Audio Engineer’s TruPulse 360i User Review

Micah Stryker is a respected Audio Engineer trusted by Mannheim Steamroller, among others, to “determine the best setup for sound systems according to each venue’s architecture.” You might remember Micah from an earlier Q&A conducted while he was using a legacy TruPulse^® 360° unit.

Micah recently upgraded to the next-generation version of his trusted 3D rangefinder. After a full season on tour, he shared this TruPulse 360i user review with us.

Micah Stryker’s TruPulse 360i User Review

Using the TruPulse 360i has been a great experience. It’s a well-designed piece of gear to be sure. Being able to rely on your equipment is a blessing, and I have developed a lot of trust in this rangefinder.

New Features and Design Updates That Stand Out

The red HUD display and its adjustable brightness levels make the readout easy to see in all lighting situations. Being able to choose between aiming with crosshairs, a box, a dot, or a combination of all of those is also handy and helps with target acquisition. As someone who wears glasses, I’m also a big fan of the manual focus ring. Design-wise, I like that all the buttons are now on top of the device. It feels more natural in my hand compared to previous TruPulse models. This update also makes it harder to press any buttons unintentionally.

As an Audio Engineer, Micah Stryker’s TruPulse 360i 3D laser rangefinder helps him create a better listening experience in all sorts of venues.

I never use my TruPulse 360i in the rain or snow, but the IP67 rating gives me peace of mind. I don’t have to worry about any dust or moisture getting in. While I have not yet performed any “unexpected durability tests”, it’s reassuring to know that my 360i is durable enough to withstand a drop. When I hold this thing, I can tell that a lot of passion and thought went into the design.

User Interface Experience and My Favorite Targeting Mode

The new user interface is quite intuitive. Learning how to navigate the menus and select different measurement types is quick and easy. I’m also a big fan of the different advanced targeting modes. I find myself using Continuous Mode most often. In fact, I typically keep Continuous Mode turned on and active at all times. It’s an especially handy feature if I’m pressed for time and need to take freehand measurements without a tripod. Continuous mode is also helpful when targets are partially obstructed by handrails or safety rails. It’s nice being able to hold down the fire button and see the distance values change in real time. This helps me make sure that I’ve hit my intended target before moving on to the next measurement.

The TruPulse 360i 3D laser rangefinder helps audio engineers create a 3D model for optimizing speaker placement.

Staying Calibrated, Proving High Accuracy, and Using Apps

Keeping my 360i’s compass calibrated is a breeze. It’s a short process that’s easy to memorize and repeat. Having a specific error message display if something goes wrong during calibration helps make quick work of correcting the issue for a solid calibration.

Azimuth measurements are very accurate. The same can be said for tilt and range measurements. On my last tour, I even had a handful of opportunities to compare my TruPulse 360i measurements to structural drawings of the venue. When I say accurate, I mean accurate.

One of my favorite features is the wireless connectivity. I occasionally use my 360i with an app called On-Axis by OK-Sound. This helps me plot measurements on my tablet and build a 3D model.  I export that data into a separate program that models the response of my speakers, and find that using all of these tools together really speeds things up.

Conclusion

I’m always striving for efficiency and accuracy. In my line of work, taking accurate measurements means more accurate modeling, which directly translates to a better listening experience for the people who pay their hard-earned money for a ticket to the show. My TruPulse 360i rangefinder most definitely helps me make that happen.