Smaart
The professional standard for optimising PA systems and measuring live acoustic environments.
What it is
About Smaart
Smaart (System Measurement Acoustical Analysis in Real Time) by Rational Acoustics is the professional measurement tool used by live sound engineers to align, time-correct, and EQ PA systems. It displays real-time transfer function measurements showing how sound changes between source and measurement point — revealing time delays, phase relationships, and frequency imbalances that must be corrected before a show. The industry standard for large-format touring and installation audio.
What you can do with it
Capabilities
Measure the transfer function of a PA system to see exactly how the loudspeaker output differs from the input signal
Calculate and apply time alignment delays between sub-arrays, delay fills, and front-fills so all speakers arrive in phase at the measurement point
Identify comb filtering caused by boundary reflections and adjust speaker angles or delays to reduce it
Monitor real-time SPL levels across multiple measurement positions during a live show
Document pre-show measurements and produce reports showing system performance before handover to a client
How to learn it
Learning Resources
Rational Acoustics' Smaart certification courses — the benchmark qualification for professional system engineers
YouTube: Dante Vicino and ProSoundWeb forums cover Smaart measurement technique in depth
Hire or borrow a Smaart licence and measure a PA you already know well — understanding the discrepancy between what you hear and what Smaart shows is the real education
Pro Tip
Smaart shows what the measurement microphone hears, not what the audience hears. Learn to interpret data critically — a flat trace at mic position doesn't mean the system sounds good everywhere.
Skills that use this tool
Roles that use this tool