Hardware choices for analyzing

[coolhandjjl]

Looks like I can use REW software on my Mac for frequency analyzing. I did some loop back tests with REW and my Intel Mac's sound card is up to the task. For hardware, the Behringer ECM8000 mic, and the Xenyx 502 mixing board for phantom power seem to be the way to go, correct? Do I need the Radio Shack SPL meter? (model #?)

My laptop is another story. Its sound card will not work. I will need an external USB sound card. What do I need to know spec-wise to select a proper external Mac-based sound card? (Laptop is a G4 PowerPC Mac) I Googled external sound cards, and lost of choices appear.

[Ron K]

The only real reason you would need a SPL Meter from Rad Shack would be so you can calibrate REW to actual SPL readings if you really need them.Its helpful but not necessary.

[David Carter]

Be careful. The Xenyx 502 doesn't have phantom power. You have to move up to the 802 to get that. Alternatively, there are some XLR-to-USB adapters that provide phantom power and let you connect the mic directly to a USB port. Not sure how well they work. I've never tried one.

[David Carter]

BTW, please share your experiences if you end up doing this. I was headed down that road until I got a used Driverack 260 which has an RTA in it. I still haven't had a chance to test it yet either.

[coolhandjjl]

According to the Behringer site, the Xenyx 502 does have phantom power.
http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/502.aspx

Also just found this OSX compatible USB external sound card.
Behringer UCA202
http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/UCA202.aspx

Looks like I am all set.

Regarding the Behringer mic, Cross Spectrum sells the mic with its own cal file for $30 more than just the mic itself.
http://cross-spectrum.com/measurement/c ... inger.html

[David Carter]

According to the Behringer site, the Xenyx 502 does have phantom power.
http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/502.aspx

You're right, it does say that. However, when you examine the images, there is no mention of the phantom power on the mixer itself nor is there a button for switching the phantom power on/off like every other Behringer Xenyx mixer has. Kinda fishy. I would proceed with caution or just spring a few more bucks for the 802.

[coolhandjjl]

Thanks for the advice. I'll send their tech support an email to find out for sure.