RPG Room Optimizer and other software rives, etc.

You need ETF now, not a room simulator package. ETF will capture the current performance of your system and then you can consult/employ a Rives Dealer for interpretation and advice on what treatments you will need to treat your system as it now functions.

The CARA package is powerful and the more info you feed it the better information you will get, but buying ETF will give you actual information to work with.

Using people without experience in how to apply acoustic treatments can lead to extra expense, and an ineffective application of treatments. So maybe think about a "budget" as you would if you were buying a CD player and see if professional help falls within those numbers. Consulting a professional like a Rives/dealer will be worth it in the end.

I agree with Cinematic Systems IF you are planning on staying in the same place for awhile. I rent and CARA makes more sense for me. But, if you can get an acoustic expert to come in (assuming it isn't unreasonably expensive) it can make a huge improvement and you won't have to go through the sometimes frustrating job of trying to figure it out on your own.

Rob

Cinematic: What is "ETF" ? Sean
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Hey Sean,

goto www.etfacoustic.com, it is a software/ measurement program.

Just to add to cinematic--the ETF software is fantastic. All of our dealers use it for acoustical measurements (they are required to in order to be a Rives dealer). We find it to be the most cost effective product out there. It's not the easiest to use and does have a few quirks (just visual things--not operational)--but it is incredible what it does for $150. We also sell this software and highly recommend it for in room acoustical response.

Back to the original question of CARA. I can tell you that it is remarkable how close the model and actual measurements are until the room gets very complex and then the deviation probably has as much to do with designing the room in CARA as anything else. The comparison is what has made me a very firm believer in just how powerful CARA is.