I'm reading through the EHX brochure and I see a class titled "Using Software to Size Rooms and Position Speakers and Listeners" This course will explain how to use software in the early stages of planning a listening room.

Anyone familiar with what kind of software there is out there to do this? Have a copy you'd like to pass on?

The title could imply acoustics modelling software, or room layout software, or both. Too vauge....

Could be something like CARA which is a room optimisation piece of software.

Comes from speaker manufacturer ELAC I believe.

Here are a few:

Cara is good but has a steep learning curve and takes a while to do its calaculations. It will take you a little while to enter all your speakers data too. Also, some surface data needs updating as well.
http://www.rhintek.com

The room sizer/optimizer from RPG also works well. It is strictly for rectangular rooms and doesn't take into account different types of loudspeakers.
http://www.rpginc.com/

If you want to spend a lot more money but have much greater capabilities than I would consider EASE which is distributed by Renkus-Heinz.
[Link: rh.com]

Hope this helps

Bob

I got an e-mail from SynAudCon regarding a seminar at NSCA for room acoustics and mastering the use of modeling software as well as measurement software.

Every time I look at what's going on in the very high end of acoustical design for commercial projects, I feel like I know nothing....

Here's the body of the letter, I'm sure more info can be had at the NSCA site.

With today’s technology, we can predict and measure the acoustical performance of the rooms to a greater degree than ever before. This information is essential as it drives the whole design process.

The class will help you get the most out from the acoustic measurement and prediction platforms, and teach you how to better use the prediction programs such as EASE, CATT-A, and Ulysses and measurement programs such as Smaart, WinMLS, Praxis and EASERA.

Demo software will be provided and used throughout the seminar. This class is “Hands On”. You will need your computer. Electrical outlet will be provided at each sitting position.

It is $100 less than the HAA seminar, but looks to be as detailed in terms of curriculum and their primary markets for these services is definitely more mature than the home theater arena.

There is no "certification" to add to your business card or letterhead like HAA, but does that matter???...
Also, since the NSCA seminar is based it on the top existing modeling and measurement systems, you probably won't get pimped to buy proprietary Sencore boxes and/or HAA's AVPro software system.

Any takers?? Random thoughts??

I have some real BASIC software that calculated room modes, etc. Email me if you want a copy.

Thanks for the offer thefish...
I probably already have the same or an equivelant.
I downloaded the WSDG room calculator for Excel a long time ago, and that's what I use for help with sub placement.
I had a REALLY old modeling software from Snell back in the early days of home THX.
It was specifically for sub placement, if I recall.
So old, it was only available on 5.25" floppy discs!!

I use the old fashioned "walk around the listening area" test to see if I like the results. I also have an Audio Control RTA that I use with test CDs and Avia, but it only has 1/3rd octave resolution.

My setup is like a chisel and stone tablet compared to what I am reading in the current white papers on room correction EQ, all of the new white papers recommend 1/64th octave plots and correction.

I am really looking to step it up a WHOLE lot.

Anyone else looking to get started on the basic level of room modes should take thefish up on the e-mail offer or use this link for the free WSDG template.
[Link: wsdg.com]

Beginners can really learn a lot just by browsing the resources links on the WSDG site and reading between the lines to see which methods apply to the residential spaces we work in.