A Compact and Efficient Mobile Smaart Rig for 2026
In professional live sound engineering, particularly in touring and festival environments, a mobile measurement system using Smaart must prioritise rapid deployment, reliability, and precision. The following configuration represents a minimal, high-performance setup optimised for Smaart v9 users, balancing portability with professional-grade functionality.
1. Audio Interface: Seamless Software Integration
The recommended core component is the Audient EVO 4 (2-in/2-out) or EVO 8 (4-in/4-out) USB audio interface.
Smaart v9 (from version 9.1 onwards) provides direct integration with the EVO series, allowing control of microphone preamplifier gain and +48 V phantom power directly within the Smaart interface via the Input Meters view. This eliminates the need for physical adjustments to the hardware, streamlining the workflow during time-critical system alignments.
A further advantage is the support for gain tracking*: when enabled (via the checkbox in the Input Config under the Level column), Smaart automatically compensates the SPL calibration offset for changes in preamplifier gain. This ensures that calibrated SPL measurements remain accurate even after adjusting input levels, with typical accuracy within ±1 dB across the gain range. *currently not supported in Mac OS Tahoe 26.2
Key specifications and advantages:
- Sample rates up to 96 kHz at 24-bit resolution.
- Low-latency performance suitable for real-time transfer function measurements.
- Bus-powered via USB-C (no external power supply required in most scenarios).
- Compact dimensions, facilitating storage in a small protective case.
The EVO 4 suffices for standard single- or dual-channel measurements, while the EVO 8 supports multi-microphone averaging or simultaneous reference/signal paths.
2. Essential Accessories: Precision and Versatility
To maintain a lightweight rig while ensuring measurement accuracy, accessories are limited to proven, specialised components.
a) Wireless Measurement Solution
In environments where cabling is impractical, such as large festivals or outdoor venues, a wireless link for the measurement microphone reduces deployment time and enhances operator mobility.
Recommended components:
- Measurement microphone: MYc-3, an omnidirectional, pre-polarised condenser microphone designed specifically for acoustic measurements in PA systems. It offers a flat free-field response and suitable self-noise and maximum SPL handling for professional use.
- Wireless system: GAODIMIC DT228G-P / DT228G-P, a digital UHF system providing phantom power, low latency, and high signal-to-noise ratio. It is designed to preserve accuracy in transfer function measurements.
The kit is supplied in a compact protective transport case for durability during travel.
b) Acoustic Calibrator
Precise SPL calibration is essential for valid transfer function and level measurements.
Recommended: AZ 8930 sound level calibrator, including an adapter for ¼-inch microphones. It outputs stable levels (94, 100 & 114dB) at 1 kHz suitable for Class 2 compliance.
For engineers requiring verification of in-ear monitor (IEM) output levels, an additional coupler such as the MiEMi adapter may be used with the measurement microphone, allowing direct calibration and frequency response checks of IEMs.
Recommended Complete Configuration
- Audio interface: Audient EVO 4 or EVO 8
- Measurement microphone: MYc-3 combined with a wireless system: GAODIMIC DT228G-P or the DT228G-R – all in one protective case
- Calibrator: AZ 8930 (with ¼-inch adapter;
- MiEMI IEM coupler for measuring in ear monitors
- Computer running Smaart v9
This setup is compact and light-weight and can be made operational within minutes of arrival at front-of-house. It provides professional-grade measurement capabilities suitable for a wide range of live sound applications.
Smaart is excellent on its own, but most users find they get much more out of it after some structured training. That’s where our seminars come in. At TZ Audio we run practical seminars, both online and in-venue. We offer seminar-only or full “all you need packages” including software & hardware. It’s simply the fastest way to become comfortable and confident with the measuring a sound system.
If you’re in Norway, Sweden, Denmark or Iceland – or elsewhere – we offer is online seminars and traveling to Norway is a valid option too of course. We’re here if you have any questions about the software or upcoming seminars.
Thanks for reading!