Getting Started Guide

Complete setup and usage instructions

Quick Start (5 Minutes)

1

Download the Apps

Engineers: Visit the download page and get the Electron desktop app (Mac/Windows/Linux).
Audience: Install the CrowdTune iOS app via TestFlight.

2

Create Your First Session

Open the engineer dashboard, click "Create Session", enter your venue name, and download the calibration WAV file. Load the WAV into your sound system.

3

Display the QR Code

Show the generated QR code on a projector or tablet. Audience members scan it with the iOS app to join the session.

4

Record & Upload

Play the calibration signal through your sound system. Audience taps "Record" when they hear it. The app automatically uploads when complete.

5

View Results

Click "View Results" in the dashboard to see coverage heatmaps, spectral analysis, and EQ recommendations. Export as CSV/JSON if needed.

For Sound Engineers

Creating a Session

  1. Open the CrowdTune desktop app (Electron)
  2. Click the "Create New Session" button
  3. Enter venue name (e.g., "The Roxy Theatre")
  4. Select venue size (small/medium/large)
  5. Optional: Enter .edu email for EDUCATION tier
  6. Click "Create" - system generates session ID and QR code

Downloading Calibration Signal

  1. After creating session, click "Download Calibration WAV"
  2. File is 60 seconds of pink noise with calibration tones
  3. Load the WAV into your sound system or playback device
  4. Set playback level to your target SPL (typically 85-95 dB)

Displaying QR Code

Options for displaying the QR code:

  • Projector: Display on stage screen or venue displays
  • Tablet: Show on iPad/tablet at entrance or on stage
  • Printed: Print and post at multiple venue locations
  • Social: Share session ID via social media/announcements

Running the Calibration

  1. Wait for audience members to join (watch live count in dashboard)
  2. Announce: "Please open CrowdTune app and tap Record when music starts"
  3. Play the calibration WAV through your sound system at target level
  4. Let the full 60-second signal play without interruption
  5. Watch upload count increase in real-time
  6. Wait for uploads to complete (typically 30-60 seconds after playback ends)

Viewing Results

  1. Click "View Results" button in dashboard
  2. Review coverage heatmap for hot spots and dead zones
  3. Check spectral analysis for frequency balance
  4. Read auto-generated EQ recommendations
  5. Export results as CSV or JSON for offline analysis
  6. Apply suggested EQ adjustments to your sound system
  7. Optional: Re-run session to verify improvements

For Audience Members

Installing the App

  1. Download TestFlight from the App Store
  2. Tap the CrowdTune TestFlight invitation link
  3. Accept the beta invitation
  4. Install CrowdTune from within TestFlight
  5. Open CrowdTune and grant microphone permission

Joining a Session

  1. Open the CrowdTune app
  2. Tap "Scan QR Code" button
  3. Point camera at the QR code displayed by the engineer
  4. Session ID auto-fills and app confirms connection
  5. App displays "Ready to Record" screen

Recording Audio

  1. Wait for the engineer to start the calibration signal
  2. When you hear the signal, tap the "Record" button
  3. Hold phone steady in front of you at ear level
  4. Don't talk or make noise during recording
  5. Recording stops automatically after 75 seconds
  6. App shows "Uploading..." with progress bar
  7. Wait for "Upload Complete!" confirmation
  8. You're done! Thank you for participating.

⚠️ Important Tips

  • Use your iPhone's built-in microphone (remove AirPods/Bluetooth)
  • Stay in your seat during recording
  • Silence notifications before recording
  • Ensure WiFi or cellular data is enabled for upload

Troubleshooting

QR Code Won't Scan

Solution: Manually enter the session ID displayed below the QR code. Check that camera permissions are granted in iOS Settings.

Upload Failing

Solution: Check WiFi or cellular data connection. App retries automatically with exponential backoff. Wait 30 seconds and check again.

No Results Showing

Solution: Wait for processing to complete (typically 1-2 minutes). Refresh the results page. Ensure at least 3 recordings were uploaded.

Bluetooth Mic Warning

Solution: Disconnect AirPods and Bluetooth devices. Use iPhone's built-in microphone for accurate measurements.

Session Not Found

Solution: Verify session ID is correct. Check that engineer created session less than 24 hours ago. Sessions expire after 24 hours.

Hit Phone Limit

Solution: FREE tier maxes at 200 phones. Upgrade to PRO tier for 500 phones. Or split into multiple sessions.

Best Practices

For Sound Engineers:

  • Run calibration during soundcheck, not during a live show
  • Aim for at least 50-100 recordings for statistical validity
  • Play calibration signal at your target SPL (85-95 dB typical)
  • Don't change sound system settings between recording and viewing results
  • Export results immediately - FREE tier auto-deletes after 24 hours
  • Re-run calibration after applying EQ to verify improvements

For Audience Members:

  • Stay quiet during recording - don't talk or make noise
  • Hold phone at ear level facing the stage
  • Don't walk around during recording
  • Use built-in iPhone mic (no AirPods or Bluetooth)
  • Ensure good WiFi/cellular connection for upload

Need More Help?

📖 How It Works

Detailed explanation of the CrowdTune system

Learn More

💰 Pricing

Compare FREE, PRO, and EDUCATION tiers

View Pricing

⬇️ Downloads

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