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Smaart v8 has arrived

After yearlong development effort that has reduced our programmer’s fingers to bloody stumps, we are very pleased to announce that Smaart v8 will be released on Tuesday, March 15th.

 

Smaart v8 is the most powerful, flexible and adaptable version of Smaart to date. From studio to stadium, shop to show, Smaart v8 fits the needs of any measurement situation.

Smaart v8 Main Window

Smaart v8 Main Window Dark

With Smaart v8, we are breaking out of the single window, fixed GUI world to allow increased control over your software environment, allowing you to adapt and expand Smaart to better match your specific applications.

Smaart v8 offers new ways to manage your data and your measurement environment, new multi-window capability, a new tab-based interface, added functionality for use on tablets and touch screen computers, computer-to-computer API capability and much, much more.

Easier, More Intuitive Measurement Configuration
The measurement configuration process has been updated to provide an easier, more intuitive workflow – adding automatic measurement creation and management functionality to streamline configuration and support a “build-on-the-fly” process that is often an operational necessity.  Specifically:

  • New program workflow takes you through device selection/configuration and automatically creates Spectrum measurements
  • Device and measurement configuration is managed through a single window
  • Input metering right in the I-O Config, check your inputs before you even create  measurements
  • Creating a Transfer Function measurement now automatically creates the accompanying Spectrum contributors to it.
  • Measurement creation on-the-fly from the main interface

Tab-Based Interface


Many users expressed a desire for a tab-based interface where one could configure and switch between multiple workspaces, so we have expanded the basic “measurement group” paradigm from v7 and now organize our configurations into tabs which include not only the configured measurements, but also the layout and plot view as well.

Multi-Window Capability


We have added the ability to drive multiple windows, each containing its own set of tabbed workspaces.  It is like being able to run multiple sessions of Smaart simultaneously.

Hide/Show Interface Controls

We heard from many users that they really liked the hide/show data bar feature available in Smaart v.7 Di because it gave them the ability to maximize the plot area, especially during show time.  So we took that concept a step further in v8 and applied it to all interface control elements

Command Bar

Command Bar
The increased use of Smaart on tablet/touch screen computers complicated using Hot-Key commands. To address this, we added a command menu and a user-configurable command bar of large, touch-friendly buttons that can be used to call any of Smaart’s keyboard-based, Hot-key commands.

Improved Data Storage & APL
For static data, we have overhauled the trace storage process to allow for better direct access to your larger file structure of captured traces, without cluttering up active memory space trying to keep everything loaded in RAM in case you need it.

The new Active Plot Legend, or APL,  window details the contents of the active/selected plot, showing the names, colors and trace offsets of Live and static data traces – as well as providing  the controls for hiding/showing the traces.

Broadband Metering

A long-time user requested feature is the ability to continuously view input signal levels, as well as monitor parameters such as SPL and LEQ for multiple inputs simultaneously. For this we created the Broadband Meters window. This mode-less window can be configured to monitor any of Smaart’s input signals via a simple grid configuration process.

Integrated Smaart I-O Control
Control for the Smaart I-O gain and phantom power are now integrated directly into the Smaart v8 interface.

Smaart-to-Smaart API
Smaart’s integrated API allows any copy of Smaart v8 to act as a host to any other copy of Smaart v8, meaning you can create a rig with one computer acquiring the input signals and performing the measurement computations, while another acts as a client and remotely accesses the measurement data.  This capability then allows your v8 measurement environment to be spread, not just across multiple monitors, but across multiple computers.

Under the Hood Performance Improvements

As with all new versions of Smaart, we have made many “under-the-hood” improvements to the Smaart code base and development environment.  While not particularly sexy, these updates bring with them better performance on the latest operating systems, improved stability and security and native support for High Definition displays (which is actually pretty sexy… admit it).

Minimum Suggested Computer System Requirements

Windows

Operating System: Windows 7 or newer (32 & 64 bit)
CPU: 2 GHz Dual-Core Intel i5 Processor or faster
RAM: 2 GB or greater
Graphics: Intel HD 4000 or better, or 256 MB dedicated video RAM
Display: Min. 1024×600 pixel display
Sound: Audio Hardware with OS compatible ASIO, Wav/WDM drivers.

MAC

Operating System: Mac OSX 10.7 (32 + 64 bit) or newer
CPU: 2 GHz Dual-Core Intel i5 or faster
RAM: 2 GB or greater
Graphics: Intel HD4000 or better, or 256 MB dedicated video RAM.
Sound Hardware: Audio Hardware with compatible Core Audio device drivers.

CLICK HERE to Purchase Smaart v8
CLICK HERE for Smaart v8 Pricing Information
CLICK HERE for the Smaart v8 FAQ

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Elizabeth Paglione

Elizabeth PaglioneLicensing Lass 

Phone: +1 860-928-7828

Liz joined the Rational Acoustics team just in time for the release of Smaart v8. Although she is new to the audio industry, Liz’s background in computer technology makes her a perfect fit. CompTIA certified and a veteran to the sneaky Windows 10 Automatic Upgrades, Liz has the toolset to help form the bridge between the audio world and the real world, getting past all that crazy computer stuff. Riding along as the Technical Support Crush Apprentice, Liz accumulated a wide variety of skills to help make sure Smaart is behaving whenever you start it up. With “Error 523” as her middle name, if you run into any trouble with licensing your Smaart software, Liz will be the person that gets you up and running again.

She is also highly capable with a soldering iron, and her knack for repairing electronic components has saved quite a few pieces of equipment around the office from the waste bin.

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Thomas Züllich – Scandinavian distributor for Rational Acoustics

Thomas Züllich

Thomas is the Scandinavian distributor for Rational Acoustics products and has been an active Smaart user and supporter for over 10 years.

Thomas will oversee all aspects of the Scandinavian Smaart educational program  and help  our customers up to date on the latest news and product information for Smaart. He´ll be conducting Smaart workshops  facilities throughout the territory.

Thomas will also be managing a Smaart Scandinavia website and Facebook page & group.

For further details please feel free to contact Thomas at thomas@rationalacoustics.no or via phone +47 97123033

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Tim Lalor Lord of the Code

Tim Lalor

TimLalorLord of the Code

Phone: +1 860-928-7828

Tim joined Rational Acoustics in January 2015 as our Principal Software Developer. Tim wrangles all the bits and bytes and is entirely responsible for developing Smaart (no pressure Tim).

Tim is a Vermonter to the core, and enjoys running every day as long as the snow isn’t too deep. He holds a BA in Physics from Binghampton University and will be exercising his degree heavily in the coming years.

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OSX Yosemite

After spending some time with OSX Yosemite we’ve determined that there are no compatibility issues with Smaart v7, Smaart v7 DI, or the Smaart I-O.

Although Smaart is compatible, we cannot guarantee that your audio device will work with the new OS. Check with your audio device manufacturer to ensure that compatible drivers are available before upgrading.

Do NOT deactivate Smaart before upgrading to Yosemite unless you are also fully reformatting the hard drive. Simply install the new OS and contact support@rationalacoustics.com if you encounter any problems.

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Smaart v.7 and Smaart v.7 DI Updates available

We have released updates for both Smaart v7 and Smaart v7 Di.
Both are free updates and are recommended for all v7 and/or v7 Di users.
A detailed list of the new features and bug fixes for each release is included below.

SMAART V7 Di:
This update includes all of the Real Time Mode features that were added to the full v7 program in the 7.5 update. Smaart v7 Di 1.1 also includes the long awaited v7 Di API. There is no licensing change for this update, simply follow the normal update instructions below.

Note: Due to functional differences between Smaart v7 and v7 Di, the Di API is not identical to the v7 API. Existing third-party programs that include integration with the v7 API will not work with DI until the manufacturer of that program includes the ability to connect to the DI API. All existing SDK recipients have been notified of this change in advance.

• Added Smaart v7 Di API
Allows third party programs the ability to query and issue basic command to any operating copy or v7 Di (Host) as well as request the output data of any of its running measurements (graphics)

• Added Normalize function for TF measurements 
Holding the Shift key and clicking anywhere on the Magnitude plot Normalizes all visible traces to 0 dB at that frequency.

• Added Quick Compare for TF measurements (Trace Subtract)
Quick Compare captures a copy of the top Transfer Function trace and stores the inverse in memory as a weighting curve. This curve can be quickly applied as a global weighting curve to all live Transfer Function measurements. See the help file topic “Weighting Curves” for more information.

• Added Target Curves on RTA plots
Import ASCII traces into Smaart and display them in a static position on the RTA plot to serve as a visual target or threshold for your single-channel measurements. Curves are managed from Options -> Target Curves and are toggled with the X hotkey.

• Live IR plot can now occupy a proportional amount of space when viewing multiple plots 
The Live IR plot can occupy 1/3 or 1/2 of the plot space when viewed with another TF plot. This feature is enabled by checking “Proportional Panes” in Transfer Function Options.

• Added Configuration Management
Save as/Restore default on current configuration. Recall, delete and copy functions for stored configs.

• Hover text on Trace Folders (useful when using long folder names) 
Hovering your cursor over Trace Folders displays information text similar to Trace Info text.

• Improved Fractional Octave Smoothing
• Improved Coherence-Weighted Averaging
• Improved Integrated Averaging (1 sec, 2 sec, etc)
• Changed Mag Range in TF Options to be a Customizable Default
• Changed Smaart IO to be Default Output Device for Signal generator (when connected)

For more information about these new v7 Di features, please review Smaart’s built-in Help File.

SMAART V7
The 7.5.2 update is a minor update with a few important bug fixes.

• Fixed bug where IR ETC would not calculate for certain filters
• Fixed bug where Normalize wouldn’t work if only one trace was being shown
• Fixed bug where global weighting was being applied to loaded traces
• Fixed smoothing bug with measurements falling below magnitude threshold 

Update Instructions (applicable to both Smaart v7 and v7 Di)

1. Log into your account at http://my.rationalacoustics.com.
2. Select “Your Software Licenses” on the main navigation bar.
3. Click on your Smaart v.7 or Smaart v7 Di license in your list of registered products.
4. On your Smaart License page, scroll down to find the link to download the latest installer (Mac or Windows)
5. Install the new version by running the installer program (Windows) or dragging the new version from the disk image into your Applications folder (Mac).
6. It is NOT necessary to deactivate or re-activate your installation or re-register your v.7 or v.7 Di License.

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Smaart v.7 Di nominated TEC Awards

We are pleased to announce that Smaart v.7 Di has been nominated for 2013 TEC Awards.  We are honored by the recognition of Smaart v.7 Di by our industry peers and extend our deepest thanks to the TEC Award nominating panel.

The TEC Awards will be held on January 24, 2014 during the NAMM Show in Anaheim.  Smaart v.7 Di is nominated in the category of “Outstanding Technical Achievement – Ancillary Equipment”.  Winners are chosen by a panel of professional audio and sound production companies.

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official release of Smaart v.7 Di

We are pleased to announce the official release of Smaart v.7 Di (Dual-channel Interface)!

Smaart v.7 Di is a streamlined, two-channel version of the standard Smaart v.7 analysis software.v7Di Screen Shot 1.6

The primary focus of the Smaart v.7 Di platform is to offer a simplified version of the Smaart v.7 program; one that is significantly easier to configure and operate, without sacrificing the measurement power of our current Spectrum and Transfer Function measurement engines.

Smaart v.7 Di’s fixed, two channel architecture provides a nimble, quickly adaptable measurement environment, with all critical configuration and control parameters accessible from a single intuitive UI (user interface); perfect for quick and precise measurements without the demands of the standard version’s multi-measurement, multi-mode complexity.

Smaart v.7 Di’s Spectrum and Transfer Function engines have the same power and capabilities as those in the standard version. However, in the spirit of simplicity, v.7 Di does not include a separate Impulse Response (IR) Mode. Instead, all time domain measurement capabilities in v.7 Di reside in the Live IR display of the TF measurement.

In order to maintain easy portability and interoperability between versions, both versions of Smaart use the same RTA and TF data formats. Smaart v.7 and Smaart v.7 Di share the same control and command structure (view control, zooms, hot-keys, data capture commands, etc.), so moving back and forth between versions does not require learning a whole new control and command paradigm. For a discussion about the differences between Di and the full version of v.7, click here

As an added bonus, the Smaart I-O’s gain and phantom power controls are integrated directly into the Smaart v.7 Di interface; making a “Smaart v.7 Di + Smaart I-O” combo an excellent package for users who want the most elegant, and streamlined, set-up possible.

For more information about Smaart v.7 Di and the differences between it and the full version, visit the v.7 Di product page here

30 Day Demo

There is a 30 Day Demo of Smaart v.7 Di available here. You can download the Demo and evaluate the program free of charge for 30 days. Please note: for security reasons the Demo will have some functionality disabled. This should not interfere with your ability to use or evaluate Smaart v.7 Di but it will be very important for you to read the “ReadMe” document that will be included with the Demo for more information about the disabled features. Also, the Smaart v.7 Di Demo CANNOT be renewed and cannot be turned into a licensed version of v.7 Di. It will simply expire and cease to function after 30 days. You will need a completely different installer for the licensed version.

Smaart v.7 Di Training Classes

We are in the process of developing a one-day Smaart v.7 Di Training Class which will be specific to the Smaart v.7 Di platform. We will have full information about class curriculum, pricing & initial dates & locations in the next Rational Report. (If you’re not already subscribed to our mailing list, do so here!)

Smaart v.7 Di Pricing and Purchase Information

New licenses of Smaart v.7 Di and upgrades from Smaart v4, v5, and v6 are available from the Rational Acoustics online store or from any authorized Rational Acoustics dealer or distributor (click here for a list of all authorized Rational Acoustics dealers and distributors).

Retail pricing is as follows:
Smaart v.7 Di New License: $595 USD
Smaart v.6 to v.7 Di Upgrade: $300 USD
Smaart v5 to v.7 Di Upgrade: $400 USD
Smaart v.4 to v.7 Di Upgrade: $500 USD

All new licenses come with 2 installs. Licenses can be delivered via e-mail or via hard copy CD package (shipping costs apply). Discounted combo packages of Smaart v.7 Di plus the Smaart I-0 and various microphone options are available via the Rational online store.

**Smaart v.7 Di for v.7 Owners**

There is no “upgrade” or “crossgrade” available from Smaart v.7 to v.7 Di. Instead, v.7 and v.7 Di owners will have the ability to purchase add-on licenses of either version to their existing license accounts using the new self-service “Add-On” sales function from within license management accounts at http://my.rationalacoustics.com.

  • Registered Smaart v.7 users can purchase a special single-install license of v.7 Di for 1/2 US retail price from within their license mgmt account using a credit card (a separate v.7 Di license # will be issued & assigned directly to your account)
  • Registered v.7 Di users can purchase a special single-install license of full Smaart v.7 for 1/2 US retail price from within their license mgmt account using a credit card (a separate v.7 license # will be issued & assigned directly to your account)
  • Both registered Smaart v.7 and Smaart v.7 Di users can purchase additional incremental installs of the same license type onto the same license number from within their license mgmt. account using a credit card. The install count of the chosen license will automatically be incremented online.
  • Single-install license add-on sales are restricted to registered v.7 and v.7 Di users only
  • Users who cannot /do not want to purchase online using a credit card may place orders for add-on licenses or for add-on installs by contacting sales@rationalacoustics.com or your local Rational Acoustics dealer or distributor

Smaart v.7 Di Release Special for v.7 Owners

As a special thank you to our current Smaart v.7 user base we are offering a release special of $200 per install for Smaart v.7 owners who add a v.7 Di License (one or more installs) to their existing account via the self-service license “Add-on” sales function within the my.rationalacoustics.com license management site.

Normal pricing for Smaart v.7 Di is $297.50 per install, so this is a $97.50 (33%) savings.

This offer is only valid for 90 DAYS after the release of Smaart v.7 Di. Ends September 6th, 2013.

If you have any pre-sales technical questions, or if you find a problem with the program, feel free to send us an email at support@rationalacoustics.com