With the way different frequencies can have different nodes in different places throughout a room, the theoretical problem I have with placing a single microphone at the listening position and letting the parametric EQ do its thing is: things may get better at that one position and worse elsewhere.¹ In my learning and experience, proper EQ cannot be accomplished in a simple plug-n-play, one-shot-does-it approach.

If I use an analyzer that can give me both:

- Pulse or ‘burst’ gated readings (that avoid room reverberation influences for mid-bass through the upper frequencies²) and

- Gather long-duration data (that includes both direct sound from your speakers and reflecting/reverberating sound in the environment),

- and then take readings in about twenty positions throughout the listening area,

- I can compare all the data gathered and determine which frequencies may need boosting or attenuation (because certain frequencies are too weak or too strong just about everywhere),

- and which frequencies average out throughout the listening area and really don’t need attention in the form of EQ at all.

Having both the pulsed and long-duration readings will help evaluate what in the room may need ‘treatment’ vs. what EQ may be needed. I’m one that believes that if the physical environment is creating a problem, I want to address the environment in a reasonable way before trying to electronically compensate.

¹ As a demonstration of “there’s no single, ideal spot to set up my measurement microphone,” try playing a steady sine-wave tone of 40Hz through your system and slowly walk around the room with an RS SPL meter. In most rooms you’ll find that the sound pressure level from area to area can vary by 6, 10, or more decibels. Don’t have a meter? Try covering one ear and walk around. You’ll likely find spots where the bass is really strong and perhaps a spot or two where it seems to disappear almost entirely. Now change the frequency to 60 Hz. Some of the strong nodes and weak nulls are now in different places. How can any one spot tell me the truth about the whole listening area?

² Pop Quiz: Why would pulsed/gated tests be less effective at lower frequencies in normal home environments?

My apologies if I became too insistent - I'm still willing to listen. Together we know more than any one of us individually!