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Having the right tools really makes a job easier. This is a list of some of the primary toys...sorry, I mean tools I've found to be particularly useful.
Agilent 33120 This arbitrary wave generator is no longer available but Agilent has newer models starting around $1,200. Don't go cheap here.
M-Audio Firewire 410 2-in 8-out sound card for use with LspCAD.
M-Audio Transit Two channel sound card for use with Praxis and Sample Champion
I just can't say enough about LspCAD. That was the best money I've ever spent! Get it before Ingemar realizes how much it's worth! Believe me, it's still under priced!
New 10/30/06: DS1M12 : Stingray Multi-Function Instrument
A low cost PC based O-scope that works great! It also has a basic spectrum analyzer function, a two channel volt meter and data logger.
Earthworks Measurement microphones. This will be your reference mic for just over $600. (I use the M30)
Measurement Microphone (On Linkwitzlab) Build your own measurement mic for just a few $$.
Bill Wall's Behringer mic modification. Modify the Behringer ECM8000 using the Panasonic element reducing distortion and improving frequency response.
ARTA Measurement software. (7/29/09)
Arta blows both MLSSA and Praxis away. I got rid of MLSSA years ago and while I still have Praxis I never use it any more. Arta can be downloaded and used for free by the casual user but buy it anyway. It's only a couple hundred bucks for the commercial license and even less for the single user license. The guy deserves to be compensated for this contribution to the audio world so buy the commercial license regardless of your needs, it's still way cheaper than what the software is worth.
I no longer use MLSSA for measurements. Praxis is far superior and far less expensive. It also has the advantage that it is constantly improving whereas MLSSA is not. The recent upgraded MLSSA card offers no significant change. It's still ISA and it's still dos. It was an amazing system in its day, I'm sure Fred Flintstone enjoyed it but let's face it, MLSSA is 20 years old. In dog years that's 140. In computer years that's 1,400 years. Praxis is easy to use and contains built in scripts with tutorials that show you exactly how to use it. If I can pick it up and start making measurements right away without help from Marshall to figure it out for me, anyone can! I'm sure MLSSA still has its applications somewhere but not in DIY speaker building. It's too expensive, too much a pain to deal with dos, and it offers no advantage for DIY. I really have to thank Mark K. for suggesting I try Praxis, it has proven to be the solution I have been looking for. Thanks Mark! And, thanks Bill at Liberty Instruments for this fantastic contribution to the world of speaker building!
Having a good table saw is a must! I use to use an old cheap Sears and no matter how hard I tried nothing came out square. Now with the Dewalt it's a snap to get it square! Having the right tool here is a must!
It's also nice to have a decent band saw, sliding miter saw, drill press, table top sander etc. And maybe one of the most important things to have on hand...Bondo! That stuff is amazing! Works great on MDF!