waterfall graphs (1 Viewer)

[Ronneil Camara]

Hey guys,

I want to learn how you do the waterfall graphs. I want to do some assignments so I can learn more about bassy sounds.

What tools do I need? Is there any free software? Is there anything that I need to attach to my computer? Let me know what things I need so I can get started.

Thanks in advance.

Neil

 

[Robb Roy]

Neil,

Let's see if we can keep this thread non-controversial.

This thread has some discussion on creating waterfall charts, I believe. If not, it's got a couple of poeple who make them participating in it, so you could always PM them directly.

-Robb

 

[Robb Roy]

Neil,

Here's another thread with folks making waterfall charts.

-Robb

 

[MingL]

There is quite sufficient info in those links to help you get going.

The waterfall graphs are not as accurate (I stress this) as proper test and measurement instruments, but the results from spectrum lab are good enough to appreciate how low bass goes, and how loud it is respective to other bass freq.

Spectrum lab is a very flexible software, but I find it useful to plot waterfall charts for recorded media only.

 

[Ronneil Camara]

I have noticed one thing though. The more volume I put on my receiver, the more evident the deep bass is seen by Spectrum Lab. Why is it so?

Thanks.

 

[MingL]

How is your gear hooked up?

 

[MingL]

ok, I just realised in the other thread what you were trying to do.

Realistically, you'd want to use a measurement microphone if you want to record bass to a reasonably accurate degree. You can't just use any microphone to record bass.

If you don't want to go the mic route, what you want to do is to connect the LFE-out from your amp to the line in of your pc sound card.

Set the volume levels on the amp and pc mixers to the right level and you're all set.

 

[ChrisBee]

I just wanted to say how much fun Spectrum Lab is. Thanks for the link.

I downloaded this great freeware and was analysing my favorite "bassy" CDs within seconds. I just dropped them into my computer drive and away it went.

So much for believing incredibly deep, loud bass was all over my "extra bassy" CDs though. Apart from the organ CDs most of it only went as low as 30Hz!

I'm having a go at my DVDs next.

Imagination is a wonderful measuring tool. Not! :b

ChrisBee

 

[Ronneil Camara]

Now, things just went clearer. I thought, the purpose of creating a waterfall is to show how much low our subwoofer can go.

Question though, how do I get to my pc's mixer setting? And what should be the desirable setting?

Thanks guys.