An Interview with Steve Temme
Shannon Becker interviews Steve Temme about how he founded Listen, Inc. and grew it from a start-up into an audio measurement leader.
Author: Shannon Becker. Reprinted from the March 2018 issue of Audio Xpress.
Steve Temme and the Evolution of Listen, Inc.
Main Themes:
- Innovation and Perseverance: Steve Temme’s journey, from a childhood fascination with audio to founding Listen, Inc., showcases a dedication to pushing boundaries and overcoming challenges.
- Evolution of Audio Testing: The development and growth of SoundCheck mirrors the changing landscape of the audio industry, highlighting the shift from manual to automated testing and the rise of new technologies like Bluetooth and voice control.
- Impact and Adaptability: SoundCheck’s widespread adoption underscores its significant influence on the audio industry, ensuring consistent quality control in a variety of devices, from headphones to smart speakers.
Most Important Ideas and Facts:
- Genesis of SoundCheck: Temme conceived SoundCheck while working at Brüel & Kjær and consulting for Sonetronics. He recognized the potential of PC-based systems to offer a more affordable, faster, and flexible alternative to traditional hardware-based audio analyzers.
- Overcoming Early Challenges: Faced with financial constraints and a lack of willing partners, Temme taught himself LabVIEW programming and dedicated countless hours to develop the first version of SoundCheck. His commitment to simplifying test setup, with a user-friendly interface, proved crucial to the product’s success.
- Key Innovations: SoundCheck differentiated itself through innovations like the “Stweep” test signal and HarmonicTrak algorithms, enabling faster and more accurate measurements. Listen, Inc. consistently pushed the boundaries of audio testing, being among the first to implement the Farina sweep and develop advanced distortion measurement techniques like Perceptual Rub & Buzz.
- Adapting to Market Trends: SoundCheck evolved alongside the audio industry, incorporating features to test Bluetooth devices, cloud-connected devices, and voice-controlled technologies. The flexible architecture of the software allowed it to adapt to new interfaces and measurement challenges.
- Future Outlook: Listen, Inc. continues to focus on expanding its testing capabilities for emerging technologies, particularly in the realm of voice control and smart devices. The company is actively developing new products and algorithms to address the evolving needs of the audio industry.
Conclusion:
Steve Temme’s story and the success of SoundCheck demonstrate the power of innovation, perseverance, and adaptability in a rapidly evolving industry. Listen, Inc. remains at the forefront of audio testing, constantly pushing boundaries and ensuring that the audio devices we rely on meet the highest quality standards.
