An integrated loudspeaker measurement system is one thing and measurement software is another. Companies that sell lab equipment for loudspeaker measurements offer a complete set of devices that -in most cases- do not cooperate with other -commercially available- hardware.
Such integrated measurement systems today are PC-based and apart from a calibrated microphone they include an audio interface, an amplification unit, cables, a software controlled rotating base (for off axis directivity measurements) and software for current OS (operating systems). In most cases several purchasing options are given allowing for different hardware configurations or units to be sold.
The advantages of such a measurement system is the increased quality in terms of measurement noise, system endurance, system upgrade-ability, repair-ability, technical support and printed documentation.
On the other hand companies that offer a loudspeaker measurement software allow for:
Obviously the overall quality of such a measurement system can easily be compromised by the following factors:
If a DIYer or any other speaker designer wants to built his/her own measurement system with a separately purchased measurement software, it would be a nice idea to check for a low-cost microphone and amplification unit, paying attention to the following six issues:
Both techniques have their advantages and disadvantages in the field of acoustical (SPL and phase responses, harmonic distortion) and electrical measurements (impedance, harmonic distortion). They should both be available by such a system without direct or indirect limitation.
6. Operating systems evolve in time and within a few years could make the PC you use along with your measurement software become outdated. For example a measurement software based on Microsoft Windows XP may work fine but attaching a newly-bought printer to the associated PC may prove impossible: most currently available printers are not accompanied by Microsoft Windows XP drivers. Installing current software to such a PC could also prove impossible.
It would be nice to have your measurement software manufacturer clearly define a number of years for which upgrades would be available so that a modern PC could replace the outdated one. Unfortunately a manufacturer can not promise future OS compatibility with current hardware or software. It is the client's responsibility to plan future steps concerning the PC used along with a measurement system.
For all these reasons a speaker designer should carefully investigate what exactly is offered by a software manufacturer. Other hardware availability and pricing should also be checked before any other step.