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The "Official" xtz Room Analyzer Thread

76K views 583 replies 69 participants last post by  sleepysurf 
#1 · (Edited)
XTZ Room Analyzer II is a room acoustics measurement system: http://www.xtz.se/en/products/measurements/rooma-analyzer-ii

The system includes a microphone, soundcard/base and cables for connecting to the audio system and a computer:





● Complete analysis toolkit
● Easy to use
● Room Analyzer
● RTA Real Time Analyzer
● Frequency response measurement
● Full frequency 2D waterfall plot
● SPL - Full frequency measurement
● SPL Peak and average meter

● High precesion electret microphone
● Tolerance +/-2dB
● Goosneck in metal
● Microphonehouse in aluminum
● XLR connectors in aluminum
● Included cables

The manual can be found here:
http://www.xtz.se//product-assets/measure-systems/room-analyzer/manuals/RAENG.pdf

The software can be downloaded here:
http://www.xtz.se/en/support/file-archive

A demonstration of the system can be found here:
http://www.xtz.se/page-assets/support/file-archive/files/roomanalyzer_demo.zip

Sample graphs:





XTZ Room Analyzer Standard Videos by Nyal Mellor:


 

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#302 ·
Did you order a threaded adapter to go with the mic stand? Probably need one, makes things much easier.


I don't know what a "PC phono input" is, but a phono input will be equalized, so not good. Most AVRs have an auxiliary input on the front panel, I almost forgot about mine.
 
#303 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by fjames  /t/1264522/the-official-xtz-room-analyzer-thread/300#post_23394719


Did you order a threaded adapter to go with the mic stand? Probably need one, makes things much easier.


I don't know what a "PC phono input" is, but a phono input will be equalized, so not good. Most AVRs have an auxiliary input on the front panel, I almost forgot about mine.

Thanks for the post


I didn't order a threaded adapter as I had already asked if I needed mic clip which I was told came with the XTZ so hopefully I don't need said adapter when the stand arrives?


The PC Analog audio (RCA) connections are what I used so that I can use the projector to view the XTZ
 
#304 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lesmor  /t/1264522/the-official-xtz-room-analyzer-thread/300#post_23395377


Thanks for the post


I didn't order a threaded adapter as I had already asked if I needed mic clip which I was told came with the XTZ so hopefully I don't need said adapter when the stand arrives?


The PC Analog audio (RCA) connections are what I used so that I can use the projector to view the XTZ

The adapter (I've got the one from amazon that's linked all over the Audyssey thread - 5 bucks) is a ball swivel mount, so you can easily get the mic positioned just so. The clip would work, just seems more cumbersome to me. But maybe you're onto something - I'm gonna try it with just the clip next time
 
#306 ·
Hi Guys

My microphone stand and boom arrived today so made a start to carrying out some measurements


I have encountered a problem, things seem to be working fine until I try a Full Range Measurement then XTZ Pro stops responding and Windows decides to Shut down XTZ


This has happened every time I start to use the Full Range Measurement ( X3 ) and I am lost as to why


I am running Windows 8 Pro on a Acer Aspire 5720 laptop 2.2 Ghz 2GB RAM


Any suggestions would be appreciated
 
#308 ·
If you are on software version 2.32 it should work though it does not look like that has been publicly released yet. I would email info AT xtz.se with your issue and see if they have 2.32 available.
 
#309 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by fjames  /t/1264522/the-official-xtz-room-analyzer-thread/300#post_23412430


Can't help you with W8 - does it have Event Viewer? Check there ...


Run it in XP from Virtual PC? I have a usb device I have to do that with on W7.


Does xtz have a forum? Check there on W8 issues, or email them - maybe need a driver or whatever.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nyal Mellor  /t/1264522/the-official-xtz-room-analyzer-thread/300#post_23413773


If you are on software version 2.32 it should work though it does not look like that has been publicly released yet. I would email info AT xtz.se with your issue and see if they have 2.32 available.

Thanks for the feedback


I have software version 2.31 installed


As suggested I have emailed XTZ Support so hopefully they will shed some light on the problem


Regards

Andy
 
#310 ·
Given the age of the thread I am surprised that there is no sticky or FAQ's like the excellent Audyssey thread


Unless I missed it ,I did search


Also I contacted XTZ today regarding my problem with the software and as yet no reply, or even a confirmation they received my email


Hopefully this is not representative of their "Customer Service"


Regards

Andy
 
#311 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lesmor  /t/1264522/the-official-xtz-room-analyzer-thread/300#post_23416380


Given the age of the thread I am surprised that there is no sticky or FAQ's like the excellent Audyssey thread


Unless I missed it ,I did search


Also I contacted XTZ today regarding my problem with the software and as yet no reply, or even a confirmation they received my email


Hopefully this is not representative of their "Customer Service"


Regards

Andy

No they are normally quite responsive.
 
#314 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by fjames  /t/1264522/the-official-xtz-room-analyzer-thread/300#post_23416930


Have you done the uninstall\reboot\reinstall\reboot dance?

No I haven't its a fresh install

If that's what it takes then that's disappointing, you don't buy a car and expect / accept having to remove the engine and reinstall it, you just expect to drive

I'll wait and see what XTZ say but thanks for the suggestion.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Phillips751  /t/1264522/the-official-xtz-room-analyzer-thread/300#post_23417585


Can you post a screen shot of the problem.


Now i think about it I had something similar on my Acer though not 8). Mine would do this not on any particular window.


Do you use Registry cleaners?

I do use CC but haven't run it for a while


I don't have any screenshots of when it fails to respond as it did not seem to give any clues as to why it should ,but the next time It happens I will


As you have reminded me I will now to a clean up with CC



Thanks for the feedback guys
 
#315 ·
Hi

Been trying XTZ again but as reported it fails to respond in full range mode




I contacted XTZ Support again and they advised that they replied to my initial request and to check spam, unfortunately they didn't add the reply

I had been monitoring spam so no mail was missed

Advised XTZ and requested they resend the reply

The then advised they had just resent it, but there was no info in the email

Now they are requesting an alternative email address and mention newer software for Windows 8

so I am at a loss


As I have already said there is no sticky or FAQ in this thread for XTZ so I apologise for the next questions


Just how do you set up the level to be able to take readings with the Room Analyser?


Is the level setup different for RTA?


I have my ONKYO at 0 Reference, computer volume to 100 and even altering the Output level to green I get low readings in the graphs and the meter

Switching on the Level (dBFS) function pink noise and the volume is excessive


When playing around sometime had a great thud from my subs as the Level was obviously way too high, but the Left hand SPL meter reading was by no means excessive


What SPL reading would you expect on the Left Hand meter

My RS SPL Meter was reading 70db with the Level (dBFS) engaged at -20 the XTZ SPL meter read nothing like that.



I have my subs THX Fixed gain on bypass and the control set at 75db as per Audyssey on my ONKYO the ONKYO main volume at 0

and the highest I get on a RTA chart is 50db

Also the RTA ref is 37db why is that?


Obviously I need an idiots guide but there is nothing in the manual WRT the interaction with your computer volume, your
receiver volume the Output Level the Level (dBFS) function on the Room Analyser screen




There must be a simple step by step method covering computer volume, Receiver volume, output level and the Level (dBFS) function requirements?


Hopefully I'll receive the reply from XTZ at my alternative email address
 
#317 ·
I max the xtz slider, and the soundcard's speaker control, and with the AVR at -3 get about 72 db on the xtz meter. I don't really want to turn the AVR up any more than that.


Kal explained in some thread why some places these measuring softwares will show a low level - something about the spl meter just seeing one bit of the sound, while the software is processing it further, seeing more as it were - don't quote me on that



Suffice to say it's normal to see what seems to be a low level in some views - trust the spl meter and you'll be fine. My sub used to do that, and it was a bad volume control, but you're obviously having some kind of problem, so no telling what else might be funky in the background. Are you using any kind of usb extension? Try without it. Try changing to another usb socket - the farthest one if such a thing exists. One thing that's commonly recommended is going into your soundcard and turning off everything that you don't need - for me that's everything but the speakers IIRC. With a modern laptop I assume it's onboard sound, but there's still a control panel dingus somewhere.
 
#318 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by fjames  /t/1264522/the-official-xtz-room-analyzer-thread/300#post_23420267


I max the xtz slider, and the soundcard's speaker control, and with the AVR at -3 get about 72 db on the xtz meter. I don't really want to turn the AVR up any more than that.


Kal explained in some thread why some places these measuring softwares will show a low level - something about the spl meter just seeing one bit of the sound, while the software is processing it further, seeing more as it were - don't quote me on that



Suffice to say it's normal to see what seems to be a low level in some views - trust the spl meter and you'll be fine. My sub used to do that, and it was a bad volume control, but you're obviously having some kind of problem, so no telling what else might be funky in the background. Are you using any kind of usb extension? Try without it. Try changing to another usb socket - the farthest one if such a thing exists. One thing that's commonly recommended is going into your soundcard and turning off everything that you don't need - for me that's everything but the speakers IIRC. With a modern laptop I assume it's onboard sound, but there's still a control panel dingus somewhere.

Thanks for the feedback

I had already looked for conflict with my computer ,nothing obvious


Over in the REW forum it was suggested that you need 60db above the ambient level for a proper reading, so they recommend 90db which seems excessive


But as you said perhaps low readings take everything into consideration but I wish the scale would reflect this


Anyway with no disrespect intended but this thread falls well short of the REW thread as to how to use the XTZ room analyser and interpret the results
 
#319 ·
You will find the software very useful but first to get it running.


Windows sound can play games.


In Windows in the sound card controls with the XTZ Room Analyzer mic is this set to default, need to connect first?

Do you connect the mic before you open XTZ?


Check your input volume in your settings, actually i don't think your mic is connecting to the laptop properly. Will be interesting to see the "Room Analyzer" graph.


Is there a opportunity to connect to another laptop or PC?. This would check the hardware as well.


Make sure you take notes with your current settings so you can revert back if there isn't any difference.


When you are up and running you can post graphs etc for help. Nyall Mellor (Acoustic Frontiers acoustican) posts on this thread as well as Kal.


Have you run the CCleaner?


Can you post a "Room Analyzer" graph?
 
#320 ·
That 60 db above ambient is just for RT60 measurement, which most seem to feel is useless anyway.


Room Analyzer is the most useful window for us, so if that's working for you, there's something to do while you figure it out. For most xtz is plug 'n play like it's supposed to be - REW never is, by design
It's also more complex software, so it attracts those who want to do room surgery, and they chat it up pretty good on that front. But starting out, getting bass smooth and proper in room is a big step, and xtz does well with that in the RA window.
 
#321 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Phillips751  /t/1264522/the-official-xtz-room-analyzer-thread/300#post_23421068


You will find the software very useful but first to get it running.


Windows sound can play games.


In Windows in the sound card controls with the XTZ Room Analyzer mic is this set to default, need to connect first?

Do you connect the mic before you open XTZ?


Check your input volume in your settings, actually i don't think your mic is connecting to the laptop properly. Will be interesting to see the "Room Analyzer" graph.


Is there a opportunity to connect to another laptop or PC?. This would check the hardware as well.


Make sure you take notes with your current settings so you can revert back if there isn't any difference.


When you are up and running you can post graphs etc for help. Nyall Mellor (Acoustic Frontiers acoustican) posts on this thread as well as Kal.


Have you run the CCleaner?


Can you post a "Room Analyzer" graph?

Hi and thanks for replying

I would think that Windows sound might be an issue as you have suggested, but had checked the interface and also disabled items I thought were irrelevant, one which was speaker (DUH)

Due to my ignorance XTZ would not then work, It was easy to disable but not so easy to re-enable the sound but thanks to Google found how to get things back


I am still getting "Noise" through my front speakers with XTZ sitting idle in Room analyser mode, It was suggested as a ground loop and to run my Laptop on battery only, but the sound still persisted doing that


When XTZ is connected the mic shows and is indeed default, all other mics showing have been disabled

Speakers show and are enabled

There is a High Definition Audio device in the display Digital Audio (S/PDIF) and that is disabled

Line In is disabled

So as far as I can tell things are good in the Windows Sound setup


I will, as recommended, pay special attention to connect the XTZ unit before starting the program


I have now uninstalled XTZ and reinstalled the latest version, and run CCleaner inc registry


Will have another go this evening, as requested here is a screenshot





Thanks again Andy
 
#322 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by fjames  /t/1264522/the-official-xtz-room-analyzer-thread/300#post_23421207


That 60 db above ambient is just for RT60 measurement, which most seem to feel is useless anyway.


Room Analyzer is the most useful window for us, so if that's working for you, there's something to do while you figure it out. For most xtz is plug 'n play like it's supposed to be - REW never is, by design
It's also more complex software, so it attracts those who want to do room surgery, and they chat it up pretty good on that front. But starting out, getting bass smooth and proper in room is a big step, and xtz does well with that in the RA window.

Thanks for replying


I had tried REW but had VISTA on my laptop at the time couldn't be done with the hassle of setting it up, and as you rightly say I don't want to be a martyr to a piece of software.


XTZ for me is the answer and yes it should / and probably is plug and play, I love the interface just need to get it set up without it "Failing to respond" and then hopefully in this thread guidance and interpretation of the results.


Yes I could just run Audyssey but I feel that seating and Speaker positioning is crucial before doing that

Regards

Andy
 
#323 ·
Had another play tonight

XTZ although more stable still "fails to respond" with V2.32

Still having problems with output level

When I press test can't get the bar to go green

Computer volume 100

output level max

If I increase the receiver to get the bar green, then measure both subs thump ( Bottom out?)

Looking at Nyals videos its a no brainer , push test adjust slider till green, good to go

Its not working for me

Anyway I have moved both my subs to opposite corners to give me a baseline



Left Hand Sub Corner Loaded


Right Hand Sub Corner Loaded


Both combined


Tried moving mic position forward and back but the 26-29hz mode persists

Probably need to move subs forward into the room but would welcome experienced users opinions


Front wall is 19'7" Wide into an alcove Subs in opposite corners

Moving forward out of the alcove the room narrows to 17'1"

Room Length 19'7"


regards

Andy
 
#324 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lesmor  /t/1264522/the-official-xtz-room-analyzer-thread/300#post_23424719


Had another play tonight

XTZ although more stable still "fails to respond" with V2.32

Still having problems with output level

When I press test can't get the bar to go green

Computer volume 100

output level max

If I increase the receiver to get the bar green, then measure both subs thump ( Bottom out?)

Looking at Nyals videos its a no brainer , push test adjust slider till green, good to go

Its not working for me

Anyway I have moved both my subs to opposite corners to give me a baseline



Left Hand Sub Corner Loaded


Right Hand Sub Corner Loaded


Both combined


Tried moving mic position forward and back but the 26-29hz mode persists

Probably need to move subs forward into the room but would welcome experienced users opinions


Front wall is 19'7" Wide into an alcove Subs in opposite corners

Moving forward out of the alcove the room narrows to 17'1"

Room Length 19'7"


regards

Andy

Change to 12 ppo to give detail.


There seems to be a drop off


Are these with the mains included or subs only?

If so what crossover are you using?


Can you post images/screen shots of your Windows sound settings?

Also can you try on another laptop even PC (although not great because of power interference) at least you can eliminate?
 
#326 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Phillips751  /t/1264522/the-official-xtz-room-analyzer-thread/300#post_23425562


Change to 12 ppo to give detail


There seems to be a drop off


Are these with the mains included or subs only?

If so what crossover are you using?


Can you post images/screen shots of your Windows sound settings?

Also can you try on another laptop even PC (although not great because of power interference) at least you can eliminate?

Thanks for the reply


So should I be using advanced then, the only place where there is 12ppo

Out of interest why have this screen if it is of no purpose?


Mains and subs


Sub Xovers on bypass ONKYO at 120hz as per Audyssey,and although Audyssey and Dynamic EQ is off




As requested don't know why there are 2 XTZ it is not normally that way


Don't have access to another laptop I'm afraid
 
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