Class Formats

Rational Acoustics’ Class Formats

Rational Acoustics offers training sessions in multiple formats that cover the fundamentals of dual-channel sound system measurement, Smaart software operation, as well as the practical application of the analyzer in pro-audio work.  As such, our classes fall into two basic types – Operator Fundamentals and Smaart Application Practicum.

Given the wide variety of measurement applications within professional sound engineering, and given the broad spectrum of experience levels and skill sets of class attendees, every course session will be unique, and are often tailored (prior to and/or during a course session) to the specific interests and user level of the class..

Please note that, while the general measurement theory and practices presented in our training sessions are applicable across the broad spectrum of pro-audio measurement platforms, unless otherwise noted, Rational Acoustics’ training sessions are conducted using Smaart® measurement software, and do include a significant amount of Smaart platform-specific operational content.

Operator Fundamentals:

Rational Acoustics’ Smaart Operator Fundamentals class comprises the material you need to know to use a Smaart rig effectively – it is the both starting point for learning to use Smaart, as well as the material that you will need to return to on an ongoing basis and master to become an advanced user.

Rational Acoustics’ Operator Fundamentals classes provide:

  • A fundamental description of the measurement concepts involved in dual-channel FFT based analysis (as used in our industry)
  • A systematic breakdown of how they are realized in the Smaart measurement software
  • A detailed and hands-on (as possible) examination of the requirements for configuring and controlling a Smaart measurement rig.

The Smaart Fundamentals Class, while often referred to as the “beginner class”, could just as easily be considered the intermediate or even the advanced class.  Simply put, an engineer must understand their tool in order to use it effectively – the deeper their understanding of its conceptual underpinnings and operational mechanisms, the more effective (and advanced) the engineer can be with its application.

The standard session length for the Operator Fundamentals class is 16hrs, split between two 8hr days. For a full curriculum of the Operator Fundamentals class, click HERE.

Prerequisites:  Course is open to all interested persons – no prior measurement / system alignment experience required. This course does assume a working knowledge of professional sound system engineering practices and basic audio fundamentals. If you have any questions concerning course prerequisites, please do not hesitate to contact Rational Acoustics prior to registration.

InfoComm RU CertThe Smaart Operator Fundamentals Class (formerly called “Fundamentals & Applications) is CTS Certified for 6.5 renewal units (RU’s) in either the CTS General or CTS-I (installation) programs.

Smaart Application Practicum:

Rational Acoustics’ Smaart Application Practicum focuses on the use of the Smaart measurement platform in “real world” professional audio engineer work.  It examines the implementation of the information presented in the Operator Fundamentals – the various measurement capabilities, control parameters, data reading and measurement rig configuration skills – in using Smaart as tool for professional sound system engineering tasks.

Rational Acoustics’ Smaart Application Practicum sessions provide:

  • An overview of the Practicum’s example application(s) including  both the application goals and standard processes for employing Smaart in that task.
  • A review of the Smaart measurement rig being used and an in-depth process for evaluating its functionality (i.e. – setting up and checking your Smaart rig).
  • A hands-on* demonstration of the Smaart application with an in-depth discussion of real-world data interpretation.

* PLEASE NOTE: The degree of “hands-on”for the class will depend significantly upon the class venue, sound system and Smaart rig being used for the session. In many cases, the Practicum will utilize a single class Smaart rig and attendees will not be required to bring their own. Please consult the student requirements for the specific session being attended. *

Prerequisites:  The Smaart Application Practicum assumes the prior attendance of a Smaart Operator Fundamentals course. Students who wish to attend the Practicum course but do not meet this pre-requisite must obtain Instructor/session Host approval prior to registration.

Note about personal Computers:

While not absolutely required, class attendees are strongly encouraged to bring their laptop computers with Smaart measurement software installed (fully featured demo versions are available online) with a stereo line level input (either via a built-in sound card or an external preamp unit)  The measurement signals used in the instruction of the Operator Fundamentals classes will be made available to the attendees via a stereo distribution system (normally via 3.5mm TRS and stereo RCA connections). Bringing complete measurement rigs (including mixers, mics, etc.) is not necessary.