Due to test condition variations, differences of less than about 3dB are probably
not significant.
The "Ideal" tests show what RMAA would report for a bit-accurate soundcard:
one where, if used correctly, records the exact same signal that is presented
to the output, and is just for comparison purposes: this is "perfect", and better
than this no soundcard could possibly be.
Note: your soundcard must support Direct Sound, MME, or WDM drivers. If not,
try back later -- RightMark says they're adding ASIO support. If you don't know,
just try it and see.
- Download the latest version of RMAA from
audio.rightmark.org
and install it. It's a very non-invasive program and easy to install.
- Plug your soundcard's line outputs into its line inputs.
Stick to the first two channels on multichannel cards, for simplicity.
- Make sure that direct monitoring is turned off on your soundcard.
Otherwise, you won't be able to set the levels (you'll either get zero or
clipping, no in-between).
If you're using a built-in soundcard or a mass-market card like a
Soundblaster, use the Windows Volume Control panel to do this. Double-
click on the speaker icon in the lower right corner of your screen (systray).
This brings up a mixer panel. Mute the "Line In" by checking the box.
While you're at it, mute everything else that appears here except
"Wave" and "Volume Control" (the master volume). Leave this panel up
because you'll need it later.
- Run RMAA, selecting your soundcard and the format at the top. If your
soundcard doesn't appear, it may be because your soundcard doesn't support
MME or WDM drivers.
Currently, I'm focusing on the following formats for cards that support them:
- 16-bit, 44.1 kHz
- 16-bit, 48 kHz
- 24-bit, 44.1 kHz
- 24-bit, 48 kHz
- 24-bit, 96 kHz
For Creative Soundblaster and Audigy cards, please be sure to include 48kHz
format, because these cards can have problems in 44.1kHz mode.
However, I'll also be happy to get 24/96 or 24/192 results, if you
want to send them. As time goes on and computers get faster, I bet
we'll be using those formats more and more.
- At the bottom left corner, there's a toolbar button to "Run tests in
loopback mode". Make sure the "Adjust playback/recording levels"
checkbox is checked, as well as all tests to perform, and click this
tool button.
- This brings up a screen showing the input levels, with indicators showing
whether the signals are good for testing. Now comes the only part that
takes judgement: adjust your input and output controls so that the record
levels are between -2dB and 0dB -- closer to 0dB the better, usually.
If you're using a built-in soundcard (if you used the Windows Volume panel
above), you need to bring up another panel by double clicking on the volume
control (speaker icon mentioned above). When it comes up, drag it away
from the other one so you can see both. Select "Options -> Properties
-> Recording -> OK". Control the record level using the "Line In" fader.
The judgement part is that you can set the output level high and input
level low or vice versa. I tend to stick with putting them both in
roughly the same position (split the difference), but you can feel free
to run the test various ways and choose the best one. Or just go with
the "middle" approach, which seems to work pretty well.
Adjust things until the indicators say it's OK, and the levels are as
close to 0dB as possible. It's fine if the red LED segments are lit
in the level meters.
- Click "Start Test". The program will take a minute or so to run through
its tests and pop up a window where you can enter the test name. Pick
the default "slot", and in "New slot name", enter the name of the
soundcard: ideally, manufacturer then model, e.g., "MOTU 828 mkII" or
"Creative SB-Live Value". Hit OK.
- Then you'll see a "Test Results" window. If you've run more than one
test, select the ones you want to submit to me, and click the floppy
icon to save test results. (You can save up to four tests at a time.)
- You'll see a "Saving test results", which should show the soundcard
name you entered before. If it's not correct, fix it. There's a
Comments box, but the contents don't show up on the HTML results.
Click OK and it asks for a file name, and the default should be fine.
- Send me that file, which has a ".sav" extension (which you can see if
you have configured Windows to show file extensions). Send it to me at
learjef@aol.com.
I'll be sure not to spam-filter it if the subject is "RMAA results".
Please tell me the soundcard model, or any other notes you'd like to
mention. You don't need to tell me the recording format, which is
automatically put in the file.