im determined to make this work although i know im in way over my head lol. i just ordered an Arduino Due along with http://www.elecfreaks.com/store/43-tft-lcd-screen-module-tft0143-p-419.html and http://www.elecfreaks.com/store/lcd-tft01-mega-shield-v10-p-214.html.
my goal is to end up with a self contained audible spectral analyzer with its on power source and mic. i may also do several different types of inputs as well. My issue is that i have no idea where or how to even begin displaying the outcome from the FFT equation as a corresponding graphic on the lcd. i have a very good FFT library and example code etc. but i still dont really understand it and i have no experience with graphic displays and arduino. Im not looking for a full blown explanation here or anything like that, just hoping someone could give me a basic rundown of how the whole process would go (audio in-compute the whole FFT thing- then on to lcd) and point me in the direction of a competent, fairly comprehensive walkthrough along the same lines. thanks in advance 
Here are some links to my own similar projects:
http://www.variableindustries.com/?p=150
http://www.variableindustries.com/?p=157
I'm not an audio engineer but this looks like a useable circuit to place between your microphone and your Arduino:
http://coolarduino.wordpress.com/2012/06/22/audio-input-to-arduino/
a self contained audible spectral analyzer
Unless you are with Ghost Busters you might mean spectrum analiser.
Grumpy_Mike:
Unless you are with Ghost Busters you might mean spectrum analiser.
no i meant spectral. the word doesnt just pertain to ghosts or what ever else your referring to. from dictionary.com
spec·tral-adjective-
1.of or pertaining to a specter; ghostly; phantom.
2.resembling or suggesting a specter.
3.of, pertaining to, or produced by a spectrum or spectra.
4.resembling or suggesting a spectrum or spectra.
try keeping smart ass, ignorant comments to yourself in the future.
try keeping smart ass, ignorant comments to yourself in the future.
No.
Smart ass yes, ignorant no.
Try learning to actually speak English then.
You do not use the word spectral when proceeded by analysis, it can however correctly, proceed words like class or classification.