Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about RTAAC Suite. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact support.
Getting Started
What Mac do I need to run RTAAC Suite?
RTAAC Suite requires macOS 11.5 (Big Sur) or later. It runs natively on both Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) and Intel Macs as a Universal Binary. You'll need at least 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended) and 100 MB of available storage.
What audio interface do I need?
RTAAC Suite works with any Core Audio compatible audio interface, including built-in Mac audio. For professional measurements, we recommend using a calibrated measurement microphone (such as those from Earthworks, Beyerdynamic, or miniDSP) with a quality audio interface that has low-noise preamps.
How do I install RTAAC Suite?
Download RTAAC Suite from the official website or Mac App Store. Drag the application to your Applications folder, then launch it. When prompted, grant microphone access in macOS System Preferences > Privacy & Security > Microphone.
What should I do on first launch?
On first launch, complete the onboarding wizard to configure basic settings. Then activate your license, select your audio input/output devices in Settings, and calibrate your measurement microphone using a certified acoustic calibrator for accurate measurements.
Licensing
How does licensing work?
RTAAC Suite uses hardware-locked licensing. Your license is tied to a specific Mac and validates online. After initial activation, a 7-day offline grace period allows you to work without internet connectivity. The license will automatically re-validate when you reconnect.
How do I activate my license?
Open Settings, click 'Activate License', enter your email address and license key (format: AM-XXXXXXXX-XXXXXXXX-XXXXXXXX), then click Activate. The application will validate online and activate automatically.
Can I transfer my license to a new Mac?
Yes. Contact support@audiomillo.com with your license key and the reason for transfer. We'll deactivate your license on the old Mac and provide instructions for activating on your new device. License transfers are included with your purchase.
What happens if my license expires or is suspended?
If your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, contact support@audiomillo.com for assistance. For expired licenses, renewal options will be provided. Most license issues can be resolved quickly by our support team.
Can I use RTAAC Suite offline?
Yes. After initial activation, RTAAC Suite includes a 7-day offline grace period. Full functionality continues during this period. Reconnect to the internet before the grace period expires to maintain your license. The remaining days are shown in the license status.
Calibration
How do I calibrate my microphone?
Go to Settings > Calibration. Connect your calibrated microphone, place an acoustic calibrator (94 dB or 114 dB) on the microphone, turn on the calibrator, and click 'Calibrate'. The system will automatically adjust sensitivity. You can save multiple calibration profiles for different microphones.
How often should I calibrate?
For critical work, calibrate daily before measurement sessions. At minimum, verify calibration before and after each important session. Document the calibration date, reference level, and equipment used for your records and compliance documentation.
What calibrator should I use?
Use a Class 1 or Class 2 certified acoustic calibrator. Common reference levels are 94 dB (most common) or 114 dB (high-level calibrators). Ensure the calibrator is within its certification period and appropriate for your microphone type.
Why are my measurements different from expected values?
First, verify your microphone is properly calibrated with a certified calibrator. Check that your audio interface gain is set correctly and not clipping. Ensure you're using the appropriate frequency weighting (A, C, or Flat) and time weighting (Fast, Slow, or Impulse) for your measurement type. Also verify no other applications are using the audio input.
Measurements
What frequency weightings are available?
RTAAC Suite supports three frequency weightings: A-weighting (dBA) approximates human hearing and is used for OSHA compliance and general noise assessment; C-weighting (dBC) has less low-frequency reduction and is used for peak measurements and entertainment venues; Flat/Z-weighting applies no adjustment and is used for equipment testing and full spectrum analysis.
What time weightings are available?
Three time weightings are supported: Fast (125 ms) provides quick response for dynamic sounds; Slow (1 second) provides smoothed response for steady noise; Impulse (35 ms rise time) provides special response for impact sounds. Choose based on the characteristics of the sound you're measuring.
What do the statistical levels (L10, L50, L90) mean?
L10 is the level exceeded 10% of the measurement time (represents louder events). L50 is the median level exceeded 50% of the time. L90 is exceeded 90% of the time and represents the background noise level. These statistics help characterize varying noise environments.
How long can I record data?
Logging duration depends on the interval: 0.1 second intervals allow up to 8 hours for high-resolution short-term measurements; 1 second intervals allow up to 72 hours for standard logging; 10 second intervals allow up to 2 weeks for long-term environmental monitoring.
Noise Dosimetry
What is the difference between OSHA and NIOSH standards?
OSHA PEL uses a 90 dB criterion level with 5 dB exchange rate, while OSHA Action Level uses 85 dB with 5 dB exchange rate. NIOSH REL uses 85 dB criterion with a 3 dB exchange rate (equal energy rule), which is more conservative. Choose based on your regulatory requirements or company policy.
What does 'exchange rate' mean?
The exchange rate determines how dose accumulates with level changes. A 3 dB exchange rate (NIOSH) means every 3 dB increase halves the allowed exposure time. A 5 dB exchange rate (OSHA) means every 5 dB increase halves the allowed time. The 3 dB rate is considered more protective.
What does dose percentage mean?
Dose percentage represents cumulative noise exposure as a percentage of the maximum daily allowable exposure. 100% means the worker has received the maximum allowable dose for the work shift. Doses above 100% indicate overexposure requiring hearing conservation measures.
What is TWA?
TWA (Time-Weighted Average) is the average noise exposure level over an 8-hour work shift, accounting for varying noise levels throughout the day. It's the primary metric used for occupational noise compliance assessment.
Spectrum Analysis
When should I use octave vs. 1/3 octave analysis?
Use 10-band octave analysis for quick assessments and determining NC/NR ratings. Use 31-band 1/3 octave analysis for detailed frequency analysis, identifying specific problem frequencies, and more precise acoustic characterization.
What are NC and NR curves?
NC (Noise Criteria) and NR (Noise Rating) are reference curves for rating background noise acceptability. Lower numbers indicate quieter environments. NC-15 to NC-20 suits recording studios; NC-25 to NC-30 for private offices; NC-35 to NC-40 for open offices. Compare your measured spectrum against these curves to determine the NC/NR rating.
What is SIL (Speech Interference Level)?
SIL is the average of the 500 Hz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, and 4 kHz octave bands—the frequencies most important for speech intelligibility. SIL below 45 dB allows normal voice at 1 meter; 45-55 dB requires raised voice; above 65 dB requires shouting.
Test Wizard & Reports
How long does a full Test Wizard run take?
A complete run of all 16 tests takes approximately 5 minutes, depending on your system. You can also run individual test categories or select specific tests based on your needs.
Can I add my company logo to reports?
Yes. Go to Settings > White Label, upload your logo (200x100 pixels recommended), and enter your company details (name, address, phone, email, website). This information will appear on all generated PDF reports for professional, client-ready documentation.
How do I generate a PDF report?
After running tests with the Test Wizard, click 'Generate Report'. Customize the report settings including title, sections to include, and company branding. Click 'Export PDF' to save the report. Reports include executive summary, detailed test results, and prioritized recommendations.
What do the test results mean?
Pass means the test met all criteria. Warning indicates the test passed but with minor concerns that may need attention. Fail means the test did not meet required criteria and action is required. Skipped means the test was bypassed by the user.
Technical Issues
Why is there no audio input?
First, check that RTAAC Suite has microphone permission in System Preferences > Privacy & Security > Microphone. Then verify the correct input device is selected in Settings > Audio Devices and click Refresh. Check physical connections—try a different USB port. Test with System Preferences > Sound to confirm the microphone works at the system level.
Why is there no audio output from the Signal Generator?
Verify the correct output device is selected in Settings > Audio Devices. Check that the output level in the Signal Generator is turned up and the generator is running. Verify macOS system volume and the output device volume are not muted or too low.
The application won't start or crashes. What should I do?
First, restart your Mac and try again. If the issue persists, check for RTAAC Suite updates. Try removing the app preferences (~/Library/Preferences/com.audiomillo.rtaac.plist) and relaunching. If problems continue, reinstall the application and contact support@audiomillo.com with details.
Performance is slow. How can I improve it?
Close other applications to free up system resources. Try reducing the sample rate in Settings if you don't need the highest resolution. Ensure your Mac meets the minimum requirements (macOS 11.5+, 4 GB RAM). Check Activity Monitor for other processes consuming resources.
Still have questions?
Our support team typically responds within 24 hours.
Contact Support