If you have any specific questions about either, I'll do my best to answer. Let us know what you end up buying / using!

If you're into analog, nothing beats a discriminating set of ears.

I've had ETF for at least two years - never loaded it on the compactor. We're doing MUCH higher end work now and it seemed like the time is right to take the plunge. Still need to get an outboard usb driver, preamp and mic for it. Any suggestions there?

I originally got it at the recommendation of one of my good friends who is way into this stuff. He said the learning curve is steep and that my be why I never started. I really just want to be able to do tone sweeps and try to flatten out the curve as best as the room will allow. What EQs do you use and why with it?

Thanks in advance.

I'm using an M-audio Mic Preamp and outboard Sound Card that's powered directly from USB. Works quite well. Here's one place it's available:

[Link: musiciansfriend.com]

I'm also using a Behringer ECM8000 Mic also available at the same site:

[Link: musiciansfriend.com]


I haven't paid for the upgrade that allows you to determine the effect of different parametric Eq's on the room response. Setup is fast enough that I'll typically use the EQ available in the system. I perform a measurement, add eq where I think it might need some, and perform another measurement.

I mainly have been using it to evaluate room treatments. I've been treating my home theater, and looking at the effects of different treatment options. I knew something was an issue with the room, but wasn't exactly sure what at first. Had borrowed a friends 1/3 octave analyser, but after playing around with equalization a bit, response looked fine but still was lacking a bit.

Decided to splurge on the sound card / preamp and mic, and used the trial version of ETF. I immediatly knew the problem was too little absorption. The response curve shows quite a bit of comb filtering. They were building a house next door, so I borrowed several rolls of fiberglass for an experiment one evening. Just place them in the room, and the amount of comb filtering reduced by about 60%.

So my plan at the moment is to cover as much as possible with 2" fiberglass panels covered with fabric. I'm planning on treating the walls and ceiling.

The setup won't get you calibrated levels for SPL, but it will get you relative levels. I don't usually worry about reference anyway. Tend to set things up so the preferred listening volume is at one of the discrete presets on the amp. This usually results in increasing or decreasing the level from the calibrated SPL for that position anyway.

Just buy the Sencore. You will not be dissapointed.

Ditto for the GoldLine...
If you buy it from Tony Grimani's company (PMI), who sells at the same pricing as buying direct.
Then you have access to tech support from GoldLine and from Tony and PMI.