New Tools!

[technodanvan]

I have seen Snap-On use a lot of different vendors for their tools these days. I think some of their pliers are made by Knipex (another German company). Wouldn't surprise me to find them moving some manufacturing to China just to chrome them here.

FWIW, I did find that KC Tools has the Stahlwille bit socket. Might need to grab that sometime....just in case.

[Alaric]

All my years turning wrenches I used Matco and Snap-On. Good tools and I always had good reps I could call and get something I needed or replaced right away, even when it wasn't their regular day to stop by. I wasn't a fan of paying $95 per ratchet, but I still have them and they still work just fine 30+ years later. 😁

[Steve Manning]

All my years turning wrenches I used Matco and Snap-On. Good tools and I always had good reps I could call and get something I needed or replaced right away, even when it wasn't their regular day to stop by. I wasn't a fan of paying $95 per ratchet, but I still have them and they still work just fine 30+ years later. 😁

Quality rarely comes cheap .....

[Alaric]

Quality rarely comes cheap .....

Many, many years ago I asked my old man why he paid the outrageous (To me at the time) prices for top tier tools He smiled at me and said "Son, you don't always get what you pay for, but you never get what you didn't pay for."

Now, what may be my favorite tool, is a stubby 3/8" Snap-On ratchet that has been working more decades than my kids have been alive. The handle is my idea of perfection, the gear teeth are still solid but oh so smooth, and the selector lever still holds its position. I wonder if it will end up in the tool box of a grandchild who hasn't even been conceived yet. LOL

[Steve Manning]

Many, many years ago I asked my old man why he paid the outrageous (To me at the time) prices for top tier tools He smiled at me and said "Son, you don't always get what you pay for, but you never get what you didn't pay for."

Now, what may be my favorite tool, is a stubby 3/8" Snap-On ratchet that has been working more decades than my kids have been alive. The handle is my idea of perfection, the gear teeth are still solid but oh so smooth, and the selector lever still holds its position. I wonder if it will end up in the tool box of a grandchild who hasn't even been conceived yet. LOL

Your dad was absolutely right ..... I have an old Craftsman ratchet set, back from when they had the life time warranty, 40 plus years old, still going strong.

[Alaric]

Your dad was absolutely right ..... I have an old Craftsman ratchet set, back from when they had the life time warranty, 40 plus years old, still going strong.

Yeah, I couldn't figure out how he kept getting smarter and I seemed to be going the other way in my 20s. By 30 it started to make sense. By 40 it became crystal clear and I figured actually listening to him might be a shortcut to even more enlightenment. No idea why it took me so long, because I always knew my mother was smarter than me. 🤣
I wish I still had some of my early Craftsman stuff, they were good tools. I still have my Craftsman 25 ft, three outlet extension cord he gave me when I was 18. I can run three big power tools at once and it doesn't get warm. LOL

[JonMarsh]

Yeah, I couldn't figure out how he kept getting smarter and I seemed to be going the other way in my 20s. By 30 it started to make sense. By 40 it became crystal clear and I figured actually listening to him might be a shortcut to even more enlightenment. No idea why it took me so long, because I always knew my mother was smarter than me. 🤣
I wish I still had some of my early Craftsman stuff, they were good tools. I still have my Craftsman 25 ft, three outlet extension cord he gave me when I was 18. I can run three big power tools at once and it doesn't get warm. LOL

😎

Love hearing stuff like this...

[technodanvan]

Well, against all better judgement I ordered the new Dayton DATS LA. Not inexpensive, but at least it was 14% off. Based on other discussions elsewhere it may be more useful for those into modding drivers or even creating their own, but I hope it also works as a learning tool. One of my bigger hurdles right now is figuring out my workflow as DATS and VituixCAD run on Windows devices but Fuzzmeasure (which is becoming my preferred choice) is a Mac-only piece of software. Wondering if I should switch back to REW, just to make everything more simplified.

https://www.parts-express.com/DATS-LA-Loudspeaker-Analyzer-390-805?quantity=1

[theSven]

I used the crossover application to run the DATS software on Mac silicon. I wonder if that would work to run these other Windows apps on Mac too. You can get a free trial before buying a license.

https://www.codeweavers.com/crossover

[technodanvan]

I tried Parallels but new DATS didn't seem to start. Wondering if it's because I need the device plugged in first. I will be sure to try it though.

Edit: Totally unrelated...anyone interested in a new(ish) M4 Macbook Pro?

[JonMarsh]

Well, against all better judgement I ordered the new Dayton DATS LA. Not inexpensive, but at least it was 14% off. Based on other discussions elsewhere it may be more useful for those into modding drivers or even creating their own, but I hope it also works as a learning tool. One of my bigger hurdles right now is figuring out my workflow as DATS and VituixCAD run on Windows devices but Fuzzmeasure (which is becoming my preferred choice) is a Mac-only piece of software. Wondering if I should switch back to REW, just to make everything more simplified.

https://www.parts-express.com/DATS-LA-Loudspeaker-Analyzer-390-805?quantity=1

I'm going to butt in here a bit, regarding your musings- and going back to REW. I STRONGLY suggest reading Kimmo's comments on REW, and his directions on what you have to do with it to get usable data for VituixCAD. More simplified may not be where you wind up.

BTW, I also have CLIO, have had that for a long time on PC in older versions with dedicated cards (still have that one) and newer versions with support for both PC and Mac. If you don't like or "get" FuzzMeasure, I suggest turning to that, rather than REW, if your desire is to do useful driver and speaker development measurements. I still prefer the overall functionality of FuzzMeasure in "classic mode", and then too, there are some other sophisticated modes and templates available.

As always, DIYW- "Do It Your Way"- but keep in mind one of the Jack Reacher axioms- "Details matter". And one of mine... "Choices have consequences..."

[JonMarsh]

Oh, and older versions of DATS would get grumpy if no hardware was plugged in when you start the software up, so that could be the issue their testing it with Crossover or other emulation programs.

OTOH, I just take the easy way out- run DATS on a 17" LG Gram, the one I use as the controller computer for my Audio Precision analyzer, run VituixCAD on a Vader Trash Can Mac Pro that boots into WIN10 directly via bootcamp, driving a 43" LG 4K monitor, and run Fuzzmeasure on a dedicated computer cart with all the necessary gear on a Mac Studio that used to be my primary desktop.

But then, I love tools, rarely toss them out, just swap them into different roles, and have more routers than a lot of guys have changes of underwear, so I'm probably not a good example to emulate...

[JonMarsh]

The "trouble" with getting seriously into measurement, is that it's like the old saying, in for a "dime, in for a dollar..."

Yes, you can get a USB interface microphone without the need for a balanced mic input with phantom power for as little as $85...





But one is delusional to think that it gives the dynamic and frequency response range, the precision timing response (VERY necessary for many kinds of measurements- just ask Kimmo) and the low distortion of something like an Earthworks M30.



Of course, you've gotta hook that M30 up to something like a Motu M4 USB-C audio interface...

[technodanvan]

Indeed, I worded that a bit poorly. From my experience REW is definitely less intuitive than Fuzzmeasure, but what I'd gain is the ability to just use a single computer for everything (I'm really trying to reduce the number of computers I have). Another option could be the Omnimic 40K, but unless they significantly upgraded the software (they did not) I do not think that particular investment is worth it. I think I'd rather get a workflow down and a semi-permanent rig set up that I'm happy with before upgrading my mic.

[Alaric]

The "trouble" with getting seriously into measurement, is that it's like the old saying, in for a "dime, in for a dollar..."

Yes, you can get a USB interface microphone without the need for a balanced mic input with phantom power for as little as $85...





But one is delusional to think that it gives the dynamic and frequency response range, the precision timing response (VERY necessary for many kinds of measurements- just ask Kimmo) and the low distortion of something like an Earthworks M30.



Of course, you've gotta hook that M30 up to something like a Motu M4 USB-C audio interface...

That looks exactly like the box for a $5 Amazon soldering iron. LOL I keep a Weller in mine, but I can see where anything in that comes in that box could be considered..."budget". The hinge flexes, hard to close, etc..

[Reet]

REW is amazing software, it's absolutely worth the time and effort to learn. It's constantly being updated and improved, and comes at a price that everyone can afford. You may need a Klippel to get more advanced distortion analysis tools than what's in REW. In the context of measuring FR for VituixCAD, despite what Jon may think the process is not complex, it's mostly measure, repeat for all angles, window everything, export. With that said, for data gathering for VituixCAD crossover design, I still prefer ARTA (also free now), it's less featureful than REW but includes the ability to measure FR with a much less annoying pink noise signal, and includes a great tool for spatial measurement with automatic file naming. VituixCAD IR-FR tool is then used to process the measurements in bulk.

Does fuzz measure have a bulk measurement tool for gathering spatial data? Does it have the ability for a timing reference loopback? Shopping for any new measurement too, these 2 items are critical features I'd look for, and I don't see either of these listed on the feature list. My recommendation, get a functioning Windows installation so you can use any tool. My home PC has run Linux for the past 15+ years, and I run Windows in a VM for anything that doesn't work well in Linux or Wine, which is mostly just VituixCAD.

I wouldn't waste your time, or money on Omnimic 40k (or any USB mic for that matter). The whole IR blaster timing reference is a proprietary solution to a problem that they created by designing the audio interface into the mic, and does a worse job of it that a proper dual channel measurement setup. The software isn't that great either, though it did get a few small updates. A Motu M2 interface and Line Audio Omni1 mic is both cheaper and more versatile, all you need is a simple patch cord to provide a timing reference. With a few resistors and scrap wire, you can compare the cost to Omnimic and DATS combined. Just my 2c.

[JonMarsh]

Indeed, I worded that a bit poorly. From my experience REW is definitely less intuitive than Fuzzmeasure, but what I'd gain is the ability to just use a single computer for everything (I'm really trying to reduce the number of computers I have). Another option could be the Omnimic 40K, but unless they significantly upgraded the software (they did not) I do not think that particular investment is worth it. I think I'd rather get a workflow down and a semi-permanent rig set up that I'm happy with before upgrading my mic.

As always, DIYW! Whatever meets your needs, and your PRIORITIES! That last is a very important word, I think...

But if you want to simplify, and run on a PC, then I recommend Pocket CLIO- I use it mainly when I need a reference level calibration check, and for cross checking impedance measurements.

https://www.audiomatica.com/wp/?page_id=3557

On the other hand, if one wanted to be serious about CLIO on PC, then I think the CLIO X14 is the way to go.

https://www.audiomatica.com/wp/?page_id=3733

More options for test signal types, and a 192kHz USB audio option built in.

I could run this on my LG Gram.



Of course, it's a few bucks more than what I use now... and you still have to buy a microphone- Pocket CLIO comes with a basic decent one. But it's no M30.


https://www.soundimports.eu/en/audiomatica-clio-x.html?id=302369197&srsltid=AfmBOop1CiH4bVf55PaDdq CdKowFa5HSx5DmGiGE-vfwWlOj_sg9nwXUAPU&gQT=2


Neither are these from Audiomatica.

[JonMarsh]

And Pocket CLIO runs fine on my iMac Pro.

[Steve Manning]

Indeed, I worded that a bit poorly. From my experience REW is definitely less intuitive than Fuzzmeasure, but what I'd gain is the ability to just use a single computer for everything (I'm really trying to reduce the number of computers I have). Another option could be the Omnimic 40K, but unless they significantly upgraded the software (they did not) I do not think that particular investment is worth it. I think I'd rather get a workflow down and a semi-permanent rig set up that I'm happy with before upgrading my mic.

Just have one computer ..... blaspheme! Follow Jon's mantra more is better, etc. Did you know he runs his toaster with a new Mac Mini M4!

[JonMarsh]

Well, actually, it’s just networked in via Bluetooth, though when I need video on my hot air fryer (no conventional toaster) then it switches to WifFi on AirPlay. And it can be run from my 12.9” iPad Pro, of course.

[JonMarsh]

But, in all fairness, that new Mac Mini M4 is my primary desktop for stuff like email, news, posting on HT Guide, Shapr3D design, EzDraw documentation drawings, CD ripping, Unibox analysis, BOM creation in Apple Numbers, project and task tracking in OmniFocus, draft writing in Agenda, encrypted password management with Concealer, light weight recreational video watching in Apple TV+ (it is connected to a photography grade Benq 32" 4K monitor- Apple TV+ looks great, on new movies and new series like , and so do all my older TV videos and secret video vices, like the Flash (Reboot) video series), Silo (I've read all the books but the original author works with Apple and takes the stories in new directions), Slow Horses, Severence, and Shrinking.

Oh, and post processing and analysis work in Fuzzmeasure, planning and results recording in Outline, and Keynotes for preparing overview PDFs for Steve, Sven, and some of the folks I consult with on health topics. And collecting and organizing that information...

But then, it isn't just any M4 Mac Mini, but a Pro+ version with the enlarged CPU/GPU, 28GB of RAM, and 1TB disk space. And sits on top of two connected docking stations that including a total of 6TB of NVME outboard storage.

So, you could say I cheat a bit, but then a Danish colleague of mine once told me the if you aren't cheating (with the tools you use and the resources you access), you're not trying hard enough.

[JonMarsh]

But, I do agree on one point- never have more computers than you have guitars- otherwise, you’ve got your priorities seriously out of alignment!

[chrisn]

Stacked like cordwood... following the 4:1 ratio of pedals to guitars, is your pedalboard a full sheet of 4x8 bamboo ply? I tease of course, I have a similar addiction...

[technodanvan]

I uh...have zero guitars.

[Reet]

That looks exactly like the box for a $5 Amazon soldering iron. LOL I keep a Weller in mine, but I can see where anything in that comes in that box could be considered..."budget". The hinge flexes, hard to close, etc..

Don't judge the tool by the box it comes in. My Line Audio Omni1 came in a flimsy plastic case, but that doesn't change the fact that the mic is excellent, so much so that it rarely gets put away in the case.

[technodanvan]

Not a traditional tool per se, but I finally wrapped up my bed frame yesterday. Hoping I get some better sleep and that will translate to more productivity? So far no dice, but it's a new mattress too so that might take some time to get acquainted.

[JonMarsh]

Nice looking work, Danny! So, what mattress did you use?

I rented a place in Nampa ID a few months before we would start an actual move to Idaho after the end of working Dec 2020, and I researched mattresses and frames on Amazon, of all places, and found a pretty nice inexpensive setup- turned out, the frame was better made than the one in the bed I had from Scandinavian Designs, and so was the mattress. In fact, after all was said and done, we only kept the head board from the Scandinavian designs one. Wife says it's the most comfortable mattress she's ever slept on.






YMMV, and maybe you have higher standards or other issues- OTOH, I've had major back surgery for an L5 disk that had become 75% occluded before the emergency surgery, and since it was a new type of operation, a microdiscectomy, the outcome was a lot better than for a traditional laminectomy, but it does remind me from time to time when I over-do things physically, and I'm sensitive to good back support and resulting bed posture.

[JonMarsh]

But, I do agree on one point- never have more computers than you have guitars- otherwise, you’ve got your priorities seriously out of alignment!

Umm, well, I'm not so much a pedal board guy as an amplifier guy... that means a Vox AC30, a Marshal Origins practice amp, a couple of different Line6 heads (love the preamp sections in these), a Pro Leslie tone cabinet for guitar and my KeyB Duo B3 clone, and a Vintage Modern Marshall stack. From 2010 to 2020, recreating and augmenting the tools of my misspent youth.

[technodanvan]

After a ton of research I ended up with the Bear 'Elite Hybrid' 14" mattress with the 'Celliant Infused' cover, medium firmness. It's pretty cozy, a little firmer than expected but not too firm by any means.

Of course, after purchasing I discovered there is a whole community of people who DIY their own mattresses to save a few bucks. I'm not sure I would have gone that route as the savings was not particularly significant at the top end, but it could have been an interesting endeavor.

[JonMarsh]

Oh, and don't forget the pillow! I always carry an extra pillow on travel, because I can't stand the hotel ones-

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud ProHi Memory Foam

Is my favorite. It's a thicker model than the ones carried at Costco.

[Steve Manning]

Nice job on the bed frame Danny 👍