Generating REW test signals -- anyone doing it?

Mike-48

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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

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

40768
 

Mike-48

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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

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Panasonic UB9000 4K UHD Player (for media discs)
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Center Channel Speaker
MartinLogan Focus C-18
Front Wide Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT
Surround Speakers
JTR Neosis 210RT
Surround Back Speakers
JTR Neosis 210RT
Front Height Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT-SL
Rear Height Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT-SL
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JTR Captivator 2400 x6
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VTI Amp Stands for the Monoblocks
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Sony 98X90L
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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.
 

Sonnie

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McIntosh MC1.25KW Monoblock Amps
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StormAudio PA 16 MK3
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Intel NUC w/ Roon ROCK
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Panasonic UB9000 4K UHD Player (for media discs)
Front Speakers
RTJ 410
Center Channel Speaker
MartinLogan Focus C-18
Front Wide Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT
Surround Speakers
JTR Neosis 210RT
Surround Back Speakers
JTR Neosis 210RT
Front Height Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT-SL
Rear Height Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT-SL
Subwoofers
JTR Captivator 2400 x6
Other Speakers or Equipment
VTI Amp Stands for the Monoblocks
Video Display Device
Sony 98X90L
Remote Control
Universal MX-890
Streaming Equipment
FireCube for movies and Lenova Carbon X1 for Roon
Streaming Subscriptions
Lifetime Roon Subscription
Tidal
qobuz
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Satellite System
Dish Joey 4K
Other Equipment
Zero Surge 8R15W-1 | Salamander Synergy Equipment Stand

wus

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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

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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?
 
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