Room EQ Wizard Tutorial for Home Studios

Room EQ Wizard (REW) provides professional acoustic measurement capabilities at no cost. This powerful software analyzes room acoustics, guides treatment decisions, and helps optimize monitor positioning. This Room EQ Wizard tutorial covers essential operations for home studio users.

Software Setup

Download REW from the official website (roomeqwizard.com) for Windows, Mac, or Linux. The installation follows standard procedures for each platform.

Initial configuration requires specifying audio device settings. Under Preferences, select the audio interface for both input (measurement microphone) and output (monitor or speaker measurement). Set the appropriate sample rate matching the interface.

Microphone calibration improves measurement accuracy. If using a calibrated measurement microphone with a provided calibration file, load this file under Preferences > Mic/Meter. This compensation corrects for microphone response variations.

Measurement Configuration

The measurement panel configures sweep parameters. Default settings work for most situations. The sweep length (500ms to 1 second) affects low-frequency resolution; longer sweeps improve bass accuracy but take more time.

Level calibration ensures appropriate signal levels. The level calibration function sets output level for adequate signal-to-noise without distortion. Following the guided calibration process establishes proper levels.

SPL meter calibration enables accurate level measurements. This calibration matches REW’s display to a reference SPL meter. Without external reference, relative measurements remain valid even without absolute calibration.

Taking Measurements

Position the measurement microphone at the primary listening position, at ear height. Point the microphone straight up for omnidirectional patterns commonly used in measurement microphones.

Click “Measure” to capture a measurement sweep. The monitors play a test signal; the microphone captures the room’s response. After the sweep completes, results appear automatically.

Multiple measurements at slightly varied positions around the listening area reveal how response varies. Averaging multiple measurements provides more representative data than single positions.

Reading Results

The SPL & Phase view shows frequency response—the most immediately useful display. A flat line would indicate perfect response; deviations show room influence.

Large peaks indicate resonances or boundary reinforcement. These typically appear in the bass range due to room modes. Large dips indicate cancellations.

The waterfall display shows how sound decays at different frequencies. Persistent energy at certain frequencies indicates resonance problems. This view reveals modal behavior not visible in frequency response alone.

Using Results

Identifying specific problem frequencies guides treatment targeting. Bass traps sized and positioned for identified problem frequencies address measured issues.

Comparing measurements before and after treatment changes quantifies improvement. Seeing response flatten after treatment confirms effectiveness.

REW’s room simulation features predict mode behavior based on dimensions, enabling comparison of measured behavior against theoretical predictions.

Advanced Features

Room simulation calculates expected modes from entered room dimensions. Comparing predictions with measurements validates understanding of room behavior.

The EQ function suggests filter settings to correct measured problems. These suggestions provide starting points for room correction systems or manual EQ.

Measurement and understanding of room behavior enables effective treatment. Quality recordings from measured and treated studios deserve promotional strategies connecting music with audiences.