AudioControl SA-4100i Testbericht

I am reporting today on the two realtime analyzers I have compared (old: SA3050A and the newer model SA-4100i)

The optical comparison clearly shows an extreme reduction of the new model compared to the old one.
The old model looks like Oldschool; it is a square "box" with a display in the upper half. These include various knobs, connectors and switches. The newer model is simply the measuring micro. This is kept relatively small, which means that it fits well in the hand and does not take up too much space.

Both instruments have a display option for the measurement results; the old one has already set this display as described above in the form of an LED display in the upper half of the instrument. The newer model simply uses the display of the tablet on which the software is installed.

On the subject of weight and size, a short note: since the SA3050A is a rather voluminous device and also requires a separate power supply, it is not surprising that it weighs quite a bit (approx. 3kg).
Since the SA-4100i comes with only one measuring micro and the software, the weight is negligible; it also does not need its own power supply, which means that you can not only move around the power supply within a certain radius, but also freely and there is no annoying cable attached to it.

Another point worth mentioning is the memory capacity for the measurements taken. With the older model it was only possible to save up to 6 results; with the new one there seems to be no limitation.

In terms of measurement results, both instruments are equally good. They both deliver the same results and even when repeating a measurement, the results are the same as before, which speaks for a very good reproducibility of the results.

My final conclusion is: the purchase of the newer model is worth it in any case, because there are many advantages compared to the older model.

With kind regards

Markus Lamich

Markus Lamich is multiple German champion as well as two-time European vice-champion in the SQL class (SoundQualityLevel) and his numerous trophies at various sound competitions prove his talent to turn normal passenger cars into rolling concert halls.

He is the expert when it comes to the professional calibration of car audio systems.

His trained ear recognises even the slightest discrepancies on the way to the most authentic possible sound image in the vehicle and thanks to his experience he knows where to start when fine-tuning the system so that the desired natural music reproduction can be finally achieved.