Rational Acoustics Smaart Suite (9.6.7) Professional Audio Measurement and Acoustical Analysis Software

Summary

Smaart Suite is the flagship audio measurement and acoustical analysis software used by professional sound engineers, acoustical consultants, live audio technicians, and system integrators. Unlike basic spectrum analyzers that only show frequency content, Smaart Suite provides three complete measurement modes in one package: Real-Time Mode (FFT-based analysis), Impulse Response Mode (time-domain acoustical analysis), and SPL Mode (sound pressure level monitoring and logging).

The software solves the fundamental problem of understanding how sound systems behave in real spaces. Engineers need to know what frequencies are too loud, what frequencies are missing, whether speakers are in phase, how sound reflects off surfaces, and whether the system is producing safe sound levels. Smaart provides all this information in real time, allowing professionals to make informed decisions during live events and system installations.

Beginner Guidance

If you are new to Smaart Suite, start with Real-Time Mode. This is where most live sound engineers spend their time.

1. First-Time Setup

Install Smaart Suite on your Windows or macOS laptop. You need a professional audio interface with at least two inputs (measurement microphone input and reference signal input) and two outputs (to send test signals). Popular interfaces include the Focusrite Scarlett series, RME Babyface, and Motu M series.

Launch Smaart. The software asks for audio device configuration. Select your input and output devices. Set the reference input (usually the signal sent to the sound system) and the measurement input (the measurement microphone). Calibrate the microphone using a known SPL source (optional for level measurements but required for SPL Mode accuracy).

2. Interface Understanding

Smaart Suite has three main measurement modes, each with its own tab: Real-Time (RTA and Transfer Function), Impulse Response (IR), and SPL. The main display area shows the measurement graph. The control bar allows selection of measurement parameters (FFT size, averaging, weighting). The data register stores multiple measurements for comparison.

For beginners, start with the Spectrum (RTA) view. This shows frequency content from the measurement microphone. Connect a pink noise source to the system, and you will see the frequency response of the room and speakers.

3. Starting Workflow

1. Configure audio device and input/output routing

2. Place measurement microphone at the listening position (e.g., center of audience area)

3. Generate pink noise through the sound system

4. In Real-Time Mode, select “Spectrum” to view frequency response

5. Select “Transfer Function” to view magnitude and phase response between reference and measurement signals

6. Adjust system EQ based on measurements

4. Common Beginner Mistakes

• Forgetting to calibrate the measurement microphone (results in incorrect SPL readings)

• Placing the microphone too close to one speaker (measures that speaker, not the system)

• Not verifying reference signal routing (transfer function requires the reference signal to be the actual system input)

• Using too small FFT size (poor low-frequency resolution)

• Measuring without understanding room acoustics (early reflections cause comb filtering)

Workflow Explanation

Smaart Suite follows a professional workflow from system setup to final verification.

Step 1: System Measurement: Place measurement microphone at the primary listening position. Connect reference input to the console output or system processor. Play pink noise through the system. In Transfer Function mode, Smaart displays the magnitude and phase response of the system at that microphone location.

Step 2: EQ Adjustment: Based on the magnitude trace, adjust system EQ (graphic or parametric) to achieve a smooth, flat response. The phase trace reveals time alignment issues between speaker components (subwoofers to mains). Adjust delay settings to flatten phase.

Step 3: Multiple Measurement Positions: Move the microphone to multiple audience positions. Use the data register to capture measurements at each position. Overlay them to see consistency across the venue. Adjust system processing to balance coverage.

Step 4: Impulse Response Measurement: Switch to Impulse Response Mode. Play a sine sweep or MLS signal. Smaart calculates the room’s impulse response. Analyze reflections, reverberation time (RT60), and early decay time (EDT). This reveals acoustic issues that frequency response cannot show.

Step 5: SPL Monitoring: Switch to SPL Mode during the event. Set slow (1 second) or fast (0.125 second) time weighting. Choose A-weighting (general community noise) or C-weighting (peak levels). Log SPL data for compliance reporting.

Real Use Cases

Concert Sound System Tuning

A live sound engineer uses Smaart Suite before a concert. He places the measurement microphone at the mix position (front of house). He plays pink noise through the PA system and measures the transfer function. The magnitude trace shows a 6dB dip at 125Hz (subwoofer crossover region). He adjusts crossover delay and EQ, re-measures, and the dip is reduced. After tuning all speaker zones, he saves the measurement data for future reference.

Permanent Installation Commissioning

An AV integrator installs a sound system in a performing arts center. She uses Smaart Suite to verify system performance against the design specifications. She measures frequency response at 10 audience positions, calculates average response, and compares to the target curve. She documents all measurements in a commissioning report for the building owner.

Acoustical Consultation

An acoustical consultant measures a noisy restaurant. He uses Smaart’s SPL Mode to log sound levels over a 2-hour dinner period. He sets A-weighting to measure community noise compliance and C-weighting for peak levels. The software generates a report showing LAeq (equivalent continuous sound level), Lmax (maximum level), and statistical levels (L10, L50, L90). The client uses the report to justify noise reduction measures.

Studio Monitor Calibration

A recording studio engineer calibrates the studio monitors. He places the measurement microphone at the engineer’s listening position. He uses Smaart’s Real-Time Mode with pink noise to measure each speaker individually. He adjusts monitor positioning and room treatment based on impulse response measurements of reflections.

Project Handling

Smaart Suite projects are saved as .smprj files. A single project can contain measurements from multiple modes, multiple data registers, and multiple reference traces.

For a concert system tuning, a typical project includes:

• Initial transfer function measurements for each speaker zone

• EQ-adjusted measurements showing improvements

• Multiple audience position measurements for coverage verification

• SPL calibration notes

• System processor settings exported from the console

Projects can be shared between team members (system engineer, FOH engineer, monitor engineer). The software does not have built-in cloud collaboration, but project files can be shared via network drives or email.

For large venues with multiple speaker zones, create separate projects for each zone, or use a single project with multiple measurement points saved in the data register.

Learning Curve

This software has a steep learning curve. A new user can learn basic spectrum (RTA) measurement within hours. Mastering transfer function, impulse response, and SPL logging requires weeks of practice.

• For Live Sound Engineers (1-2 weeks): Learn to measure transfer function, interpret magnitude and phase traces, adjust EQ and delay, and tune a PA system.
• For System Integrators (2-3 weeks): Learn to measure multiple positions, overlay traces, analyze consistency, and document measurements for commissioning reports.
• For Acoustical Consultants (3-4 weeks): Learn impulse response analysis, RT60 measurement, STI (speech intelligibility) prediction, and advanced SPL statistics.

Rational Acoustics offers training courses (online and in-person) and certification programs. The user manual is comprehensive. The Smaart user forum is active with professional engineers answering questions.

Performance Discussion

1. Speed: Smaart processes audio in real time. The FFT engine updates at the selected frame rate (default 10-20 frames per second). There is no perceptible delay between audio input and display update.
2. Stability: Smaart is highly stable. It is used on mission-critical applications (live concerts, broadcast). The software rarely crashes.
3. Heavy Projects: A project with hundreds of saved measurements uses more memory but remains responsive. The software is designed for extended use during multi-day events.
4. CPU/GPU Usage: Smaart uses moderate CPU (5-15% on a modern laptop) and negligible GPU. The software runs on modest hardware. Recommended: Intel Core i5 or better, 8GB RAM, 1920×1080 display.
5. Workflow Smoothness: The interface is optimized for live use. Controls are large, hotkeys are logical, and the display updates smoothly. The data register allows quick recall of previous measurements for comparison.

Alternatives to Smaart Suite

Why Choose Smaart Suite Over REW? Smaart’s Transfer Function is optimized for live sound with phase trace and coherence. The user interface is designed for real-time use. REW is excellent for post-processing but less suited for live events.

Why Choose Smaart Suite Over Open Sound Meter? Smaart offers professional support, training, and a proven track record on major tours. Open Sound Meter is free but less polished.

Why Choose Smaart Suite Over Smaart Di? Smaart Suite includes Impulse Response (acoustical analysis) and SPL (compliance logging). Smaart Di includes only RTA and Transfer Function.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the difference between Smaart Suite, Smaart Di v2, and Smaart LE?

It includes Real-Time (RTA + Transfer Function), Impulse Response, and SPL modes. Smaart Di v2 includes only Real-Time (RTA + Transfer Function). Smaart LE is discontinued.

Q2. Do I need a specific audio interface for Smaart?

Any ASIO (Windows) or CoreAudio (macOS) interface with at least 2 inputs and 2 outputs works. Popular choices: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2/4i4, RME Babyface Pro, Motu M2/M4.

Q3. What is the difference between Spectrum (RTA) and Transfer Function?

Spectrum (RTA) measures the frequency content at the measurement microphone. Transfer Function compares the microphone signal to a reference signal, showing how the system modifies the input (magnitude and phase). Transfer Function is essential for system tuning.

Q4. Can Smaart measure SPL for noise compliance?

Yes. SPL Mode provides Class 1 or Class 2 compliant measurements with A-weighting, C-weighting, Z-weighting, and configurable time weighting (Slow, Fast, Impulse). Data can be logged and exported.

Q5. What is Impulse Response Mode used for?

Impulse Response measures how a room or system responds over time. It calculates reverberation time (RT60), early decay time (EDT), clarity (C50, C80), speech intelligibility (STI, STIPA), and identifies reflections.

Q7. Is there a free trial available?

Yes. Rational Acoustics offers a 30-day fully functional trial of Smaart Suite.

Q8. What are the system requirements?

Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit) or macOS 10.15 or newer. Intel Core i5 or better, 8GB RAM, 1920×1080 display, audio interface with ASIO (Windows) or CoreAudio (macOS) drivers.

Q9. Does Smaart support multi-channel measurements?

Yes. Smaart supports unlimited input channels (limited by audio interface and computer processing). You can measure multiple microphone positions simultaneously.

Q10. Can I use Smaart for room acoustics testing?

Yes. Impulse Response Mode is designed for room acoustics. It measures RT60, EDT, C50, C80, STI, and other metrics per ISO 3382 standards.

Final Thoughts

Rational Acoustics Smaart Suite 9.6.7 is the professional standard for audio system measurement and acoustical analysis. For live sound engineers, the Transfer Function mode is essential for tuning PA systems. For acoustical consultants, the Impulse Response and SPL modes provide the tools needed for room analysis and noise compliance. For system integrators, the ability to document measurements in professional reports is invaluable.

The software has a steep learning curve, but the investment pays off in better-sounding systems, fewer complaints, and faster troubleshooting. The free trial allows testing before purchase. For any audio professional serious about sound quality, it is not optional; it is the tool that separates guesswork from science.

Your audience hears the difference. Your clients see the data. Your reputation benefits from both. Smaart Suite delivers.