Real-time analyzer

An RTA can range from a small PDA-sized device to a rack-mounted hardware unit to software running on a laptop.

It works by measuring and displaying sound input, often from an integrated microphone or with a signal from a PA system.

There are generally two types of RTAs: The main difference between the two types is that the analog RTAs use a series of hardwired, analog bandpass filters to break the signal into frequency bands prior to measuring it.

RTAs are often used by sound engineers and by acousticians installing audio systems in all kinds of listening spaces: Venues, home theatres, cars etc.

While measuring pink noise or other test tones, such a controller can level out the frequency response by employing a set of adjustments in the appropriate frequency areas according to the system's interaction with the venue's size, shape and construction materials, among other things.