Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: How do you do a B-Chain alignment with sealed port windows

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Posted by Frank Dubrois (Member # 3042) on 06-16-2006, 06:05 PM:

Just curious how thats done. With port windows that open, its easy to run the mic out the window into the auditorium, but what do you do with sealed port windows? I'm hoping its not the obvious answer....removing the port windows.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 06-16-2006, 07:08 PM:

I've got several locatins like that! Dumpkoffs designed those ports for sure!

I use a wireless keyboard and mouse to control the laptop which is running my R-2 both of which are in the suditorium. I set the laptop on top of a ladder in front of the port so I can see it. Yes! I charge extra for doing B Chains in plainly stupid situations like this.

Mark

Posted by Ian Freer (Member # 1940) on 06-16-2006, 07:20 PM:

A couple of other situations I have come across...

Occasionally a permanent mic lead will have been installed when the theatre was built and just be coiled up behind a curtain in the auditorium and in the base of the rack.

Also sometimes a small sealable cable duct will be installed between the projection room and the auditorium; remove the screw-on seals and through goes the mic lead...

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 06-16-2006, 09:15 PM:

I take a 3" hole saw and make a round hole through the wall and tell them to put a E box on eaither side with the bottom removed
If you don't want to do that then call someone else as I don't have the time to waste devising a work around

Posted by Frank Dubrois (Member # 3042) on 06-16-2006, 10:09 PM:

Wireless keyboard and mouse...thats brilliant. I was wondering if maybe I was missing a trade secret or something. Sounds like a real pain.

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 06-17-2006, 02:11 AM:

What I've done in a 8 plex is put a standard square "J" box on the inside of the booth per each house and on the other side of the wall, mount, under the sound insulation and to the sheetrock, a Switchcraft XLR female panel socket, and run a three conductor wire through the wall which would be soldered to the other end of a Switchcraft XLR male plug that would be stored into the square "J" box that would have the cover. The inside "J" box is mounted close enough to the processors so that the runs can be as decently short as possible.

This way, the sound tekkie can hook up his multiplexer in the auditorium to the wall socket, and in the booth, have the EQ and laptop attached to the XLR plug. Thus not having to run miles of sound cable from booth to each house.

Amazing when some places are being designed and built that the matter of sound alignments are not on the priority list of such designs...where soundproofing the booth from the auditorium seems more drastically important..Thus, of the sealed port windows (and how are you supposed to clean them if they are sealed outside of getting the stepladders out...which in itself is quite the pain..when the windows are high...)

-Monte

Posted by Frank Dubrois (Member # 3042) on 06-17-2006, 01:30 PM:

Yes, cleaning the windows requiers a ladder. Because it is such a pain to drag out a ladder to do that, the projectionists are cleaning them as often as they should.

I will see if the chain will spring for some kind of mod so we can get an alignment done. Somehow I dont think they will spring for it.

Posted by John Walsh (Member # 168) on 06-17-2006, 01:57 PM:

A friend of mine drilled a hole through the wall, and slid in a length of 1-1/4" conduit pipe (not EMT.) He applied acostic cauking around it at both ends to sort of 'glue' it in. When not in use, he slides in some regular insulation and screws on a cap.

Posted by Frank Dubrois (Member # 3042) on 06-17-2006, 04:11 PM:

If i had to buy a microphone to do this, what would be the best way to go? Keep in mind, I'm spending my own money on this and I have no other use for it other than B-chain.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 06-17-2006, 07:00 PM:

Behrenger makes an incredibly flat mic for use with their spectrum analyzer thats about 60.00. It also has just about the right sort of other characteristics that you would want and can be phantom powered from a variety of voltage sources. I've tested them and they are actually pretty good performers for the money..... but I would not use them in my day to day work, the one I use with my IVIE cost about 1200 bucks.

Mark

Posted by Frank Dubrois (Member # 3042) on 06-17-2006, 07:36 PM:

I wish I could afford an ivie, but the new IE-35 is around $1700.

What are your thoughts on audio inputs to a laptop to do a A-chain? i was told the mic input isnt a good idea, but rather an external sound sound would be best. How would a Soundblaster PCMCIA Audigy card work? It would still use a mic input, but if that would be just as good as a completely seperate sound card, I'd prefer less clutter.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 06-17-2006, 10:23 PM:

Well, You'll be using a 50 buck microphone feeding a 4 buck sound card.... Something doesn't sound right there to me.... and it won't to your customers either! You need am extremely high quality external sound card to do this. I'm not at all impressed by the new IVIE.... Palm Pilots tend to become obsolete very quickly... and they break easily. Its also way too small for my fingers and has a much lower grade mic. Also IVIE is not the company they once were since the original owner has long since sold it. There are a couple of other options I would reccomend but they are 3K up to about 10k. P.S. You need a super low noise mic preamp and it has to have a balanced input.

Mark

Posted by Frank Dubrois (Member # 3042) on 06-18-2006, 12:18 AM:

Well, I know its definately not optimal using a laptop, but its all I have. The company wont spend a dollar. Unfortunately I'm spending personal cash on specialized equipment is not an option. I was looking for a IVIE-33 used somewhere, but they are no where to be found. A laptop is all I can use for now. I was looking around for decent RTA software to use as well. The PCMCIA soundcard seems to be a better thing to use rather than a completely external sound card box. The PCMCIA card is newer that the external box I found, and higher quality, but I wanted to make sure it work ok since the only input it has is a mic input like the built in one on my laptop. I am thinking the add-on sound card would have a better quality input and processor.

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 06-18-2006, 01:45 AM:

Frank...chek out this sound card for your laptop. -Monte

Posted by Jarrad Salmon (Member # 3818) on 06-18-2006, 06:21 AM:

quote: Mark Gulbrandsen
Behrenger makes an incredibly flat mic for use with their spectrum analyzer thats about 60.00. It also has just about the right sort of other characteristics that you would want and can be phantom powered from a variety of voltage sources. I've tested them and they are actually pretty good performers for the money..... but I would not use them in my day to day work, the one I use with my IVIE cost about 1200 bucks.

Mark

Behringer in my experience (more live/studio audio) are not a brand I reccomend. Sure they are very cheap and have their place in the industry... But I find them unreliable and lets face it... real professionals simply choose better performers. Only get that mic if you want something cheap and nasty to do the job quickly and on a temporary basis.

If I were you I'd hire better gear until you can afford something better

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 06-18-2006, 07:04 AM:

quote: Jarrad Salmon
Only get that mic if you want something cheap and nasty to do the job quickly and on a temporary basis.

I agree 99%. The mic is the only piece of gear they make that I'd ever reccomend on the cheap. And only for very light use and no major room tunning. Its fine to use it to balance out a system just as is a Radio Shack SPL meter once its 85db level has been calibrated.

Aside from needing very good equipment to be able to do a good job tunning a room is also a bit of an art in itself that is also finalized and tweeked by ear. Esperience is definately required!

Mark

Posted by Frank Dubrois (Member # 3042) on 06-18-2006, 11:06 AM:

Monte, I was looking at that sound card and almost got it, but then I thought that this one:

PCMCIA Soundcard

Would not only be better quality, but easier to carry around. The only downside is the mic input. You think that a completely separate soundcard is still better?

Posted by Dustin Mitchell (Member # 372) on 06-18-2006, 11:44 AM:

Before drilling holes through walls one should check local building/fire codes to make sure the ends are properly sealed/etc.

Posted by Richard Hamilton (Member # 321) on 06-18-2006, 12:23 PM:

Mark,
Do you use your IVIE or R2? I have not used an IVIE, only an R2 and a Linear-X. The only bitch I've had is that I need to carry 2 laptops, 1 for the analyzer and 1 for the processor! It is kinda cool going through airport security though and asking if I need to place each laptop in seperate bins! hehe
Rick

Posted by Jack Ondracek (Member # 1466) on 06-18-2006, 12:41 PM:

quote: Jarrad Salmon
Behringer in my experience (more live/studio audio) are not a brand I reccomend

I've used Behringer equipment for several years. Like Radio Shack, you have to be careful what you buy... and I've been on both sides of that fence.

As Mark says, their mic preamps are pretty darn good. In an environment where you aren't hammering the pots, so are some of their mixers. I'm using them to mix the outputs of my digitals back down to 2 channels for FM. The noise floor on the mixers is way below that of a CP65.

On the other hand, some of their other equipment isn't exactly competitive... but generally worth the money.

Funny... I had a much higher opinion of the company before stories came out in broadcasting circles about how they "acquired" some of their designs and board layouts.

Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 06-18-2006, 06:37 PM:

We have just acquired a DIGITAL (groan) wireless mike system specifically designed for measurements work. The idea is that when you are tuning up to 20 systems by yourself, you eliminate the cable and 50% of the trips up the steps. This will be used with our Abacus RTA80 systems. So far, it is not yet calibrated, but hope to have the time soon. Details later. Cost? about 1300 dollars not incl the mike and analyhzer.

Behringer? Jack has it exactly right. Some good, some bad, depending upon application. Louis

Posted by Frank Dubrois (Member # 3042) on 06-18-2006, 07:11 PM:

If you guys were doing this with your own cash, just trying to help out the theatre you work at, how much would you be willing to spend? If I had the cash, I'd buy the best, but they dont pay too well, and I'm only there for the love of the theatre, not to score brownie points. I know I owe it to the patrons to get the best, but I cant afford it, yet, whatever I get, is all they will have.

Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 06-18-2006, 07:19 PM:

Plan B: put the analyzer on a ladder & just watch it through the glass. Have done this many times. Or purchase 500 ft of Belden 8451 cable & put ends on it to fit your mike. Run through the stairs & halls when people are absent. Louis

Posted by Jack Ondracek (Member # 1466) on 06-18-2006, 08:02 PM:

quote: Frank Dubrois
If you guys were doing this with your own cash, just trying to help out the theatre you work at, how much would you be willing to spend?

That's a pretty subjective question, Frank. Personally, I'd say that whatever figure YOU feel happy with is the one to spend. Personally, the only theatre I've ever done that for is the one that I grew up working for. The feeling that I'm giving something back to the people who laid the foundation for one of my eventual professions is how I justify it, and I'm happy with that choice.

Keep in mind that, in most cases, these kinds of improvements don't happen because the owner doesn't care, or can't afford it himself (usually the former). If he doesn't care enough to upgrade, or even set aside a little for an eventual purchase, your "donation" isn't likely to be met with much appreciation. You're trying to do the best... but for HIS customers, which frequently means it's you who's getting [sex]

Maybe a discreet search for a more appreciative environment might be in order...

Posted by Frank Dubrois (Member # 3042) on 06-18-2006, 08:37 PM:

I feel like you. This place kind of gave me a start. It gave me a few oppotunities that I appreciated and im trying to give a little back while attempting not to go broke.

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 06-18-2006, 09:43 PM:

Hi Frank. What the USB soundcard thingey is that with the RCA inputs, you hook up the mic multiplexer into this soundcard and analyze the info heading back into the laptop with a sound analysing program...like Spectra RTA ...

Nah, if you use mic imput on the laptop, once again, you're depending on the system's momboard soundcard (which is very inferior) instead of the external sound capturing device.

Posted by Frank Dubrois (Member # 3042) on 06-18-2006, 10:12 PM:

Monte,

This sound card does all the processing. The mic input goes into this card, not the motherboard input. The soundard is higher quality than the one you posted, but I dont know if you can consider it external or not...technically it is. It simply does not have RCA inputs, just the higher quality mic input.

Posted by David Stambaugh (Member # 1102) on 06-18-2006, 10:25 PM:

Any chance you can recoup part of your investment by doing tech work for other theaters on the side? Just a thought.

Posted by Frank Dubrois (Member # 3042) on 06-18-2006, 10:32 PM:

I thought about it, but unless I go into business for myself, I think there would be a conflict of interest. Besides, i'm not that good...definately not good enough to go into business.

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 06-18-2006, 11:09 PM:

Neither am I a professional, but I do have four accounts that I take care of..on a regular call basis... - Monte

Posted by Frank Angel (Member # 248) on 06-19-2006, 03:28 AM:

If you charge for your service separately, i.e., if when you do an A and/or B chain alignment or any other tech work and you have to use your own personal equipement and not equipment that the theatre supplies, then any equipment, manuals etc., that you purchase which are used only for that specific work (an RTA would be job-specific whereas a computer would not), then you can deduct this cost on your income tax. Getting some of this money back can sometimes allow you to perhaps go with the highter quality equipment.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 06-19-2006, 07:07 AM:

quote: Richard Hamilton
Do you use your IVIE or R2?

Rick,
I actually use both. When I do a plex I have my scope and Ivie set up on a roll around Tektronix scope cart and I can get through alot of A chains in short order. I also do any digital readers along the way as well. I use the R-2 just for B chains or if there are just one or two screens I might use it for everything. I never cared for the ballisitcs of the R-2 for doing A chain work, its way too fast. The slowest speed on the Ivie allows for much finer azimuth adjustments. Of course my PC-40 is now a dinosaur as are all the Abacus equipment out there but they are all still dangerously accurate. My PC-40 was built by the Old Ivie Company... before they were sold. The new Ivie is just not the same and the new equipment is not nearly as well made. The Linear-X is also a good piece of gear and one that I would consider way before any piece of present day Ivie gear.

Mark

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 06-19-2006, 01:22 PM:

I'll put my Abacus scope attachment up against anything for A-chains...in fact if there was a good multiplexer that had mic offset files out there...I'd use it for B-chains over the R2.

But like Mark, I use one device for A-chains and one for B-chains. The D-2 may change that though since it has a Scope suitable for analog A-chains...my Tek will still be doing the Dolby Digital alignment (though Tim has said he is working on getting the scope good enough to do those as well).

All in all, my Abacus is still my favorite analyzer...the R2 is just a better tool for B-chains due to its calibrated mics and time averaging. I do note that when I go back to a theatre either tuned by myself or even by others with an R2, that generally, everything remains within +/- 3dB...you only get that when calibrated equipment is used. The USL system is okay but nothing is calibrated and the same is true for most of the other multiplexed systems...as such, you have a time-average of a non-calibrated system.

Posted by Frank Dubrois (Member # 3042) on 06-19-2006, 02:02 PM:

How much would a used R2 cost? I don't know the full model number, or I'd do a search on ebay for it.

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 06-19-2006, 03:11 PM:

Full model number: R2

This was a real low-production item so you may not find them used very easily. Your best bet is to find someone that went from an R2 to a D2 and would want to off-load their old R2.

Steve

Posted by Frank Dubrois (Member # 3042) on 06-19-2006, 03:31 PM:

Everytime I do a search for R2, or D2 for that matter, i seem to get a lot of R2-D2 merchandise. I'll keep looking for it. I saw the D2 setup, looks very nice. I'm sure its beyond my price range though.

Posted by Jarrad Salmon (Member # 3818) on 06-19-2006, 07:57 PM:

quote:
Aside from needing very good equipment to be able to do a good job tunning a room is also a bit of an art in itself that is also finalized and tweeked by ear. Esperience is definately required!

I agree 100%, I guess my original post failed to read exactly how I feel.

quote: Jack Ondracek
As Mark says, their mic preamps are pretty darn good. In an environment where you aren't hammering the pots, so are some of their mixers. I'm using them to mix the outputs of my digitals back down to 2 channels for FM. The noise floor on the mixers is way below that of a CP65.

On the other hand, some of their other equipment isn't exactly competitive... but generally worth the money.

Yeah there isn't much headroom in the preamps. I like their "valve" gear that has a window showing a LED making the tiny valve glow! [Big Grin]

I too still have some Behringer gear I'm slowly replacing, as it simply doesn't sound as good as other brands within financial reach. Sure, Behringer are cheaper, but not always the best choice when we are talking a few hundred dollar differance over a few years of work. It is worth it in the long term to get something that works better. I'm not saying buy the top of the line gear and forget anything else... The point I'm trying to make is the middle market is generally more competetive in the audio world. You can get better value for money buying there as time stretches on.

quote: Frank Dubrois
If you guys were doing this with your own cash, just trying to help out the theatre you work at, how much would you be willing to spend? If I had the cash, I'd buy the best, but they dont pay too well, and I'm only there for the love of the theatre, not to score brownie points. I know I owe it to the patrons to get the best, but I cant afford it, yet, whatever I get, is all they will have.

If it were me, I'd try to borrow some gear from a working tech. Just do a good tune for them without buying the gear. In return for the tech you borrowed the gear from, offer some free labour that you can treat as work experience. You should do alot for a favour like that!

Or better...

If you can't find the needed equipment to borrow, try to hire it. Either way your teaching yourself to operate at a higher standard. As you develope your skills, you'd be starting at a higher level.

That is how I started my PA Hire buisness. I hired other peoples gear. I didn't make as much money at the start, but I developed a regular list of clients. Made it easier to get a loan and buy my own gear. Only took a year to be competely out of debt.

Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 06-19-2006, 08:15 PM:

Why all that fuss? I usually simply take the port hole out if possible. The trick is not dropping it. Most open somehow anyway.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 06-21-2006, 05:56 PM:

Frank,

I will probably be ordering a new D-2 next month and my R-2 might be up for grabs once I settle in with the new D-2. Drop me an e-mail... although I should really have it bronzed and hang it on the office wall. I have a collection of R-2 files that would go to the moon and back!

What do you all think the used value of a clean R-2 is, I will throw in my old 100 mhz Toshiba laptop along with it. I will include a clean 20 gig drive with DOS 6.22 and the last R-2 version on it?

quote: Michael Schaffer
Why all that fuss?

Because some idiots put in 3 to 4 foot square port glass!

Mark

Posted by Frank Dubrois (Member # 3042) on 06-21-2006, 08:19 PM:

I'd be interested in the R2 unit..depending on price. if you ever consider getting rid of your IVIE, let me know. Those are slick as snot.

Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 06-22-2006, 09:14 AM:

Michael: some of these windows are heavy. Some are sealed in with Silicon. A few are polarized....but that is for another thread. Louis

Posted by Frank Dubrois (Member # 3042) on 06-22-2006, 01:33 PM:

Yeah, these are sealed with silicone.

Mark...selling that IVIE-33?? I hear the IE-35 is so much cooler, I think you might want to upgrade [Big Grin]

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 06-22-2006, 07:08 PM:

quote: Frank Dubrois
Mark...selling that IVIE-33?? I hear the IE-35 is so much cooler, I think you might want to upgrade

No, I have a PC-40 which by todays standards is certainly a dinosaur but super accurate and has been extremely reliable, its keys are also the right size for my finger tips and the batteries last a very long time on a charge. The new IVIE is way too small for my fingers and I would'nt purchase anything based on a palm computer. I got tentative buyer for the R-2 by 8PM last night. Sorry.

Mark

Posted by Frank Dubrois (Member # 3042) on 06-22-2006, 09:44 PM:

Wasn't I the tentative buyer last night at 8:17pm? My post... my post. What are you selling it for?

Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 06-23-2006, 12:04 AM:

quote: Mark Gulbrandsen
The new IVIE is way too small for my fingers and I would'nt purchase anything based on a palm computer.

That's why this, like any other palm computer, comes with a stylus. Yes! It is even included in the basic price! Although it also works fine to just tap on it with your finger. Yes, you need a minimum of fine coordination for that. Most of the time, I use the small alignment screwdriver instead of the stylus - when you have one of those protective translucent fouils on top of the screen, it doesn't matter - since I have that out anyway.
The great thing about the smallness is that I have it in my backback all the time. It comes in very handy in many audio situations, and be it just a really quick A-chain check between shows, or quickly looking for the signal when people complain about low levels or problems with the HI, or, or, or...

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 06-23-2006, 12:31 AM:

quote: Mark Gulbrandsen
What do you all think the used value of a clean R-2 is, I will throw in my old 100 mhz Toshiba laptop along with it. I will include a clean 20 gig drive with DOS 6.22 and the last R-2 version on it?

As an owner of a D2, I'd say WITH the laptop, maybe $100. [Razz]

The R2 system is terribly bulky and a general pain in the butt. [Mad]

You will be incredibly happy with the D2. [thumbsup]

Posted by Frank Dubrois (Member # 3042) on 06-23-2006, 09:35 AM:

What does a D2 go for? Naturally, they don't quote prices online, so I'm curious.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 06-23-2006, 10:26 AM:

Actually I now have four standing offers that range from $900.00 to $1750.00. Thats more than I thought it wold be worth! The laptop is only a P-1 90 mhz! So basically its worthless but more than adaquate for DOS 6.22.

Mark

Posted by Frank Dubrois (Member # 3042) on 06-23-2006, 12:19 PM:

I can't imagine what a new D2 would go for if a used R2 goes for THAT! ugh...

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 06-23-2006, 02:25 PM:

The D-2 sells for only about half of what the R-2 sold for(less laptop). Advances in technology have made it smaller and lighter but it's still just as inconvenient and time consumming to use as the R-2 is. Two people make things go alot faster! Actually of the two the R-2 has far better build quality.

Mark

Posted by Frank Dubrois (Member # 3042) on 06-23-2006, 02:30 PM:

How much does it sell for?

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 06-23-2006, 02:41 PM:

About $3500.00, actual price depends on the exact accessories you need. I could keep my R-2 and re-use the 4 mics with it and just have them calibrated to the new D-2 if I wanted to save some money. USL produces some of the modules of it. A adaquate laptop with Windows XP-Pro is also needed.

Mark

Posted by Frank Dubrois (Member # 3042) on 06-23-2006, 03:41 PM:

Yikes... $3500.

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 06-23-2006, 05:23 PM:

Note, the laptop needs TWO real USB ports for reliable operation...a USB hub to expand a single port laptop has had difficulties...as per Tim Holmes.

Steve

Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 06-23-2006, 05:28 PM:

Does the $3500 include the multiplexer and microphones, or are those extra?

And don't most current laptops have at least two USB ports? I haven't seen one with only one in quite a while, though I am mostly familiar with the current Dell and IBM/Lenovo models.

Posted by Frank Dubrois (Member # 3042) on 06-23-2006, 06:17 PM:

In the picture, it shows all the equipment w/4 microphones. i would assume thats all enclusive. Most laptops have at least 2USB ports since it seems thats the standard for connectivity now. I'm sure a standard hub wouldnt work just based on power consumption, but I would guess a decent hub that has its own power source would work fine. After all, thats one of the big selling points of USB. Your supposed to be able to connect like 128 things to one port.

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 06-23-2006, 07:04 PM:

I believe everything is inclusive except the case...of which they offer several sizes depending on how complete you want your system to be. That is...do you want to also haul around extender cards or special cables and fixtures....etc.

This is definately on my list of things to get...as well as a few other things. We've gotten 12+ years out of our R2....and now have 2-sets of mics so one set may be out to calibration and the other set in use. Somehow, I don't see us necessarily retiring it yet...perhaps repurposing it...once the D2 becomes part of the arsenal. One thing about the R2...it isn't something we're looking to get rid of...it does well and continues to do so...a treasured piece of test equipment, for sure.

I still like my Abacus better though if it had the 4 calibrated mic thing going for it...the USL box without the calibration thing never did the trick for me...it is okay for a quickie tune when the people are getting ready to sit in the theatre, as the carpets are being uncovered and the screen guy is taking down the scaffolding that you had to cut the aperture plate around...etc. (but who hasn't been there and put in mulitplexes?)

Steve

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 06-24-2006, 11:37 AM:

I agree... The R-2 is still a very viable piece of test gear, were it not I would have retired it long ago. They NEVER come up for sale or are available used. Mine is the only one offered on this forum that I am aware of and is probably why I got so many e-mails regarding it.

Those that use anything other than the R-2 or D-2 for critical cinema room tunning are preventing their customers from having the best and most consistant sound they can get from a given system.

Since I already had my IVIE PC-40 which has one of the best measurement mics available I ended up giving my ABACUS away to another local tech that desperately needed an analyzer and he uses it all the time. Still keeps ticking like the Everready Bunny! He uses that cheap Behringer Mic that I mentioned in another post... compared it to my IVIE mic and its within a couple of db across the board. Can't coment on the Behringer mics directionality characteristics but for general purpose work in just balancing out systems or driver replacement verification its just fine and dandy, alot better than a cheap SPL meter.

Mark

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 06-24-2006, 08:15 PM:

I have a D2 and am very happy with it

Posted by Frank Dubrois (Member # 3042) on 06-24-2006, 10:42 PM:

May I ask what you paid?