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Mar 3, 2009
RPlusD is the ETF5 replacement. It is affectively ETF6.
ETF customers that purchased the basic version of ETF software receive the basic version of R + D if ETF was purchased 3 years previous to the order date. Users of ETF can can request a free RPlusD license under the above conditions. The basic version of RPlusD includes the features of the enhancement package in ETF.
Consulting services are also provided for users that are uncomfortable with signal processing and EQ functions but comfortable enough with computers to operate the software. This costs $150.00 USD in addition to the program and includes file analysis and recommendations. Details on this are on the online ordering page. This service is good for busy people who wish to learn the software functions quickly with their own room used as an example.
The license to a basic version of ETF entitles the user to receive the basic version of RPlusD which will provide a greater degree of flexibility to take measurements and compare results. The basic version is all that is required to take room measurements and optimize acoustics. The basic version of RPlusD provides all of the features that were included in the enhancement package for ETF such as loudspeaker distortion measurements & the psychological response measurement. Users of the ETF basic version may wish to start using RPlusD. Full range files from ETF can be opened in RPlusD.
The RPlusD enhancement license which includes curve fitting for automatic filter estimation from measurements in normal rooms to isolate resonances as well as the ability to take measurements using a test signal CD and eliminating the normally required computer - sound card electrical connection. This system is not ideal and details of this are explained and shown in the CD Test Signal window help link. This feature was written for experienced users that understand the measurements well enough to understand the parasitic effects of this new system of wireless data gathering. Dealers and installers will appreciate its resolution and convenience.
The upgrade also now includes emulation of the Behringer DCX 2496 loudspeaker management system. This is a digital electronic crossover for bi/tri amplified speakers or to simulate crossovers in analogue systems for people wishing to build their own crossovers.
FAQsList.PDF (read this first)
SoftwareFeaturesAndFunctions.PDF This is a product brochure showing screen grabs of all the RPlusD functions
This software is very easy to set up and use if you are willing to read chapter 1 of the manual or watch the chapter 1 video of the videos posted, both posted below on this web site. People that refuse to watch this first video or read the first chapter in the manual will have a difficult time. Its all we can do to make this as easy as possible.
Size: 4 Mb
PLEASE NOTE: some studio type sound cards do not have windows WDM drivers as required by the software. These can always be found for free on the web. Type in "make & model WDM Driver" into a search engine.
RPlusD & Windows Vista: Some easily fixed issues Vista Issues.PDF
Description: This download contains the full version. A license number must be purchased from AcoustiSoft to access the full version. Users of ETF can request a free license number for using this new program as explained above in the first few paragraphs on this page.
The demo allows you to check your computer, mic & sound card for correct operation. You cannot take an actual room measurement.
MP-B-_Kit.pdf This kit includes a microphone and preamplifier. This unit requires the user to have a sound card.
MP-B-USB_Kit.pdf This kit includes a microphone and preamplifier and internal USB sound card. This is recommended for professionals with laptop computers because it has a built in sound card and requires only minimal cable connectors, a USB connector and a microphone-preamp connector.
These units can be ordered from us with free shipping in North America. *Shipping is $50.00 for overseas.
GettingStarted.PDF This is a minimal instruction set to get the software up and running. Users of the consultation service need only read this.
RPlusDManual.PDF Full Manual (nearly complete)
RPlusDExampleFile.zip The example file can be downloaded and opened in the demo version of the software. Its measurements are explained in the SWF video files that are given below in .ZIP format for download.
These videos show the use of a beta version of the software. The actual updated software has many more features and better functionality, particularly with EQing. These additional features are described in the much more detailed PDF manual posted on this page. There is also a SoftwareFeaturesAndFunctions.PDF that gives a quick summary of all features for download. These videos are to show the user the user interface and some basic explanations of measurement examples as well as primary software functions. These videos are in SWF format but posted as zip files. Download a free version of Winzip to unzip them to your hard drive then use preferably Apple QuickTime to view them but your browser will work. QuickTime allows you to stop the video during play.
Some users may experience a muting of the audio during play in Quicktime. This problem can be fixed by grabbing the time cursor in quicktime and moving it back a very small amount to reset the audio.
The videos proceed at a quick pace, users are advised to read the manual before viewing. The manual consists mostly of diagrams with short textual explanations. The manual was written for neophite users of audio measurement software.
If Quicktime doesn't work, download the zip file, unzip and click on the file with the right mouse button. Choose Internet Explorer or Firefox to open the files.
Description: This SWF video describes how to make the connections to your sound card and how to set a mixer for operation with the software.
Description: This SWF video describes how to take a measurement as well as the time domain measurements in RPlusD software
Description: This SWF video describes how to take a measurement and explains the EQ Emulation in RPlusD.
Description: This SWF video describes the features available in the filter fit add on license for automatic parametric filter generation
These files should be played on QuickTime.
I do provide assistance to users of the software who are just getting started to ensure that measurements are being taken correctly. I also answer questions by email regarding specific technical questions. Some users have requested a closer consultation through each step. This process costs $150.00 and takes the form of the process outlined below. This process takes 1 - 2 hours and usually takes the following steps:
(1) Initial equipment description, monitor speaker type make and model number & room layout diagram required from user by email. A drawing done in 2 color bitmap form should be sent in allowing me to open the bitmap file and add markings and suggestions into the file and to resend it as part of communications.
(2) Telephone explanation as to how to take first test and ensure that the connections are made correctly. This process is outlined in the above "GettingStarted.PDF" posted file. The user must get this part working but does not have to learn anything else.
(3) Email description of measurements to be taken - marked on the bitmap that describes the listening area.
(4) The user emails the measured results in a zip file format (Specific Instructions will be provided- dependent on number of measurements to be taken)
(5) I interpret the measurements and give some recommendations as to what can be done to achieve target measurement response improvements
(6) The user emails new measurements taken after changes have been made and we evaluate the affect of changes on the measurements to see if additional improvements can be made
A maximum of 2 hours is spent on this consultation. If more time is required then additional payment will be negotiated.
This process should begin within a week of receiving this order and should progress at the speed desired by the purchaser but not be less than 1 week - allowing me one day to consider each step.
Advice is also provided for people that do not wish to use the software. The consists of advice on room treatments that is based on no conflict of interest.
Geoffery Ellis, musician, project studio owner and musical instrument maker:
May 26 2007
"As a musician and project studio owner, I place a tremendous amount of importance on having a work space that is a clean acoustic environment for both recording and mixing. But even though I’ve become familiar with computer-based recording, I don’t have a scientific understanding of acoustics--I want my room and speakers to sound good, but that is about the limit of my understanding. I spent a lot of time building my studio and making it into the best sounding room possible given the limits of the space, and I knew that the final icing on the cake would be the tuning of my monitors.
That is why I was thrilled not just to find the R+D software, but to also find that it’s creator, Doug Plumb, was offering a consulting service that allows me to get the most out of it. Doug walked me through the set-up, providing advice on the correct type of measurement microphone and sound card, helping me get set up to take my measurements, and then (most important of all) interpreting the results and providing me with a working solution.
Since “time is money”, I saved a lot by taking advantage of this service--it would be a value at twice the price."
David Rich, Phd Signal Processing, Technical Editor of Sensible Sound:
April 6 2007
The ETF 5 measurement system has been instrumental in many of my TSS reviews on speakers and electronic equalizers. A reasonable starting point to use this inexpensive software packages a computer's internal sound card and the microphone in a Radio Shack sound level meter. Better results, like the ones I present in TSS, are obtained with an external sound card and calibration microphone. ETF Acoustics has recently introduced RPlusD, which is designed for analysis of combined room and speaker response characteristics.. The GUI is much improved over ETF 5.
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