What is ARTA?
ARTA is a software suite for audio, acoustic and loudspeaker measurements. The name stands for Audio Real Time Analysis. The programs use the inputs and outputs of a PC sound card or professional audio interface to generate test signals, record electrical or acoustic signals and analyse the results.
ARTA is suitable for developing and testing loudspeakers, analysing rooms and sound reinforcement systems, and carrying out a wide range of electroacoustic measurement tasks.
Three programs for different measurement tasks
The ARTA software suite consists of three complementary programs:
- ARTA measures impulse responses, frequency responses and spectra. It provides real-time spectrum analysis and extensive functions for evaluating acoustic measurements.
- STEPS performs frequency-response measurements using stepped sine signals. At the same time, it can determine second-, third- and higher-order harmonic distortion.
- LIMP is used to measure loudspeaker impedance and determine loudspeaker parameters.
Which measurements can be performed with ARTA?
ARTA combines the functions of several traditional measuring instruments and analysis systems in one software suite. These include:
- signal generation for random and defined test signals
- impulse-response and frequency-response measurements
- Fourier and spectrum analysis
- harmonic distortion analysis
- storage oscilloscope functions
- loudspeaker impedance measurements with LIMP
For more advanced acoustic investigations, ARTA also provides windowed impulse responses, smoothed frequency responses, step responses, energy-time curves, waterfall diagrams, reverberation and room-acoustic parameters, directivity plots and methods for evaluating speech intelligibility.
Sound-level and room-acoustic measurements
According to the developer, ARTA can also be used as a virtual sound-level meter when combined with a calibrated measurement microphone. The software supports integrating level measurements with long-term recording as well as octave-band and one-third-octave-band analysis. This makes it possible to investigate rooms, sound reinforcement systems and acoustic transmission systems in addition to loudspeakers.
What hardware is required?
The software runs on Windows PCs and requires a full-duplex sound card or audio interface with synchronously clocked A/D and D/A converters. Depending on the measurement task, a measurement microphone, power amplifier, reference resistors or a measurement box may also be required.
An ARTA measurement box provides the connections, switching options and protection functions required for many loudspeaker and impedance measurements in a practical hardware unit. It forms the interface between the audio interface, the device under test and the other components of the measurement setup.
Who is ARTA suitable for?
ARTA is aimed at dedicated DIY builders as well as engineers, acousticians and professional users. Typical applications include developing loudspeaker enclosures and crossovers, determining driver parameters, checking frequency response and distortion, analysing directivity and carrying out room-acoustic measurements.
ARTA is now freeware
According to the official ARTA website, version 1.9.8 was released as freeware in December 2024. The sale of licence keys had already ended in March 2024, and the ARTALABS company was closed in April 2024. Copyright in the software remains with its author, Ivo Mateljan.
The final program release contains ARTA, STEPS and LIMP together with their help files. The official website also provides user manuals, tutorials in English and German, and numerous application examples.
Software and measurement hardware as a system
ARTA handles signal generation, recording and analysis. Suitable measurement hardware provides a defined and safe connection between the audio interface and the device under test. For a convenient setup, h1f1 offers several options ranging from a bare PCB and a fully assembled module to the complete ARTA Box 4.1 Kit.
- ARTA PCB 4.1 for a complete DIY build
- ARTA 4.1 Module as fully assembled electronics
- ARTA Box 4.1 Kit with module, enclosure and connection accessories
h1f1 is a brand of Ingenieurbüro Grafe.