The Ravages of Time

Your Real Time Analyzer LIES to you!

It turns out the RTA ignores a great deal of data that may have a larger influence on a room's acoustical signature than the frequency response it does provide. We often think that tuning a room to a flat or appropriate curve response on an RTA cures all acoustical issues, providing a good sounding, optimized listening environment. But once you start to use this "optimized" room, you may find that what looks good on the RTA display, sounds bad and is difficult to work in. And as audio guru Dr. Richard Heyser has said, "if it measures good, but sounds bad, you're measuring the wrong thing."

This presentation will explain the problems with RTAs, where -
• Real Time Analyzers are the most common, if not sole, acoustical test device in most studios
• They fail to show response changes that occur later in time
• These late occurring anomalies can have a profoundly detrimental effect on a room’s sound
• These anomalies are delayed beyond the RTA’s window due to having to overcome inertia in the room’s construction materials
• The biggest problems comes from vibrating drywall panels
• This missing information is least as important as frequency response, if not more so
• Causes and results of this are defined and explained
• Comprehensive solutions are provided

At the conclusion, attendees will leave with an in-depth understanding of the shortcomings of RTAs, the room issues they conceal, and the solutions to those problems. They will know what to expect from an RTA, and where they need to fill in the “missing pieces”. Attendees will also have insight into the conundrum of why rooms can sound bad, but still measure good with an RTA, classically exemplifying Dr. Heyser’s famous quote.