Indications for a good scan and pro tips
All scan files uploaded to SoundBase are automatically evaluated using a built-in quality scoring system.
Here’s what makes a scan trustworthy and useful for frequency coordination:
- High Data Density
- SoundBase checks how much of your scan contains real signal data.If
there are too many missing points (filled in with flat lines at −120
dBm), the scan is considered too sparse. Even if the graph looks smooth, SoundBase doesn't "guess" between points. It uses only the actual values. If your data spacing is too wide, it may miss narrow signals, making the scan unreliable.
- SoundBase checks how much of your scan contains real signal data.If
there are too many missing points (filled in with flat lines at −120
dBm), the scan is considered too sparse.
- Covers the Right Frequencies
- The scan is checked to see what ranges it includes: - VHF (below 216 MHz) - UHF (470–900 MHz) ← Most important for wireless coordination - STL (above 900 MHz).
- A good scan includes at least the UHF band, where most wireless microphones and IEMs operate.
- Strong Dynamic Range
- Dynamic range measures the difference between your quietest and loudest signals.A wide dynamic range means your scan is sensitive and capable of detecting both weak and strong transmitters.
- Detectable Noise Floor & Signal Spikes
- SoundBase estimates the background noise level in your scan. Then it
checks how far above that level your loudest signal rises.A good scan shows clear spikes above the noise floor — not a flat or noisy mess.
- SoundBase estimates the background noise level in your scan. Then it
checks how far above that level your loudest signal rises.
- Analysis by TV Channel
- The system also breaks your scan into TV channels (like Ch 14, 15, 16...) and tracks signal activity in each.
- This helps SoundBase understand where interference might exist and which channels are most usable.
Pro Tips
- Use consistent scan names (
Scan_XXX-XXX.csv
) for easy merging - Delete old or test scans from your SD card before starting a new session
- Load one of your scans into SoundBase to verify data quality before proceeding with a full scan set