Real-Time Analyzer
Live spectrum analysis for system monitoring, sound checks, and real-time frequency visualization
What is the RTA?
The Real-Time Analyzer (RTA) provides a live frequency spectrum display of incoming audio. Unlike the Measure tab which computes transfer functions between source and receiver, the RTA simply shows the spectral content of whatever signal is present — making it ideal for monitoring, sound checks, and quick visual feedback.
The RTA uses the same analysis engines as the rest of AudioMap (FFT, MRA, CQT, CWT, Superlet), so you get the same high-quality spectral analysis in a simpler, monitoring-focused interface.
RTA vs. Measure Tab
RTA Tab
- Single-channel spectrum analysis
- No reference signal required
- Shows absolute level (dBFS or dB SPL)
- Works with any input signal (music, speech, noise)
Measure Tab
- Dual-channel transfer function (H1 estimator)
- Requires reference signal from generator
- Shows relative response (dB gain/loss)
- Includes coherence and phase data
Display Elements
Spectrum Trace
Live frequency spectrum showing signal level at each frequency. Displayed as a continuous curve on a logarithmic frequency axis.
Spectrogram
Scrolling time-frequency waterfall display below the spectrum. Shows spectral history as a color-mapped 2D image.
SPL Meters
Integrated SPL metering with A/C/Z weighting. Shows real-time level alongside the spectrum display.
Source Traces
Source channels show the spectrum of the signal being sent to speakers. In RTA mode, this lets you monitor the output signal quality, check for clipping, and verify that your generator is producing the expected spectrum.
Receiver Traces
Receiver channels show the spectrum captured by microphones. This is the primary RTA display — showing what's actually happening in the room acoustically.
When to Use the RTA
Sound Checks
Monitor spectrum during rehearsal and setup. Verify system response with program material.
Feedback Detection
Identify problematic frequencies visually before they become audible feedback.
System Monitoring
Continuous spectral monitoring during live events. Keep an eye on level and tonal balance.
Quick Analysis
Analyze any audio signal without setting up a full measurement chain.
Analysis Engine Selection
The RTA uses the same analysis engines as the Measure tab. Choose the engine that best fits your monitoring needs.
FFT
Standard spectrum. Fast, uniform bins. Best for general monitoring.
MRA
Multi-resolution. Fine bass + fast treble. Best all-rounder for RTA.
CQT
Log-frequency native. Musical pitch resolution.
CWT
Smooth wavelet display. Artifact-free.
Superlet
Maximum resolution. CPU intensive.
Reassignment
Sharpened STFT overlay. Enhanced detail.
Configuration Options
Averaging
Control temporal smoothing of the display. More averaging = smoother trace, slower response.
None — raw per-frame (noisiest)
FIFO — moving average window
LPF — continuous low-pass filter
Smoothing
Frequency-domain smoothing applied to the display. Reduces jaggedness in the spectrum curve.
1/48 to 1 octave fixed
Variable — adaptive by frequency
Psychoacoustic — perception-matched
Display Scale
Adjust the vertical scale and range to focus on the signal level of interest.
dBFS — relative to full scale
dB SPL — calibrated absolute level
Auto-range or manual scale