filter. Cheap digital voltmeters can also spit a lot of EMI into your circuits, etc.

author: DimitriP
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2018, 11:30:55 am
content: Give visual analyzer a try.http://www.sillanumsoft.org/VA and RMAA are my two most favorites for double checking what my ears are hearing (or not )

author: IDEngineer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2018, 03:17:41 pm
content: Quote from: RoGeorge on January 15, 2018, 07:43:08 pmHP has been making audio-specific spectrum analyzers since at least the 70's (back when their catalogs were a hardbound book like an encyclopedia!) and they charged their usual prices for them. They made sense then, as they do now, if you're doing precise work.However, you are correct about a sound-card-based solution for non-demanding work. I've had great luck with TrueRTA for many years, even used it to characterize filters in the audio range.https://trueaudio.com/rta_abt1.htmDisclaimer: I have no formal connection with them except as a satisfied customer. Definitely worth a look before you spend real money.

author: DC1MC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2018, 12:30:16 pm
content: I will recommend this one:https://www.ebay.de/itm/HP-Agilent-35660A-Dynamic-Audio-Spectrum-Signal-Analyzer-ahnl-35665A-35670A/173107719388