Autotronics Magazine Reviews MacSpeakerz

We aren't Macintosh users; we've used PC’s forever and aren't about to change now. However, MacSpeakerz would be a pretty good reason to reconsider. It’s one of the most comprehensive, easy-to-use and graphically appealing programs we've seen. With its crisp screens and easy-to-navigate controls, it was a real pleasure to use. Like most Mac programs it's menu-driven and big on graphic irons. Slick features like pictures of the enclosure type on the pull-down menus are standard fare for MacSpeakerz. Driver selection can be accomplished from the database or by entering/editing data manually. Basic sealed enclosures require minimum driver data, and more exotic bandpass enclosures require complete parameters. Enclosure types, from sealed to tri-chamber/dual- or tri-vent are included. Response analysis and plotting is where MacSpeakerz really shines. Responses can be stored in memory buffers for later comparison, dB levels and resolutions can be changed for ideal scrutiny, and the Response graph can be zoomed for a closer look at its details. Each important variable for the selected box type can be modified easily and re-plotted for comparison. Recommended bandpass designs for the selected driver can be calculated by pressing the options key. MacSpeakerz features a number of additional response calculations that can detail the performance of a system in some very useful ways. The excursion response is a representation of how much the speaker cone will move with a particular voltage input. This is important because many systems that look ideal in terms of frequency response may run out of excursion at relatively low input levels; they'll sound OK at low volumes but will run out of gas at high levels. For cabinet design again the MacSpeakerz graphics interface really shines. Rectangular, wedge and bandpass designs are all accomplished quickly and easily using the Box Calculator. Optimum dimensions can be easily modified and critical dimensions locked while others are varied. Vent and speaker displacement can be subtracted automatically from the total volume. Vents are calculated with a wide variety of types and sizes- all via pull-down menus. One of the most significant features of the MacSpeakerz program is its accompanying manual. It's as much a tutorial on speaker theory as it is operating Instructions, covering virtually every aspect of box design and crossover theory. For beginners and advanced designers alike it's a good source of information. In addition to its subwoofer enclosure design abilities MacSpeakerz features fullblown crossover and system designers that are equally powerful and easy to use. For the Mac owner there's literally no other speaker design software. Fortunately, True Image has produced a tool that’s on par with the PC-based programs. In fact, the company could teach the plethora of PC-based programs a thing or two. (It seems they think so too. WinSpeakerz will be available in spring'95 for $299.)

Reprinted with permission from Autotronics Magazine, March 1995.