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1 the production audio test system 450 Harrison Avenue, Suite 307 Boston, Massachusetts phone: fax: the R&D audio test system 450 Harrison Avenue, Suite 307 Boston, Massachusetts phone: fax:

2 RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Can software replace a laboratory full of audio testing hardware? Unrivalled Testing Capabilities SoundCheck can. SoundCheck is an effective tool for the R&D laboratory. Its powerful measurement algorithms enable rapid characterization of prototypes, performing comprehensive tests in a matter of seconds.the extensive range of tests that can be carried out includes, but is not limited to: SoundCheck s heritage Listen was founded in 1995 by Steve Temme, a former Brüel and Kjær engineer. Steve and his colleagues have over 100 years of combined experience designing and using audio measurement and analysis instrumentation.this has ensured that SoundCheck is designed to meet the diverse testing needs of today s audio engineers. The software has evolved continuously and the latest version is the most significant release in the product s 10-year history, containing many new features aimed at the R&D user. SoundCheck is used at most of the world s major loudspeaker, headphone, microphone and telephone manufacturers. A customer reference list is available on request. SoundCheck is a flexible and powerful software-based audio test system. It is an entire lab full of instrumentation including a spectrum analyzer, real time analyzer, signal generator, multimeter and oscilloscope.the only hardware is a PC or laptop, with a sound card or other front-end input device. It is compact, cost-effective and easily upgradeable. SoundCheck s capabilities go far beyond those of stand-alone instrumentation. Since it was designed from the ground up as a softwarebased system, it offers unrivalled test flexibility, post processing, data analysis and statistical capabilities. :: Flexibility SoundCheck s test flexibility is easy to implement with its simple, yet powerful programming capabilities.the intuitive point-and-click graphical user interface means that no programming knowledge is necessary to create and modify tests.you can design your own tests, or customize and modify the standard sequences included with the software. Complex tests can be built from a library of saved sub-sequences. :: Accuracy SoundCheck is available with a choice of front-end input devices. For most applications, a professional audio sound card will suffice. However, for audio electronic testing and other high precision applications, National Instruments dynamic signal acquisition cards such as the PCI/PXI-4461 offer a level of accuracy that rivals hardware-based systems costing up to three times as much. :: Compatibility Although SoundCheck is a complete stand-alone system, it also integrates with all brands of ancillary audio test equipment including head and torso simulators, microphones, amplifiers, artificial mouths, telephone testing interfaces, signal routers etc. Frequency Response Simulated Free Field Response Phase Response Impulse Response Sensitivity Distortion (Harmonic, Intermodulation, Multitone, Non-Coherent) Directivity (Polar & DI) Impedance (Thiele-Small Parameters) Compression and Maximum SPL Diffuse or Free Field Corrected Response Binaural (Left/Right Earphone Tracking) Self Noise Signal-to-Noise Send, Receive and Sidetone Switching Time Loudness Rating Hands Free Response Weighted Terminal Coupling Loss Stability Loss OSPL HFA Full On Gain Reference Test Gain Equivalent Input Noise Battery Current Drain SPLITS Input vs. Output Attack & Release Time test standards SoundCheck can test components and systems to a wide range of industry-specific standards including: > IEEE > ITU > ANSI > IEC > TIA > TBR > ISO > AES > ALMA Please ask for our application notes for full details of industry-standard tests. applications Loudspeakers Microspeakers Microphones Capsules Hearing Aids ITE BTE Directional Telephones Cellphones Analog / Digital VoIP Phones Headphones Headsets USB Bluetooth Audio Electronics Amplifiers Pre-Amplifiers Mixing Consoles MP3 Players Digital Audio Devices 1 Listen, Inc. Tel: (617) Microsoft and ActiveX are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. TestStand and LabVIEW are trademarks of National Instruments Corporation. Oracle is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation 2005 Listen, Inc.

3 RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT The SoundCheck System :: Compact A SoundCheck system consists of simply a PC or laptop with a professional audio PCI, PCMCIA, USB or IEEE1394 sound card for signal generation and data acquisition. For high precision applications, such as audio electronics, National Instruments PCI/PXI-4461 dynamic signal acquisition cards offer increased dynamic range and extremely low distortion. This powerful package contains software versions of all the instrumentation you would typically find in the R&D laboratory a spectrum analyzer, real time analyzer, signal generator, multimeter and oscilloscope.the user-friendly interfaces resemble traditional hardware, making it easy to transition to the virtual lab. :: Cost effective SoundCheck is cost-effective as well as compact and powerful.there is no expensive proprietary hardware, which means a lower initial purchase cost and significantly reduced maintenance costs. New software releases and additional modules continually add new features, and the ongoing performance upgrades in sound cards and PCs ensure that your system is never obsolete.your system expands and grows with your needs. Test development is easy with SoundCheck s simple point and click interface. Complex tests are built in a flowchart-like format so no programming knowledge is required. A test sequence consists of a series of steps which control such functions as setting the hardware parameters, creating the stimulus, acquiring the data, analyzing the data and outputting the results.to create a test sequence, preprogrammed or user-defined options are simply selected for each step.the software s library of standard steps can be modified, and user-defined steps may be added. Sequences and sub-sequences can be saved and complex tests can be built from the saved sub-sequences.this makes custom tests quick and easy to develop and modify. Data can be output to customized SoundCheck reports, or exported to software packages such as Microsoft Word or Excel and databases such as Microsoft Access, SQL or Oracle for archiving, post-processing or report writing. SoundCheck can also be integrated into larger test applications using National Instruments TestStand TM or ActiveX environments. Saved test routines enable an entire test to be carried out at the click of a mouse from setup, through analysis, to report writing and archiving. This saves time and offers increased repeatability of test procedures. :: Advanced SoundCheck is one of the most technologically advanced audio test systems on the market, featuring many proprietary algorithms to improve the measurement and analysis process.these result in benefits such as faster testing, more accurate measurements, and better results in noisy environments. Continual upgrades based on user feedback have resulted in a system that is truly designed to meet every requirement of the R&D user. :: Flexible test development We recognize that there are few standard tests for the R&D lab, and that test flexibility is critical. SoundCheck s test development capability is unrivalled, since there are no hardware constraints. :: The total package We understand that as an R&D engineer, you are likely to be pushing your test system, as well as your products, to new limits. At Listen, we are dedicated to customer support, and we always welcome your feedback.we are available to answer your questions in person, by phone or by . For faster and more cost-effective support, optional remote diagnosis via the Internet expedites troubleshooting, product training and test sequence development. Our worldwide network of sales and engineering representatives is also available to assist on a local basis. 3 Listen, Inc. Tel: (617)

4 we also offer: Additional Hardware: Listen offers measurement microphones, microphone power supplies, calibrators and other hardware to complete your test-setup. Installation and Training: We can install your system and train your staff so that you are ready to begin testing as soon as your system is delivered. Test Development Services: If you don t have the time or resources to develop and customize tests, Listen s experienced acoustic engineers can analyze your test requirements and write a SoundCheck test sequence for you. All you need to do is upload it into your system and you are ready to begin testing. 5 Please see the reverse of this brochure for full details about SoundCheck s Production Capabilities > > Please see the reverse of this brochure for full details about SoundCheck s R&D Capabilities > > RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Bridging the Divide Between R&D and Production In an ideal world, the production line would carry out the same tests as the R&D lab to ensure that consumers are hearing exactly what the design engineer intended. In practice, this rarely happens as the cost, complexity, speed and operating skills of R&D systems makes them impractical for the production line. SoundCheck makes this ideal world a possibility. Since there is no expensive and complex hardware, it is affordable for production applications. It is fast and offers full integration with automated production lines. Most importantly, its advanced algorithms ensure that testing remains accurate, even in high noise environments. Tests developed by R&D can easily be configured for production line use. For example, instead of providing a detailed analysis of the results, they can be configured to compare the actual result to pre-defined limits and output a simple pass/fail.the tests can be set up for one-click or automated production line operation, and password-protected access prevents unauthorized modification to test sequences. All data can be automatically collected and output to a variety of software packages for statistical control. Identical virtual laboratories can be created around the world, making it simple for manufacturing facilities to share data and to carry out the same tests as R&D, even if they are thousands of miles away. SoundCheck is also ideal for vendor qualification and on-site vendor audits. Installed on a laptop, it is effectively a complete laboratory-quality audio test station in a briefcase. By insisting that your 3rd party vendors test your products using your own SoundCheck test sequence, your quality is guaranteed. Listen, Inc. Tel: (617) With the software s different language options and the use of the Internet to transfer data, the possibilities are endless. It is even possible for a manager to observe, in real time, the test data from a production line on another continent. 5 PRODUCTION Bridging the Divide Between Production and R&D In an ideal world, production and R&D would use the same tests this would save time and effort developing test sequences, and your products would be tested to the same high standards for which they were designed. In practice this is difficult, since the R&D lab usually demands greater flexibility and accuracy than most production line test systems offer. SoundCheck makes it possible.the same software that is fast enough and affordable for production line applications also offers the accuracy and flexibility demanded by R&D. SoundCheck includes an entire lab full of instrumentation including a spectrum analyzer, real time analyzer, signal generator, multimeter and oscilloscope. And for the R&D lab, SoundCheck s capabilities go far beyond those of conventional laboratory hardware. Designed from the ground up as a software-based system, it offers unrivalled test flexibility and post processing capabilities. When production and engineering standardize on a common platform, test development is faster. And by testing to the same exacting standards as the R&D department you can guarantee that they will always be satisfied with your quality. SoundCheck s data import and export capabilities make it simple for manufacturing and R&D facilities to carry out the same tests, even if they are thousands of miles away.troubleshooting is also simplified as engineers can carry out advanced analysis on production line results without leaving their desks. SoundCheck bridges the divide between engineering and production testing. Listen, Inc. Tel: (617)

5 PRODUCTION PRODUCTION The SoundCheck System A typical production line system consists of a PC with the SoundCheck software, and a professional audio sound card or data acquisition card for signal generation and data acquisition. SoundCheck is designed to work with automated production lines. It is compatible with automation software and integrates with hardware such as barcode systems and PLCs, using RS-232, IEEE-488, Bluetooth, FireWire, USB, and TTL interfaces.tests can therefore be configured to start when the device under test is in place, and failed devices automatically removed from the production line. Test data can be output to customized SoundCheck reports, or exported to software packages such as Microsoft Word or Excel and databases such as Microsoft Access, SQL or Oracle for archiving, data-mining or report writing. SoundCheck can also be integrated into larger test applications using National Instruments TestStand TM or ActiveX environments. :: Cost effective SoundCheck is cost-effective.there is no expensive proprietary hardware, which means a lower initial purchase price and significantly reduced maintenance costs. New software releases continually offer additional features, and the costs of keeping up with hardware developments such as sound cards and PCs are minimal.your system expands and grows with your needs. :: No downtime SoundCheck virtually eliminates test system downtime. Since the only hardware is a PC and professional audio sound cards, replacement parts are easy to purchase and inexpensive to maintain. Should problems occur, it is easy for your own staff to get the line back up and running. Optional remote diagnosis via the Internet enables immediate assistance from a Listen TM support engineer. :: Fast SoundCheck carries out a full analysis in as little as one second.this includes generating the stimulus, measuring all the necessary parameters, comparing the results to pre-defined limits, a reference standard or a golden unit, and outputting a simple pass/fail result. All test results can be recorded in SoundCheck or exported to other software for full statistical process control. :: Accurate SoundCheck measures all faults that can be heard by the human ear, such as rub & buzz, loose particles, and frequency response. In addition it can also detect and quantify faults that cannot be heard by the human ear such as reverse polarity. Advanced testing algorithms have been specially designed to distinguish between test signals and background noise to offer accurate results in noisy environments. :: Easy to use SoundCheck can be configured for one-click access to tests, and results presented as a simple pass/fail indication.various levels of operator access prevent tests from being accidentally changed or modified.this all adds up to a system that offers simple, error-free operation. :: Easy to develop tests SoundCheck s simple point-and-click graphical user interface makes it easy to create and modify tests. Its sequence editor enables you to design your own tests, or customize and modify the standard test steps that are pre-programmed into the software. Complex tests can be built from a library of saved test steps.test sequences can be exported, ed and imported, making it easy for manufacturing facilities around the world to standardize on the same tests. Custom LabVIEW VIs can be integrated with SoundCheck test sequences and ActiveX commands allow control from other programs. If you are manufacturing transducers or audio electronics for several different companies, each with their own test requirements, tests can easily be modified to measure to each manufacturer s exacting standards. :: Chinese language option available SoundCheck is now available with all menus, instructions and help screens in Chinese. In addition, our sales and support centers in Beijing and Taiwan offer Chinese language training and support. 3 Listen is a trademark of Listen, Inc Listen, Inc. Tel: (617) ease of use :: One-click access to tests :: Comparison to reference standard :: Pass/fail indication :: Various levels of operator access

6 PRODUCTION PRODUCTION Can software replace the Golden Ears? SoundCheck can. SoundCheck is an advanced, yet cost-effective software package for production line testing of audio transducers and electronics ranging from loudspeakers and cellphones to amplifiers and mixing consoles. It measures all faults detectable by the human ear, and more. It is also fast, accurate in noisy environments, and integrates with automated production lines. :: More accurate than the Golden Ears ; simpler than Rack & Stack SoundCheck detects rub & buzz, loose particles, frequency response, THD etc., as well as faults undetectable by the human ear such as reverse polarity. Unlike human listeners, SoundCheck does not get sick or develop ear fatigue. It works 24/7 and saves data for statistical process control purposes. And for audio electronics, microphones and other precision applications, it is as accurate as Rack & Stack instrumentation but cheaper to buy and easier to use. Complete Testing Capabilities SoundCheck uses powerful measurement algorithms to enable accurate and rapid characterization of finished products, performing comprehensive tests in a matter of seconds. Transducer tests > Frequency response > Impedance (fo,zmax,q) > Polarity > Sensitivity > THD > Rub & Buzz > Loose particle detection Electronics tests > Frequency response using multitone > Crosstalk > Linearity > THD+N > IM distortion :: Fast SoundCheck s advanced algorithms allow fast and accurate testing even in noisy environments. For example, a test routine can measure frequency response, rub & buzz and loose particles and return the results either as a full analysis or a simple pass/fail result in as little as one second. :: Automated SoundCheck is fully compatible with automated production lines. It integrates with PLCs, barcode systems, footswitches and external hardware and software.tests can be configured for one-click or automated operation, and various levels of operator control prevent unauthorized access to test sequences.the device under test can be compared to a reference standard and generate a simple pass/fail result with details of the failure mode.test data can be automatically output to a variety of software packages for statistical process control. SoundCheck s extensive statistical analysis capabilities include: > Gage R&R > Pp & Ppk yield > Best fit to average > Standard deviation Data can be output in a variety of ways including: > Detailed failure mode analysis > Compare to reference standard and generate PASS/FAIL indication > Save to database > Integrate with other software (ActiveX, NI TestStand) > Integrate with other hardware (TTL, barcode systems etc.) The system can be configured for multiple data output options. For example, it may automatically compare the signal to reference data and give the production line operator a pass/fail output, but save the full failure mode analysis to a database. 1 Listen, Inc. Tel: (617) applications Loudspeakers Microspeakers Microphones Capsules Hearing Aids ITE BTE Directional Telephones Cellphones Analog / Digital VoIP Phones Headphones Headsets USB Bluetooth Audio Electronics Amplifiers Pre-Amplifiers Mixing Consoles Analog Circuits MP3 Players Digital Audio Devices