all future in-person / real life events including trade shows, seminars, etc.

AES International Conference on Headphone Technology – San Francisco – August 27-29, 2019

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Listen is a gold sponsor and exhibitor at the AES International Conference on Headphone Technology in San Francisco on August 27-29.

Listen founder and president, Steve Temme, will be presenting a poster session on ‘The Challenges of Testing Smart Headphones’ in which he discusses various test methodologies for measuring smart headphones and hearables, covering such topics as active noise cancellation, assisted listening, communications, augmented reality, background noise measurements and more. He will also be running a series of demonstrations on these topics at the Listen booth through the show to enable attendees to see more in-depth testing and analysis on specific areas of testing.

On display at the the booth will be a complete set-up for testing smart headphones and hearables, featuring Listen’s flagship SoundCheck software, along with an AudioConnect audio interface, SoundConnect 2 microphone power supply and a Kemar head and Torso simulator.

More

AES International Conference on Automotive Audio – Munich – September 11-13, 2019

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Listen is a gold sponsor and exhibitor at the AES International Conference on Automotive Audio in Munich, Germany on September 11-13.

Listen founder and president, Steve Temme, will be presenting a tutorial on ‘Testing Voice-Controlled and Smartphone Integrated Infotainment Systems’ at 2pm on Sept 11th. In this tutorial he will discuss the challenges of implementing audio tests in cars when the signal path is often via a smartphone and/or the car’s own voice-controlled system, and demonstrate how modern test systems can use techniques such as frequency shift and resampling to enable accurate measurement of car audio characteristics ranging from simple frequency and distortion measurements to voice control and communications in the presence of background noise.

On display at the the booth will be various options for testing automotive audio including the SoundCheck test system, Listen’s own audio test hardware, and 3rd party hardware such as 6 microphone arrays and head and torso simulators. On the booth, Listen will also be demonstrating how SoundCheck fully integrates with, and controls, the Mentor A2B interface to enabled rapid automated testing of systems and components that use the A2B bus.

More

ISEAT- Shenzhen, China – Nov 9-10, 2019

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We will be participating in China’s leading electroacoustics event, ISEAT on November 9-10 with our exclusive China distributor, S&V Samford.

Steve Temme will be presenting a paper on ‘The Challenges of Testing Voice Controlled Audio Systems’. In this paper, he highlights the common factors in testing smart speakers, hearables, and automotive infotainment systems, such as open loop testing, measuring speech recognition, and testing in the presence of background noise, and explains how to correctly measure such devices.

On display will be our SoundCheck audio test system and associated hardware for testing a range of audio devices including smart speakers, headphones & smart hearables, automotive audio, microspeakers, microphones, smartphones, tablets and more.

 

Paper Abstract:

Smart devices that are voice-controlled such as smart speakers, hearables vehicle infotainment systems are notoriously complex to test. They have numerous connections from wired to wireless and contain much signal processing, both on the record and on the playback side. This means that their characteristics change according to ‘real world’ conditions of the environment that they are used in, such as background noise, playback levels, and room acoustics. Furthermore, their multifunctional nature means that there are many aspects of the device that may need to be tested, ranging from voice recognition to music playback and operation as a hands-free telephone, and in the case of hearables, hearing assistance. Due to their complex non-linear use cases, these devices often need to be tested at different levels and different environmental conditions. This paper focuses on tools and techniques to accurately measure the audio performance of such devices under the many various real-world conditions they are used in.

ISEAT web site

Chicago SoundCheck Training Oct 2019

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SoundCheck training returns to Chicago in October 2019. Please join us!

Basic 2 day SoundCheck training

Thursday Oct 10th & Fri Oct 11th, 8.30am – 5.30pm

This two-day class is designed to accelerate the learning curve for novice and basic level SoundCheck users. A combination of teaching, demos and hands-on exercises begin with the basics of system setup and calibration, using virtual instruments, and creating and modifying basic test sequences. On the second day, the sequence writing progresses to more complex techniques such as sequence loops, statistics and advanced post-processing.

Instructor: Mark Latshaw, Listen, Inc
Cost:  $950  ($665 with valid SoundCheck support contract)
Location: Doubletree Arlington Heights, 75 W Algonquin Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Course Outline
Register

 

Scroll down for full class outlines.

 

Multi-person discounts:

2-3 people from one company: 10% discount;

4 people will receive a 15% discount

5+ will receive a 25% discount.

Note: to qualify for the discount, all attendees must register together, but do not need to attend the same days.

 

2-Day Basic SoundCheck Training: Class Outline.

In this class, we start with the basics – how to set up your system, calibrate your hardware and use the virtual instruments.  We then focus on how to develop and modify test sequences, starting with stimulus, analysis and display options, and progressing to more advanced functionality such as sequence loops and jumps, statistics, and advanced post-processing. The class is a combination of classroom-style teaching and hands on practical sessions, so that when you leave the class you will be ready to go in practice as well as in theory.

This hands-on class covers all the major features of SoundCheck, including writing sequences, test signals, analysis, distortion measurements and more. The class is a combination of presentations interspersed with hands-on exercises to ensure that you are comfortable with all the concepts and methods taught before you leave the classroom. Although no previous SoundCheck experience is assumed, the course still offers plenty to users familiar with writing basic sequences.  Content includes:

  • Overview of SoundCheck software
    • Software Options
  • Hardware
    • Configuring audio interfaces and external equipment
    • Listen Certified Sound Cards
  • Calibration
    • Calibration of different DUT types (telephones, speakers, etc.)
  • Virtual instruments
    • Spectrum Analyzer, RTA, Multi-meter, Signal Generator, Oscilloscope
    • Virtual Instruments – hands-on
  • Online forum, bug and wish lists
  • SoundCheck Steps & Sequences
    • Philosophy & Architecture
    • Creating and editing SoundCheck Test Sequences and Steps
    • Using the Sequence Wizard
    • Stimulus & Acquisition Step details
    • Basic analysis
    • Display
    • Data Management Hands-on
    • Limits
    • Sequence Development – hands-on
    • Printing
    • Serial numbers
    • Autosave and recall
    • Messages – user prompts, calling external devices
    • Post-processing
    • Sequence Development (part 2) – hands-on
    • Statistics
    • Sequence loops and jumps
    • Advanced sequence development

Note: This is intended as a 2-day class, but each day may be taken separately if wanted. The first day will focus more on setup, calibration, virtual instruments and some beginning sequence writing. The second day will focus on sequence writing in much more detail.

 

California SoundCheck Training Oct 2019

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SoundCheck training (with advanced training) returns to the West Coast in October 2019. Please join us!

Basic 2 day SoundCheck training

Monday Oct 7th & Tues Oct 8th, 8.30am – 5.30pm

This two-day class is designed to accelerate the learning curve for novice and basic level SoundCheck users. A combination of teaching, demos and hands-on exercises begin with the basics of system setup and calibration, using virtual instruments, and creating and modifying basic test sequences. On the second day, the sequence writing progresses to more complex techniques such as sequence loops, statistics and advanced post-processing.

Instructor: Mark Latshaw, Listen, Inc
Cost:  $950  ($665 with valid SoundCheck support contract)
Location: Hilton Garden Inn, 10741 N Wolfe Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014
Course Outline
Register

Advanced SoundCheck training

Wednesday Oct, 9th, 8.30am – 5.30pm

This is designed for users who have already attended the basic class or who need to make more complex measurements and want to take their SoundCheck use to the next level. This course will include topics such as simulated free field measurements, open loop testing of smart devices, advanced distortion measurements, selecting an appropriate test stimulus (including speech, music and compound stimuli), advanced sequence development including conditional branching and looping, advanced post-processing algorithms and more.

Instructor: Mark Latshaw & Steve Temme, Listen, Inc
Cost:  $495  ($350 with valid SoundCheck support contract)
Location: Hilton Garden Inn, 10741 N Wolfe Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014
Course Outline
Register

Scroll down for full class outlines.

 

Multi-person discounts:

2-3 people from one company: 10% discount;

4 people will receive a 15% discount

5+ will receive a 25% discount.

Note: to qualify for the discount, all attendees must register together, but do not need to attend the same days.

 

2-Day Basic SoundCheck Training: Class Outline.

In this class, we start with the basics – how to set up your system, calibrate your hardware and use the virtual instruments.  We then focus on how to develop and modify test sequences, starting with stimulus, analysis and display options, and progressing to more advanced functionality such as sequence loops and jumps, statistics, and advanced post-processing. The class is a combination of classroom-style teaching and hands on practical sessions, so that when you leave the class you will be ready to go in practice as well as in theory.

This hands-on class covers all the major features of SoundCheck, including writing sequences, test signals, analysis, distortion measurements and more. The class is a combination of presentations interspersed with hands-on exercises to ensure that you are comfortable with all the concepts and methods taught before you leave the classroom. Although no previous SoundCheck experience is assumed, the course still offers plenty to users familiar with writing basic sequences.  Content includes:

  • Overview of SoundCheck software
    • Software Options
  • Hardware
    • Configuring audio interfaces and external equipment
    • Listen Certified Sound Cards
  • Calibration
    • Calibration of different DUT types (telephones, speakers, etc.)
  • Virtual instruments
    • Spectrum Analyzer, RTA, Multi-meter, Signal Generator, Oscilloscope
    • Virtual Instruments – hands-on
  • Online forum, bug and wish lists
  • SoundCheck Steps & Sequences
    • Philosophy & Architecture
    • Creating and editing SoundCheck Test Sequences and Steps
    • Using the Sequence Wizard
    • Stimulus & Acquisition Step details
    • Basic analysis
    • Display
    • Data Management Hands-on
    • Limits
    • Sequence Development – hands-on
    • Printing
    • Serial numbers
    • Autosave and recall
    • Messages – user prompts, calling external devices
    • Post-processing
    • Sequence Development (part 2) – hands-on
    • Statistics
    • Sequence loops and jumps
    • Advanced sequence development

Note: This is intended as a 2-day class, but each day may be taken separately if wanted. The first day will focus more on setup, calibration, virtual instruments and some beginning sequence writing. The second day will focus on sequence writing in much more detail.

1-Day Advanced SoundCheck Training: Class Outline.

This is designed for users who have already attended the basic class or who need to make more complex measurements and want to take their SoundCheck use to the next level. This course will include topics such as simulated free field measurements, open loop testing of smart devices, advanced distortion measurements, selecting an appropriate test stimulus (including speech, music and compound stimuli), advanced sequence development including conditional branching and looping, advanced post-processing algorithms and more. Content includes:

  • Stimulus and analysis – choosing the right combination
  • Open loop and Bluetooth testing methods in detail
  • Advanced distortion measurements
  • Advanced sequence development and post-processing
  • Simulated free field measurements and SoundMap
  • System and custom steps
  • External control including Python integration

 

Denmark SoundCheck Training May 2019

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We are excited to announce our first major SoundCheck training event in Denmark in Copenhagen on May 1-3, 2019.

Basic 2 day SoundCheck training

Wednesday May 1st & Thurs  May 2nd, 8.30am – 5.30pm

This two-day class is designed to accelerate the learning curve for novice and basic level SoundCheck users. A combination of teaching, demos and hands-on exercises begin with the basics of system setup and calibration, using virtual instruments, and creating and modifying basic test sequences. On the second day, the sequence writing progresses to more complex techniques such as sequence loops, statistics and advanced post-processing.
Course Outline
Register

Advanced SoundCheck training

Friday May 3rd, 8.30am – 5.30pm

This is designed for users who have already attended the basic class or who need to make more complex measurements and want to take their SoundCheck use to the next level. This course will include topics such as simulated free field measurements, open loop testing of smart devices, advanced distortion measurements, selecting an appropriate test stimulus (including speech, music and compound stimuli), advanced sequence development including conditional branching and looping, advanced post-processing algorithms and more.
Course Outline
Register

Scroll down for full class outlines.

Location: Clarion Hotel Copenhagen Airport, Ellehammersvei 20, 2770, Kastrup, DENMARK

Costs:
Each day is the same cost and you can combine any number of days, with a discount for each additional day that you take Although please note that the basic training is intended as a 2-day course). In addition, support contract holders and multiple attendees from the same company receive additional discounts

1 Day: $495 / 3250DKK ($350 / 2300DKK with valid SoundCheck support contract)

2 Days: $950 / 6235DKK ($665 / 4365DKK with valid SoundCheck support contract)

3 Days: $1350/ 8850DKK ($950 / 6235DKK with valid SoundCheck support contract)

 

Multi-person discount:

2-3 people from one company: 10% discount;

4 people will receive a 15% discount

5+ will receive a 25% discount.

Note: to qualify for the discount, all attendees must register together, but do not need to attend the same days.

 

2-Day Basic SoundCheck Training: Class Outline.

Wednesday May 1st & Thursday May 2nd.

Instructors: Mark Latshaw (Listen, Inc.), Steve Temme (Listen, Inc.), Introduction from Michael Trolle (Vibrakustik)

In this class, we start with the basics – how to set up your system, calibrate your hardware and use the virtual instruments.  We then focus on how to develop and modify test sequences, starting with stimulus, analysis and display options, and progressing to more advanced functionality such as sequence loops and jumps, statistics, and advanced post-processing. The class is a combination of classroom-style teaching and hands on practical sessions, so that when you leave the class you will be ready to go in practice as well as in theory.

This hands-on class covers all the major features of SoundCheck, including writing sequences, test signals, analysis, distortion measurements and more. The class is a combination of presentations interspersed with hands-on exercises to ensure that you are comfortable with all the concepts and methods taught before you leave the classroom. Although no previous SoundCheck experience is assumed, the course still offers plenty to users familiar with writing basic sequences.  Content includes:

  • Overview of SoundCheck software
    • Software Options
  • Hardware
    • Configuring audio interfaces and external equipment
    • Listen Certified Sound Cards
  • Calibration
    • Calibration of different DUT types (telephones, speakers, etc.)
  • Virtual instruments
    • Spectrum Analyzer, RTA, Multi-meter, Signal Generator, Oscilloscope
    • Virtual Instruments – hands-on
  • Online forum, bug and wish lists
  • SoundCheck Steps & Sequences
    • Philosophy & Architecture
    • Creating and editing SoundCheck Test Sequences and Steps
    • Using the Sequence Wizard
    • Stimulus & Acquisition Step details
    • Basic analysis
    • Display
    • Data Management Hands-on
    • Limits
    • Sequence Development – hands-on
    • Printing
    • Serial numbers
    • Autosave and recall
    • Messages – user prompts, calling external devices
    • Post-processing
    • Sequence Development (part 2) – hands-on
    • Statistics
    • Sequence loops and jumps
    • Advanced sequence development

Note: This is intended as a 2-day class, but each day may be taken separately if wanted. The first day will focus more on setup, calibration, virtual instruments and some beginning sequence writing. The second day will focus on sequence writing in much more detail.

1-Day Advanced SoundCheck Training: Class Outline.

Friday, May 3rd
Instructor Steve Temme

This is designed for users who have already attended the basic class or who need to make more complex measurements and want to take their SoundCheck use to the next level. This course will include topics such as simulated free field measurements, open loop testing of smart devices, advanced distortion measurements, selecting an appropriate test stimulus (including speech, music and compound stimuli), advanced sequence development including conditional branching and looping, advanced post-processing algorithms and more. Content includes:

  • Stimulus and analysis – choosing the right combination
  • Open loop and Bluetooth testing methods in detail
  • Advanced distortion measurements
  • Advanced sequence development and post-processing
  • Simulated free field measurements and SoundMap
  • System and custom steps
  • External control including Python integration

 

AISE, Orlando, FL, Jun 9-10, 2019

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This years AISE (ALMA International Symposium & Expo) will be held on June 9-10 in Orlando, FL. Listen will be showcasing its suite of audio measurement equipment for measuring smart speakers, wearables, smart home audio, hearables and automotive audio, as well as conventional transducers such as loudspeakers, headphones and microphones.

In addition to exhibiting, Steve Temme will present a half-day seminar on smart speaker testing. This informative and educational seminar will discuss the challenges of testing smart devices such as smart speakers, smart home devices, wearables and more, and demonstrate various methods of testing such devices. Steve Temme will also present a paper on testing smart hearable devices, and Les Quindipan will demonstrate automotive audio testing using the Mentor A2B interface with SoundCheck.

More

Seminars in China: Smart Speakers and Automotive Audio

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The Challenges of Testing Speech Controlled Audio Systems

Your devices got smarter. Did your test system?

Learn how to implement open loop tests for both playback and recording in a range of devices including smart speakers, automotive audio, robots, IoT devices and more in this practical seminar.

Open loop testing (testing devices where inputs and outputs are independent) enables many types of smart devices and their components to be tested in various formats and situations including:

  • Smart speakers, smart watches and other smart devices
  • Microphone arrays
  • Speech recognition systems with microphones
  • In-vehicle audio systems
  • Audio devices/systems with no physical inputs or outputs
  • Testing in noisy environments

We explain how to measure the same parameters as traditional loudspeakers, discussing such challenges as injecting and extracting response signals, time delays, and triggering the system using voice commands. We also demonstrate how to measure microphone array performance, speakerphone performance and more. Course content includes:

  • Stimulating and capturing responses from a device where you don’t have direct access to the microphone or speaker (open loop testing).
  • Delays, asynchronous stimulus / acquisition, and working with the ‘cloud’
  • Testing with real world signals such as speech and music, and how to analyze results from these test stimuli
  • Voice Recognition – key word spotting, wake word testing, directionality, and the effect of background noise on voice recognition performance
  • Telephony – testing smart speakers for hands-free calling

Speakers /主讲人: Steve Temme, Listen, Inc. and Peter Wulf Andersen, GRAS.

Date & Locations /时间与地点:

2019年1月15日(Tuesday) – Taipei台北
2019年1月16日(Wednesday) – Shenzhen深圳
2019年1月18日(Friday) – Suzhou苏州

More information and registration

West Coast Training Extravaganza! Feb 4-8, 2019

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Listen is excited to announce its biggest ever training event on the West Coast the week of Feb 4th– 8th (Chinese New Year week) with 5 full days of training events.

Monday Feb 4th: Electroacoustics training with Chris Struck. This one-day course covers the fundamentals of electroacoustics and is ideal for anyone new to the industry or who wants to learn more about the electroacoustics theory behind the measurements they are making. You do not need to be a SoundCheck user to benefit from this class! Course Outline. Register.

Tuesday and Wednesday Feb 5th & 6th: Basic 2 day SoundCheck training with Steve Tatarunis. This two-day class is designed to accelerate the learning curve for novice and basic level SoundCheck users. A combination of teaching, demos and hands-on exercises begin with the basics of system setup and calibration, using virtual instruments, and creating and modifying basic test sequences. On the second day, the sequence writing progresses to more complex techniques such as sequence loops, statistics and advanced post-processing. Course Outline. Register

Thursday Feb 7th: Advanced SoundCheck training with Steve Temme. This is designed for users who have already attended the basic class or who need to make more complex measurements and want to take their SoundCheck use to the next level. This course will include topics such as simulated free field measurements, open loop testing of smart devices, advanced distortion measurements, selecting an appropriate test stimulus (including speech, music and compound stimuli), advanced sequence development including conditional branching and looping, advanced post-processing algorithms and more. More details to follow. Register

Friday Feb 8th:  Smart speaker testing seminar (half day plus networking lunch). By popular demand we are bringing our free smart speaker testing seminar back to the West Coast. Steve Temme will present this seminar covering many aspects of smart device testing including open loop measurement, telephony measurements and voice quality measurements. Although the demonstrations will be done with smart speakers, the techniques and methods are relevant to anyone testing voice-controlled devices including hearables, watches and other wearables, robots, smart home devices and automotive entertainment systems. FREE. Course Outline. Register.

Scroll down for full class outlines.

Location: Hilton Garden Inn, 10741 N Wolfe Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014.

Costs:
We have simplified pricing this year so that each day is the same cost and you can combine any number of days, with a discount for each additional day that you take. In addition, support contract holders and multiple attendees from the same company receive additional discounts

1 Day: $495 ($350 with valid SoundCheck support contract)

2 Days: $950 ($665 with valid SoundCheck support contract)

3 Days: $1350 ($950 with valid SoundCheck support contract)

4 Days: $1725 ($1200 with valid SoundCheck support contract)

Smart Speaker Seminar: FREE

 

Multi-person discount:

2-3 people from one company: 10% discount;

4 people will receive a 15% discount

5+ will receive a 25% discount.

Note: to qualify for the discount, all attendees must register together. Multi-attendee discount is only applicable to Mon-Thurs training since the Friday Smart Speaker Seminar event is free.

 

1- Day Electroacoustics Class Outline. Instructor – Christopher Struck (CJS Labs)

Introduction

    • Transducers & Reciprocity
    • Subjective & Objective Tests
    • Loudspeaker and Microphone Test Systems

Basic Acoustics and Measuring Sound

  • Sound Pressure & Sound Pressure Level
  • Wavelength & Frequency
  • The Decibel and Working with Decibels
  • Weighting Networks
  • Detectors, and Time Constants

Sound Sources and Sound Fields

  • Ideal Sources, Sound Radiation, and Sound Fields
  • Transmission, Reflection and Diffraction
  • Elementary Room Acoustics
  • Anechoic Chambers and Reverb Rooms

Psychoacoustics & Hearing

  • Frequency and Dynamic Range
  • Masking & Critical Bands
  • Directional Effects
  • Anatomy of the Ear
  • Detection and Signal Processing within the Ear
  • Loudness & Hearing Loss

Measurement Microphones

  • Principles of Operation
  • Frequency & Dynamic Range
  • Microphone Types, Selection and Applications
  • Field Calibration

Frequency Analysis

  • Signal Types
  • Filters and Filter Analysis
  • Confidence Limits, and Averaging Time
  • The FFT
  • Time Windows, Overlap & “Real Time” Analysis

 System Analysis

  • Time & Frequency Domains
  • Causal Linear Time-Invariant Systems
  • Analysis Methods: Dual Channel FFT, MLS, TDS
  • Stimulus Signals

Simulated Free Field Measurements

  • Sound Paths, Correlated and Uncorrelated Noise
  • Quasi-Anechoic Test Methods
  • Near Field Measurements
  • Time Selective Techniques

Distortion & Non-Linearity

  • Non-Linear Systems & Distortion Order
  • Distortion Audibility
  • Transducer Defect Detection
  • Harmonic, Intermodulation & Difference Frequency Distortion Tests
  • Measurements of Band-Limited Systems
  • Multi-Tone Distortion
  • THD + N
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio and Non-Coherent Power
  • Time Variance and Linearity Measures

Register Now

2-Day Basic SoundCheck Training: Class Outline. Instructor: Steve Tatarunis (Listen, Inc.)

In this class, we start with the basics – how to set up your system, calibrate your hardware and use the virtual instruments.  We then focus on how to develop and modify test sequences, starting with stimulus, analysis and display options, and progressing to more advanced functionality such as sequence loops and jumps, statistics, and advanced post-processing. The class is a combination of classroom-style teaching and hands on practical sessions, so that when you leave the class you will be ready to go in practice as well as in theory.

This hands-on class covers all the major features of SoundCheck, including writing sequences, test signals, analysis, distortion measurements and more. The class is a combination of presentations interspersed with hands-on exercises to ensure that you are comfortable with all the concepts and methods taught before you leave the classroom. Although no previous SoundCheck experience is assumed, the course still offers plenty to users familiar with writing basic sequences.  Content includes:

  • Overview of SoundCheck software
    • Software Options
  • Hardware
    • Configuring audio interfaces and external equipment
    • Listen Certified Sound Cards
  • Calibration
    • Calibration of different DUT types (telephones, speakers, etc.)
  • Virtual instruments
    • Spectrum Analyzer, RTA, Multi-meter, Signal Generator, Oscilloscope
    • Virtual Instruments – hands-on
  • Online forum, bug and wish lists
  • SoundCheck Steps & Sequences
    • Philosophy & Architecture
    • Creating and editing SoundCheck Test Sequences and Steps
    • Using the Sequence Wizard
    • Stimulus & Acquisition Step details
    • Basic analysis
    • Display
    • Data Management Hands-on
    • Limits
    • Sequence Development – hands-on
    • Printing
    • Serial numbers
    • Autosave and recall
    • Messages – user prompts, calling external devices
    • Post-processing
    • Sequence Development (part 2) – hands-on
    • Statistics
    • Sequence loops and jumps
    • Advanced sequence development

Note: This is intended as a 2-day class, but each day may be taken separately if wanted. The first day will focus more on setup, calibration, virtual instruments and some beginning sequence writing. The second day will focus on sequence writing in much more detail.

Register Now

 

1-Day Advanced SoundCheck Training: Class Outline. Instructor Steve Temme

This is designed for users who have already attended the basic class or who need to make more complex measurements and want to take their SoundCheck use to the next level. This course will include topics such as simulated free field measurements, open loop testing of smart devices, advanced distortion measurements, selecting an appropriate test stimulus (including speech, music and compound stimuli), advanced sequence development including conditional branching and looping, advanced post-processing algorithms and more. WE are finalizing content and a more detailed outline will follow shortly.

Register Now

 

 

Free Seminar: Smarter Measurements for Smarter Speakers! Instructor Steve Temme (Listen, Inc.)

smart_speakersLearn how to test smart speakers, hearables, watches and other wearables, robots, smart home devices, automotive entertainment systems and other smart devices in our practical half-day seminar taught by industry expert Steve Temme of Listen, Inc.

Although acoustic testing of smart speakers and other voice-activated devices presents challenges such as injecting and extracting response signals, time delays, and triggering the system using voice commands, it is still possible to measure the same parameters as traditional loudspeakers, In addition we can also measure microphone array performance, speakerphone performance and more.

We demonstrate how to do this, focusing on:

  • Stimulating and capturing responses from a device where you don’t have direct access to the microphone or speaker (open loop testing).
  • Delays, asynchronous stimulus / acquisition, and working with the ‘cloud’
  • Testing with real world signals such as speech and music, and how to analyze results from these test stimuli
  • Voice Recognition – key word spotting, wake word testing, directionality, and the effect of background noise on voice recognition performance
  • Telephony – testing smart speakers for hands-free calling

There is no charge for this seminar and lunch will be provided.

Print

Seminar: Smarter Measurements for Smarter Speakers – Denmark

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Smarter speakers require smarter test methods!

smart_speakersLearn how to test smart speakers, robots, voice-controlled automotive audio and other IoT devices in our practical half-day seminar taught by industry expert Steve Temme of Listen, Inc., with additional information on microphone and hardware products for testing these devices from G.R.A.S.

Although acoustic testing of smart speakers and other voice-activated devices presents challenges such as injecting and extracting response signals, time delays, and triggering the system using voice commands, it is still possible to measure the same parameters as traditional loudspeakers, In addition we can also measure microphone array performance, speakerphone performance and more.

We demonstrate how to do this, focusing on:

  • Stimulating and capturing responses from a device where you don’t have direct access to the microphone or speaker (open loop testing).
  • Delays, asynchronous stimulus / acquisition, and working with the ‘cloud’
  • Testing with real world signals such as speech and music, and how to analyze results from these test stimuli
  • Voice Recognition – key word spotting, wake word testing, directionality, and the effect of background noise on voice recognition performance
  • Telephony – testing smart speakers for hands-free calling
  • Microphones, artificial mouths and other hardware for smart speaker testing

There is no charge for this one-day seminar and lunch will be provided. There will also be a factory tour of G.R.A.S. Space is limited, so please RSVP today.

Print

Location and Date:

Holte (Copenhagen area), Denmark. Friday September 28th, 2018 – 9.00am – 3.00pm. GRAS Sound & Vibration A/S, Skovlytoften 33, DK-2840 Holte, Denmark

Agenda (9am-3.00pm)

  • Introduction
  • Equipment for Smart Speaker Testing
    • Listen Product Overview
    • GRAS Product Overview
      • Choosing the right microphone for smart speaker testing environments (far field vs near field vs unconventional environments)
      • When to use a Mouth Simulator vs Head and Torso Simulator for testing
  • Open Loop Testing
    • What is ‘open loop’ testing?
    • Can you really measure frequency response and harmonic distortion in an open loop?
    • Using Frequency Shifting to time align asynchronous stimuli and response
    • Working with cloud based services
  • Testing with Real World Signals
    • How to use real voice and / or non test tones to evaluate acoustic performance
    • Analysis techniques used for evaluating non test tone stimuli
  • Voice Recognition
    • Key Word spotting / Wake Up word testing
    • Room effects, environmental distractors, and SNR…how they affect voice recognition performance
    • Measuring directionality
  • Networking lunch
  • Telephony
    • What voice quality metrics are important for speakerphones?
    • Challenges of testing speakerphones in different environments
  • GRAS Factory tour (optional)

Reserve your space