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The real-time spectrum analyzer (RTA) has long been one of the audio professional's most useful tools. Until about a decade ago, good RTAs consisted of separate signal generators, calibrated microphones, and bulky oscilloscopes. Then some manufacturers began offering handheld RTAs with inboard microphones and LED or LCD screens.

Now software developer Display Research Laboratory has taken the RTA into the shareware realm with the introduction of the "HandDee Spectrum Analyzer" (HandDee-SA) for the Pocket PC. "The HandDee-SA is a real-time spectrum analyzer for Pocket PC and Pocket PC 2002 PDAs, providing smooth update rates of up to about 20 frames per second (fps)," states a Display Research press release. The HandDee-SA provides a time-base–selectable continuous XY waveform, like an oscilloscope, as well as a "waterfall" or spectrogram plot, and some interesting "spectral peak profiling options." Waveforms can be stored for comparison.

When loaded in the Pocket PC, the software allows users to see the acoustic performance of loudspeaker systems and their interaction with the listening room. It also includes an extremely useful "noise subtraction" feature that samples continuous noise, such as from ventilation systems or computer fans, and removes it from the waveform display, so that users can see their loudspeakers' performance separated from environmental contaminants.

The developer's pitch for the product seems to be aimed at hi-fi fans who prefer to listen with their eyes rather than their ears. "Although loudspeaker systems are expensive equipment, buyers in the past [could not] see for themselves the real performance characteristics of such systems," states the press release. "The HandDee-SA, for the first time, enables buyers to make informed choices on the spot by bringing their Pocket PC and a stereo cable."

The instructions note, "Playing a frequency sweeping tone in the background, a convenient one-touch spectral peak profiling option shows loudspeaker frequency response on the Pocket PC screen in a few seconds. The spectral response flatness of different systems can be compared easily. Applying other test sounds can reveal other aspects of the system unit test. For example, two pitch tones can be used to test for inter-modulation (IM) distortion."

The HandDee-SA generates its own signals, including single tones, sweep tones, and pink noise. The HandDee-SA uses the Pocket PC's microphone and is compatible with Microsoft Media Player and most audio players. Its DC power makes it inherently quieter than AC-powered devices, the developer claims.