This article is written for two audiences: First, for those who have never owned an iPod Touch, iPad or iPhone (referred henceforth as iDevices); and second, for those that do own one of these devices, and so don't need to be convinced now is the time to consider owning one.
The product review focuses on an application (app) suite designed specifically for sound techs by Studio Six Digital. AudioTools includes a full set of measurement tools, from the basic Radio Shack-type dB meter to the most complex sound evaluation system, Smaart, and everything in between.
For non-iDevice owners
Prior to my current endeavor as a technology consultant, I spent 30 years with IBM, which included working in Boca Raton, Fla., on the second generation IBM PC; therefore, I could be considered one of those non-Apple enthusiasts. That was until earlier this year when I purchased my first iPod Touch and I discovered the true power of this device and the available apps. As a result, I have now officially joined the ranks of Apple enthusiasts.
To me it is incredible that sound techs can now carry around, in their pockets, just about every sound test app available, including SPL (Sound Pressure Level), RTA (Real Time Analysis), FFT (Fast Fourier Transform), ETC (Energy Time Curve), IR (Impulse Response), plus a host of other sound tools all for just a few dollars, not the hundreds, perhaps thousands of dollars it would cost if you were to purchase these test devices outside of the iDevice app market.
If you're still not convinced that it may be time to think about the purchase of an iDevice, please consider the following: For the first time ever, I witnessed two instances when an attendee of the morning church service walked up to the tech booth with their iDevice in hand, showing the sound tech the SPL of the morning service, followed by an “appropriate” comment about how loud it was. Be warned, there are sound apps for the iDevices that cost only 99 cents that do just that. So it might be a good idea to be prepared with your own iDevice that will actually record and chart the SPL of the entire service, along with the actual audio. More on that later….
For those who already own an iDevice
iDevice owners already know the benefits of their hand-held device and I now join your enthusiasm about the Apple way of doing things. They already know there are over 100,000 applications (apps) available for their iDevices of which there are dozens specifically designed for sound. These apps are normally listed under the “music” category at Apple's iTunes store. The rest of this article will discuss one such app, or in this case, app suite that is targeted specifically at the sound tech. Studio Six Digital, www.studiosixdigital.com, has developed a full suite of sound test apps called AudioTools. Products range from a basic dB (SPL) meter for 99 cents that looks just like the famous or infamous Radio Shack analog meter, to high end apps that include SMAART modules, hi-resolution RTA (1/48th octave), FFT to 32k, and the Spectrograph for $49.99.
So let's start by taking an overview of the apps offered by Studio Six Digital and then offer some detail on those I see as applicable to the typical church sound tech, finishing up with some information dealing with the hardware requirements for the various iDevices, as well as supplemental hardware offered by Studio Six.
The software or app
Currently, nine audio apps in the AudioTools line are available; from the basic dB meter for 99 cents through the high end Impulse Response tool for $59.99. These apps can be purchased separately or in a package that gives you all the basic tools with the option to purchase additional “high end” apps when needed. I would suggest you look at their basic AudioTools package first, which sells for $19.95 and includes the basic SPL meter, full function 1/3 octave RTA, a signal generator, line level tests, audio scope, recorder, and calculator. The add-on apps range in price from $2.99 to $59.99 with most costing less than $10.00.
Of all the add-on apps offered by Studio Six, I find the SPL Recorder application to be the most beneficial to the church audio tech and/or worship leader. With this application the user can chart the SPL of an entire service or event, while at the same time recording the associated audio, which can be stored and played back for later analysis. To me, this is an invaluable tool as it can answer the never-ending question of when and why it was too loud.. The SPL chart displays while it is recording, so it also serves as a monitoring device of the service itself. Finally, the chart produced by the app can be printed out for future reference or proof of the actual SPL of the event.
Other applications the church sound tech might consider would be one of two different dB meters, one analog included in the basic package and a second digital version for a few dollars more. The RTA (Real Time Analyzer) and FFT (Fast Fourier Transformed), I feel, would be beneficial to the more advanced church sound tech. The RTA is used to do a quick EQ of a room, and the FFT to assist in the ringing out a room for wireless lavalier mics. The ETC (Energy Time Curve) and IR (Impulse Response) are for those wanting to venture into acoustical measurements.
All of Studio Six applications are explained in detail on their website, with most including a full video demo. The use of these apps is easy and straight forward, and most have informative help available within the app itself.
The hardware
I have tested Studio Six's applications on all versions of the iPod Touch, including the just announced iPod Touch 4. I did not test the apps on the iPhone, however, their performance should be the same as the iPod Touch. Nor did I test their apps on the iPad. All apps ran well on all the iPod Touch devices, slower on the older models and much faster on the iPod Touch 4, due to the faster processors and operating memory size of the newer devices. Specifically, the older models took longer for the apps to start up and their display performance was slower, as were memory recalls.
The iPod Touch 2 and 3 require an external mic either in the form of the one attached to the iPod's headset or an external mic such as the MityMic from TouchMic.com for $34.00. An application is included with Studio Six's basic apps package for calibrating these external mics. The iPhone, iPod Touch 4, and iPad have a built-in mic so an external mic is not required.
Studio Six does offer a calibrated mic called the “iAudioInterface,” which can be used with the iPod Touch, models 2 and 3, if you plan on using their applications for something more than reference measurements. The iAudioInterface will also serve as an input/output device and sells for $250. Although not certified, I found the iAudioInterface to be extremely accurate when compared to the Gold Line Prokit30. An additional external device called the” iUSBInterface” is being developed for the iPad that should be available later this year, as well as an iAudioInterface for the iPod Touch, model 4.
The support
Simply stated, the Studio Six support is the best I have ever experienced. Studio Six, being a relatively small company, has no levels of support allowing you to go directly to the developer of the software with your problems. In the two instances when I needed support, they were both fast and accurate. They responded almost immediately and worked with me until my problem was solved.
In conclusion
This article touched on just a small portion of what Studio Six has in its app bag, so I really encourage you to go to their website and discover all they have to offer. As stated earlier, I am excited about these apps and the devices they run on. But most importantly, I am excited that you can now have all the measurement tools you need at a reasonable price, that will make your job easier, your sound better, and it can all be carried in your pocket.
--BIO--
Don Brooks operates a no-fee consulting service called TechMissionS with the goal of helping churches with the issues of technology—in much the same manner Paul helped the first church with issues of theology. He can be reached through his website, www.techmissions.com.
Company: Studio Six Digital
Product: AudioTools iPod Apps
Phone: (866) 714-1370
URL: www.studiosixdigital.com
Suggested List Price: from 99 cents
