The ATB was a trusted companion from 2000 to 2003, performing various tasks such as loudspeaker impedance and polarity checks, frequency sweeps, time alignment, cable testing, reverb time and sound level measurements, amongst other things. It was the first real piece of audio test gear that I had and although superceded by newer models, there's nothing quite like an ATB! Before this piece of gear, one would need several pieces of separate equipment to conduct the aforementioned tasks. I used to just chuck the ATB into my backpack whenever I had a gig. The only thing that bugged me was the portable battery pack, which stuck onto its side like a serious tumour - I reckon it was kinda an afterthought after the initial design....
I've since moved on to other pieces of gear for my work - I primarily use Rational Acoustics' Smaart for most of my electroacoustic measurement work albeit I still use Smaartlive5 and Acoustictools rather than Smaart 7. For a handy and portable tool, the replacement for the ATB is the NTI XL2 combined with the Minirator MR Pro :
Although not having as many functions as the ATB, the XL2 is a great piece of gear with the ability to do a fair amount of acoustical tests including sound level and NC measurements, wireless time alignment and polarity checks when combined with the Minirator Pro. This kit goes with me almost everywhere now, along with my trusty Whirlwind QBox . With a combination of the good old ears, Smaart, XL2 and QBox, it's almost like the justice league for live sound setup and troubleshooting. Muahahahhaha...
