One of the things that I have NOT been doing is taking measurements at the processor outputs. My typical measurement system is based on “CONSOLE / ROOM” as Meyer SIM 3 would label it. Without the “PROCESSOR” node, you have to guess how to shape your parametric EQ to match the room response. I know some system engineers who think that is fine but I’m having second thoughts. More information and less guess work saves time and time is something that is never unlimited.

SIM 3 lets you take measurements between CONSOLE, PROCESSOR & ROOM at the same time. If you’re using SIM 3 in tandem with a Meyer Sound Galileo or Galileo Callisto DSP unit, you have access to it’s input / output signals as well as muting using a single SIM BUS cable. SIM 3 relies on what are called “BRANCHES” to manage signal path routing and measurement points. Once the branches are setup correctly, you can move fast and efficiently between any 3 measurement points.

With Smaart 7, it’s possible to view an unlimited number of live traces (within the processing power of your computer). For example, one live trace could show CONSOLE TO ROOM response. Another trace could show the CONSOLE TO PROCESSOR response. Another trace could show the PROCESSOR to CONSOLE response, etc…
This functionality also allows for viewing the response of multiple measurement mics at multiple locations at the same time. Something SIM 3 cannot do. Within the limitations of your audio interface and the qty of mics you have, this opens up a lot of possibilities.

One of the measurement obstacles we are left to face with modern DSP is how to access the processor inputs / outputs. With analog processing, a Y cable is the solution. With DSP, the same Y cable may be used but there may also be a more efficient way of accessing the processor signals. For example, there may be a routing block that allows for selecting different signals routed to the same output. This is something I will be working on over the next few weeks. Having seen Bob McCarthy take great advantage of SIM 3’s overlapping CONSOLE / PROCESSOR / ROOM traces, I’m convinced. My days of guessing frequency, gain and Q settings to provide a complimentary EQ trace are over.

Consequently this evening I began assembling and cabling up a DSP rack based around an XLR patchbay and a recently purchased BSS London BLU 160. Once the rig is complete, using Smaart 7, I will be able to measure the (8) analog outputs of the DSP unit as well as the CONSOLE output and whatever measurement mics I’m using. Pictures of wiring explanation to follow.