Worthwhile budget measurement microphones for REW?

[Samazar]

Just realised that Cross Spectrum provides the 90 degree cal files which is what I need.

 

[Samazar]

Absolutely. Here's a Comparison graph someone posted on another Forum a number of years ago.

View attachment 69050​

Regards,
Wayne

That is good to know, thanks Wayne.

 

[Samazar]

Just came to learn, CSL no longer calibrates or sells Dayton EMM-6 mics.

 

[ManCaveAudio]

Is it possible to use REW exclusive (excel) JAVA drivers to measure multi-channel (7.1) in REW using the XLR Mic + Audio Interface loopback function?

 

[androx]

Frankly I feel very dumb about what to expect from a better measurement microphone. My stereo is mid-fi, better than entry level. I have great imaging and soundstage.
I am using REW with a cheapest Dayton USB measurement mic the simplest way - run a sweep, make EQ, export EQ as convolution filter, that's it.
I really like the result, playing with REW made convolution filter is far superior to just plain Wasapi output, great project - thank you, it makes my life better!

My question is - will I get audibly better results from a better mic? Then, assuming a decent USB mic is about the same price compared to XLR one with audio interface (+/- few $) - do I benefit from getting an XLR mic and all its phantom powers, assuming my goal is just to build a better convolution filter? Please tell me like I'm 5.

 

[John Mulcahy]

will I get audibly better results from a better mic?

No. Broadly speaking, a more expensive mic is likely to have better high frequency response before calibration and may have slightly lower noise floor. If your mic has a cal file then the first point doesn't apply, and mic noise floor won't be a factor in your room response measurements.

 

[TanoTonic]

It turns out a cheap USB calibration mic actually does a better job here than a pro XLR mic. Two reasons:
A. You don’t need an audio interface, less hassle..
B. You save a few dollars for your evening lager ; p

 

[ddude003]

USB calibration mics are best and easy to use... EMM-6, UMK-1 and UMK-2 are used by most everyone here...
And for fun here is a thread that compares the UMK-1 and UMK-2... https://www.avnirvana.com/threads/umik-1-vs-umik-2.8397/

 

[androx]

USB calibration mics are best and easy to use... EMM-6, UMK-1 and UMK-2 are used by most everyone here...

No my mic is iMM-6 much cheaper than those. Yes it came with a calibration file.

 

[ddude003]

I would consider if your iMM-6 mic plugged into your cell phone and held in your hand would be as good as a EMM-6 mounted in a professional boom mic stand... It is well know that taking hand held measurements close to the human body can be much less accurate than stand/boom mounted measurement microphones where there is no human body to interfere in the acoustic environment... Also precise placement and position of the mic, via a professional stand, is important for time alignment and phase adjustment and also helps with repeatability...