Beginner - Spectrum Analyzer help and advice

[Tomer]

Hi all and thank you for helping out.
I am in the process of setting my lab, I intend to do Audio work and experiment/design Pro audio gear such as Preamps, Eq's, compressors and effects.

I will need a spectrum analyzer.
Can you guide me in the right direction for one, it can be PC based as well.
I was thinking to use a PICO 2000, but i saw that the resolution is 8Bit, I think that can be a problem with Audio ? don't you think ?

Thanks you and sorry for the general question.
Thx
Tom 

[nctnico]

I think the Analog Discovery may fit your requirements.

[Tomer]

Thank you

Are you referring me to the following product ?
https://analogdiscovery.com/

Tom

[RoGeorge]

A good PC soundcard, like 24/192 or more, used as a spectrum analyzer. A dedicated SA instrument for audio doesn't make much sense.

[nctnico]

Thank you

Are you referring me to the following product ?
https://analogdiscovery.com/

Yes, that is the one. IMHO the BNC adapter board is a nice to have as well.

[Tomer]

Hi and thank you for the replay.
I was thinking about using a sound card but, they can be very expensive with a lot of functions that i don't need.

Do you think a basic Studio sound card can be sufficient ? maybe you have a recommendation to one.

Thank you
Tom

[thm_w]

Hi and thank you for the replay.
I was thinking about using a sound card but, they can be very expensive with a lot of functions that i don't need.

Do you think a basic Studio sound card can be sufficient ? maybe you have a recommendation to one.

Thank you
Tom

You need to be more specific, what is your budget and what do you need spec wise?

ie is 20Hz-50kHz enough, what THD level, inputs/output type, balanced in and out?
Scarlett solo and UMC204HD are some good <$100 choices, there are much better at higher prices though.
https://audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/budget-dac-review-behringer-umc204hd.1658/

[Krytron]

"Posted by: RoGeorge
    Insert Quote  "A good PC soundcard, like 24/192 or more, used as a spectrum analyzer. A dedicated SA instrument for audio doesn't make much sense."

Consider that if you are working with very low level signals, that connecting a computer to the circuit may generate disturbances that will show up in your measurements and data".  Computers generate a lot of radio frequency interference.   You will note that a lot of computer inter connecting leads have ferrite cores at the ends near the connections and that acts as a low pass filter.  Cheap digital voltmeters can also spit a lot of EMI into your circuits, etc. 

[DimitriP]

Give visual analyzer a try.  http://www.sillanumsoft.org/
VA and RMAA are my two most favorites for double checking what my ears are hearing (or not )

[IDEngineer]

A dedicated SA instrument for audio doesn't make much sense.

HP has been making audio-specific spectrum analyzers since at least the 70's (back when their catalogs were a hardbound book like an encyclopedia!) and they charged their usual prices for them. They made sense then, as they do now, if you're doing precise work.

However, you are correct about a sound-card-based solution for non-demanding work. I've had great luck with TrueRTA for many years, even used it to characterize filters in the audio range.

https://trueaudio.com/rta_abt1.htm

Disclaimer: I have no formal connection with them except as a satisfied customer. Definitely worth a look before you spend real money.

[DC1MC]

I will recommend this one:

https://www.ebay.de/itm/HP-Agilent-35660A-Dynamic-Audio-Spectrum-Signal-Analyzer-ahnl-35665A-35670A/173107719388