Road Test: iSEMic 725TR From iSEMcon

First Application
Normally with reviews, the gear is shipped to our shop where it’s unboxed and then taken to my test bench. There I check it out and learn about all the features of the gear, in addition to making sure everything is working correctly.

Only after using this process do I take it out for use at shows and events. This time was different, however, because my first opportunity to get my hands on the 725TR was at the Live Sound Loudspeaker Demo held late last year in Nashville at the Music City Center.

The demo, which is an annual event, has loudspeaker systems set up around a large perimeter within a trade show hall. Attendees hear the same tracks played through each different system in “round robin” fashion. Because it’s a listening demo and not a volume war “shoot-out,” we establish (and abide by) a maximum sound pressure level. To verify that all systems are respecting this limit, we level-check each one prior to the start of every demo session.

In Nashville, this was measured and verified by John Aldrich of Rational Acoustics, using his phone outfitted with a 725TR as his handheld SPL meter. I was intrigued, and plugged an extra 725TR that was on hand into my phone, and then proceeded to measure levels with John throughout the event.

Rational Acoustics also deployed a 10EaZy SPL measurement system in the room, hooked up to a large video screen that provided us (and the attendees) with real-time level measurements. As a result, we could compare what we were seeing on our handheld devices with the data provided by 10EaZy. The two platforms were in sync in terms of measured levels (accounting for somewhat different mic/measurement positions), so the 725TR (and the phone and app) proved to be accurate.

I’d always used standard SPL meters for this and hundreds of other gigs each year, and in comparison to this new approach, they’re large and bulky. It’s so much more convenient to use the phone, and the mic is so small it can stay attached when putting the phone in a shirt’s breast pocket. If the phone is kept in a belt holster or pouch, the mic can easily be removed and placed in a pocket when not in use.

Everything ships in a roomy, durable metal case. (click to enlarge)

Starting with this demo, my SPL measurement chores got a whole lot easier, and it was great to have a meter on my person whenever I wanted/needed one.

Following Up
Upon returning to the home base in Las Vegas, I deployed the 725TR at a corporate meeting. I normally place a measurement system at front of house to “see” what I’m hearing (and to help me see what I don’t hear anymore).

But this time, I snapped on the SA-XBF XLR adapter so the mic would interface with my computer’s USB I/O device, and it served as a standard measurement mic. The small size of the kit made it easy for me to find a place for it in my gig bag, and I really like the fact that I can use the mic both with my computer and handheld devices.

I’ve taken the 725TR to every show since. Digital consoles have made my job easier because I can walk around the room and make adjustments to the PA with my iPad. And now this mic helps me out even more because I can quickly get a true SPL number no matter where I’m standing in a room. Leaving the mic attached to my iPad, I just swap between the control and measurement apps when I want to check levels.

So if you’re looking for a rugged, accurate, highly compact measurement mic that won’t break the bank, keep the iSEMic 725TR in mind. But don’t take my word for it – every audio person who has seen this mic (in our shop and at shows) wants one.

Pricing: The iSEMic 725TR package is available from the Rational Acoustics online store (www.rationalacoustics.com) for $199 (USD).

Senior contributing editor Craig Leerman is the owner of Tech Works, a production company based in Las Vegas.