While capturing some test data to validate the impedance measurement feature, I noticed that the three devices I currently test with weren’t performing equally. As a result, I decided to create a user story to illustrate the differences between my testing devices.
Here’s a quick summary — Don’t buy an iMic for use with FuzzMeasure. If you’re looking for a low-cost device to use with FuzzMeasure for both acoustical and electrical measurements, go pick up an M-Audio MobilePre USB.
Of course, for those of you with built-in audio (PowerBook/PowerMac/iMac users), you’ll only need a preamp and microphone for your acoustical measurements. The built-in audio (although not shown in the article), performs quite well. Apple appears to not have skimped on that aspect of their hardware at all.
February 4th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
Your FAQ recommends a Behringer ECM-8000 mike (thanks) but can you recommend a few choices of low cost but effective pre-amps that can be used with a new MacBook?
I am new to audio measurements and no idea what to get.
Thank you.
Leonard
February 4th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
You can probably get away with the M-Audio AudioBuddy:
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AudioBuddy/
Or perhaps even the DMP-3 (which I own myself):
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DMP3/
Those should work fine using the MacBook’s own built-in audio. Another option is to go the USB/Firewire device route, which have onboard preamps.