Which Edition of Smaart is Right for Me?

Which Edition of Smaart is Right for Me?

If you've considered trying or purchasing Smaart for the first time, you've likely noticed its different editions: LE, RT, SPL, and Suite (as well as Data Modeler, but that's its own beast and will be addressed later on). 

With multiple versions of Smaart at varying price points, you might be unsure as to which version is the best fit for your needs, or what differences there are between editions. If so, let this article serve as a guide to help you navigate and consider each version.

For instance, if you're a new Smaart user looking to try the software out for the first time, you may not have a need for more advanced features such as Frequency Time Windowing, Impulse Response Mode, or the Client Window.

For a more detailed comparison of each edition of Smaart, click here.

Smaart's Measurement Functions

Measurement work in Smaart falls into three basic categories, each with its own mode within the software:

1. Real-Time Spectrum/Transfer Function Measurements. 

Real-time measurements are commonly used to analyze sound system behavior and system-room interactions, tune and align PA systems, and visually monitor mix signals during an event. Suite, RT, and LE are capable of these measurements, although LE doesn't have access to advanced features such as the Client Window or L-IFFT™.

2. Impulse Response.

Impulse Response (IR) measurements are commonly used to characterize the acoustical properties of an environment or an installed system, focusing on reverberant decay times (such as RT60) and speech intelligibility indicators (such as STI). Suite is the only edition that contains IR Mode, which has the capacity to measure RT60 and STI values.

3. SPL Measurements.

SPL (Sound Pressure Level) is an objective measure of the intensity of sound waves in air. SPL meters are popular tools for mix engineers to ensure consistent levels over the course of a music performance. SPL measurements are also used to monitor sound exposure, nuisance noise concerns, and to comply with sound level regulations for organizations such as OSHA and NIOSH. Smaart SPL and Suite are the only editions with the ability to log SPL, have multiple SPL meters running, and utilize advanced weighting and custom metric options.

Smaart Edition Breakdown

The edition of Smaart most helpful to you is largely determined by which of these measurement types you are looking to make.

If you're looking to perform measurement work that requires all three categories:

• Smaart Suite is the full-featured, multi-channel version of Smaart. It includes full measurement toolsets for Real Time, Impulse Response and SPL measurements. Smaart Suite can access input signals from multiple I/O devices. There is no software-imposed limitation on the number of input signals you can work with in the software simultaneously or how many measurement engines you can run at once. Suite is available at $1299 for a perpetual license or $399 annually for a subscription license.

If you're looking to perform measurement work that requires real-time spectrum measurements and/or transfer function measurements:

• Smaart RT (Real-Time) is a standalone edition of Smaart that only features its Spectrum and Transfer Function modes. While it does have a read-only SPL meter baked in, it only has limited metrics available and doesn't have logging potential. Similar to Suite's Transfer Function mode, you're able to view a live IR of your Transfer Function in a separate plot. Beyond this live view, it is unable to calculate RT60 or STI values, as it lacks Suite's Impulse Response mode. RT is available at $899 for a perpetual license or $274 annually for a subscription license.

If you're a new Smaart user looking to try the software out for the first time, or simply don't have a need for more advanced features such as Frequency Time Windowing, Impulse Response Mode, or the Client Window:

• Smaart LE (Lite) is very similar to RT in terms of features, containing Smaart's Spectrum and Transfer Function modes exclusively. Unlike RT and Suite, however, LE lacks more advanced measurement features including Syncsource, LIFFT™, Pink Sweep, and the Client Window. These limitations, however, mean that LE is not only great for people new to Smaart, but also that it is the cheapest edition. LE is available at $499 for a perpetual license or $159 annually for a subscription license.

If you're only looking to measure, monitor, and log SPL:

• Smaart SPL is a standalone SPL monitoring program that offers all of the advanced SPL toolset found in Smaart Suite but contained in a streamlined, purpose-built interface that is simple and quick to navigate. This edition provides a cost-effective package for SPL monitoring, metering, and logging, and is a great choice for technicians, venue management, houses of worship, theaters, or anyone who wants to keep an eye on levels, sound exposure, and nuisance noise, but doesn't require advanced acoustic system or signal analysis capability. SPL is available at $349 for a perpetual license, with no subscription option.

If you're looking to expand upon your Smaart experience or practice "silent tuning":

• Smaart Data Modeler is designed to use alongside the main Smaart platform, but does not have measurement capabilities on its own. It instead imports measurement data captured within Smaart Suite/RT/LE and allows you to perform virtual system alignment/optimization using standard DSP controls like level, polarity, delay, and EQ. It is a great educational tool, and is incredibly helpful for performing system alignment without access to the room or system. Data Modeler is available at $349 for a perpetual license, with no subscription option.

Other Important Questions:

Can I upgrade later?

Of course! Some users prefer to "start off small" with Smaart LE or RT and then upgrade to Suite later as they expand their skillset and require access to more features. Licenses for these can be upgraded to Smaart Suite for a reduced cost. Smaart v9 upgrade pricing can be found by clicking here or by contacting sales@rationalacoustics.com for more information.

Are you still unsure as to which version you need?

30-day demo licenses are also available for Suite, LE, and SPL editions. RT doesn't have a standalone demo version since it contains all features of Suite's Real-Time mode. In order to try RT for free, simply acquire a demo license of Suite and explore its Real-Time mode. Additionally, Data Modeler's demo lasts 10 days instead of 30. For more info on demo licenses, click here.