All past online events

New Transient Distortion Measurement Algorithm

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At Listen, we’re at the forefront of audio measurement research, and we’re always looking to improve on existing audio measurement techniques, even our own! Loose Particle detection has been a valuable production metric for analyzing transient distortion since we launched it in 2004. This new iteration uses our own original research to improve accuracy and reliability, show a clear correlation to audibility, and simplify limit setting. In addition to production line testing of speakers, headphones, drivers and other devices, it is also valuable for automotive Buzz, Squeak and rattle (BSR) measurements and measuring rattling components such as keys and buttons on a variety of devices. All is explained in the short video below.

Transient Distortion Detection Launch Video

Watch our launch video (broadcast date 05/25/2023) for the full details.

 

Ready to Measure your Transient Distortion?

If you have SoundCheck 21, you already have this new algorithm! Download our free complete end of line test sequence with enhanced Loose Particles to start using it right away.

If you don’t have SoundCheck 21, but have an older version, you can send us your recorded waveforms and we’ll analyze them for you and send you the results. Please contact sales@listeninc.com for a test sequence to record the waveforms.

No SoundCheck system at all? No problem! You can send us your speakers and we’ll test them for you. Or we may be able to arrange a system loan. Contact your sales engineer at sales@listeninc.com for more information.

Prefer to Read About It?

We know not everyone has 15 mins free to watch a video, although its hard to beat the benefits of a proper demonstration. So here’s a brief summary of the information about this new algorithm that is presented in the video:

What it does

The new algorithm measures transient distortion caused by loose particles that may become trapped in a device during manufacture and create an unpleasant sound when they vibrate in the finished product. This is measured in the time domain rather than the frequency domain as these artifacts appear randomly over time, and not periodically in the same way that harmonic distortion artifacts are presented. This algorithm has a couple of unique features:

1) It measures transient distortion separately from harmonic distortion which gives deeper insight into the failure mode and accelerates troubleshooting, particularly on the production line.

2) It’s easy to correlate with audibility as the algorithm removes the stimulus waveform to allow the user to listen to just the distortion artifacts. As well as enabling the user to truly understand how measured results correlate to listening, this also facilitates limit setting.

3) It’s reliable even in the presence of transient background noise since it relies on a cumulative event count rather than a single event triggering a fail. Limit setting is simple as it is not frequency dependent

 

Applications

  • Production line driver test
  • Production line finished product test (rattling buttons, keys, grills, and other components)
  • Buzz, Squeak and Rattle (BSR) / Impulsive distortion measurements in cars

 

How it works

Like Listen’s original 2004 transient distortion detection algorithm, enhanced Loose Particles relies on a time domain analysis of the waveform. However, rather than simply filtering and counting transients, it removed the stimulus, performs a time domain analysis of the remaining transients, then applies a unique Prominence calculation to evaluate each transient in the context of the surrounding waveform. A threshold is applied, and the number of transient events above that threshold are counted. The event count indicates whether a device has a transient distortion problem. Transient events caused by speaker manufacturing issues tend to repeat many times as particles bounce around in side the speaker, or components vibrate. In contrast, background noise events occur infrequently during the duration of the measurement. The threshold is set based on audibility, and the Loose Particle count limit can be set according to the environment to fine-tune the algorithm for the specific operating conditions.

 

Graphic demonstrating how the Transient Distortion algorithm (Loose Particles) works

4 Stages of the enhanced Loose Particles algorithm for transient distortion measurement: Response waveform, Loose Particle waveform, Prominence and enhanced Loose Particles.

 

 

For additional background, comparison to other methods, such as Crest Factor Analysis, and live demonstrations, please check out the video above.

 

Learn More

Enhanced Loose Particle Algorithm Launch Event

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May 25, 2023. 9:00am and 2:00pm EST (6:00am and 11:00am West Coast)

June 1, 2023. 10:00am China time

Join us for a launch seminar for Listen’s latest algorithm, enhanced Loose Particles (eLP). This new algorithm significantly improves production line transient distortion measurement. It offers high accuracy, easy correlation to human perception, and identifies transient distortion artifacts separately from harmonic distortion for easy troubleshooting. It’s also ideal for identifying rattling buttons in audio devices, and automotive Buzz, Squeak and Rattle (BSR) measurements. This new algorithm is based on original research, and uses techniques not previously used for distortion measurement. Join us in this short online seminar for a demonstration by Steve Temme, and a detailed explanation of how this algorithm works.

We’re running three sessions of this event for the convenience of our customers around the world. Please register using the buttons below.

Communications Testing Seminar

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Dec 14th, 9am & 2pm Eastern time; Dec 15th, 10am China time

Communications tests are not just for telephones! Join us for a demo-packed seminar with communications industry expert, John Bareham as we show how to evaluate devices such as smart speakers, headphones and wearables as well as all types of phones using industry standard procedures. We’ll talk about equipment, standards, and demonstrate sections of the TIA920B and TIA5050 standards, as well as Doubletalk measurements and POLQA analysis, all within SoundCheck.

Presenters: Steve Temme, John Bareham, Les Quindipan
Duration: 1 Hour

 

Register for 9am Event Register for 2pm Event Register for China Event

通信测试研讨会 / Communications Testing Seminar

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中国时间12月15日上午10点 / Dec 15th, 10am China time

通信测试不仅适用于电话！ 与我们一起参加由通信行业专家 John Bareham 主持的演示研讨会吧，我们将展示如何使用行业标准程序评估智能扬声器、耳机、可穿戴设备以及所有类型的电话等设备。 我们将讨论设备、标准，并演示 TIA920B 和 TIA5050 标准的部分，以及 Doubletalk 测量和 POLQA 分析，所有这些都能在 SoundCheck 中找到。

主持人：Steve Temme、John Bareham、Les Quindipan

Communications tests are not just for telephones! Join us for a demo-packed seminar with communications industry expert, John Bareham as we show how to evaluate devices such as smart speakers, headphones and wearables as well as all types of phones using industry standard procedures. We’ll talk about equipment, standards, and demonstrate sections of the TIA920B and TIA5050 standards, as well as Doubletalk measurements and POLQA analysis, all within SoundCheck.

Presenters: Steve Temme, John Bareham, Les Quindipan

Duration: 1 Hour

 

Register for China Event

External Control of SoundCheck Seminar

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Oct 18th 9am & 2pm Eastern time; November 2nd, 10am China time

SoundCheck has led the way in production line audio measurement for over 25 years with its sophisticated suite of audio measurement algorithms that offer precise measurement, fast throughput, excellent noise immunity, and world-class reliability. However, many audio manufacturing factories are moving towards large, highly customized, integrated test configurations to evaluate products, not only for audio integrity, but often video, visual and other performance defects. This seminar explains how to bring the advantages of SoundCheck into your automated test environment using any programming language compatible with TCP/IP  including C, C+, Python, LabVIEW and more.

We will run through several demonstrations of SoundCheck integration including:

  • Enabling TCP-IP in SoundCheck, and an overview of commands
  • Using external control to open up and run a SoundCheck sequence using a python script, and returning data for use in any application 
  • Changing test parameters via external control, so that test procedures can be simplified by adapting test conditions on the fly for different products
  • Loading, playing and controlling volume of  a test signal on a DUT  using a custom step in a SoundCheck sequence. 
  • Using external control to automatically equalize wave files loaded into SoundCheck via TCP/IP 
  • Using MATLAB with SoundCheck.

Presenters: Mark Latshaw, Pranav Swaroop

These events are now over, but you can watch the recording here.

 

Register for China Event

 

SoundCheck Online Basic Training, October 2022

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Registration is now open for our Online SoundCheck Basic Training class from October 4th-13th.

The course will again consist of 6 x 2-hour sessions over a 2 week time period, and will cover all the same content as our standard in-person basic training course. Each session is led by a live trainer and will include instruction, demos, quizzes, breakout sessions and discussion. Hands-on exercises will be provided to be completed between sessions and reviewed in subsequent classes

We are restricting attendance to 30 attendees to better facilitate breakout sessions, so sign up early to secure your spot. Registration closes on September 26th, and a 10% early booking discount will apply to all registrations received by September 15th.

Dates: October 4th, 5th, 6th, 11th, 12th 13th.

Time: 6 x 2hr sessions from 11.00am-1.00pm Eastern US Time (8.00am-10.00am Western US Time)

Attendees must attend all 6 sessions to complete the course.

Cost: $295 ($195 for support contract holders). Additional discounts for multiple people from the same company signing up together (2-3 people: 10%; 4 people: 15%; 5+ people: 25%). Additional 5% early bird discount when signing up prior to September 15th.

Instructors: Mark Latshaw and Pranav Swaroop

 

Course Outline

Session 1: Hardware & Calibration – configuring audio interfaces and external equipment; certified audio interfaces; Calibration of different DUT types (telephones, speakers, etc.)

Session 2: Memory list, Data management, Virtual Instruments (Spectrum Analyzer, RTA, Multi-meter, Signal Generator, Oscilloscope), Sequence Editor Basics

Session 3: Sequence Writing Part 1 – introduction to the sequence wizard; stimulus; acquisition; basic analysis; limits

Session 4: Sequence Writing Part 2 – Displays; Autosave; Recall; Printing

Session 5: Sequence Writing Part 3 – Messages & sequence logic; external control; sequence & step parameters

Session 6: Advanced Sequence Development – Post Processing; Statistics

 

Group discounts are available for multiple attendees from the same company:

2-3 attendees: 10% discount

4 attendees: 15% discount

5+ attendees: 25% discount

 

Early bird discount: 10% until Sept 15.

Register Now

 

We are also running Advanced Training, November 15-17th. Learn more.

Automotive Audio Testing Seminar

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July 21st, 2022. 9.00am and 2.00pm Eastern US time (6.00am and 11.00am West Coast time)
July 27th, 10.00am China time

In this practical online seminar, Steve Temme will demonstrate in-car measurement of frequency response, Max SPL, and Buzz, Squeak and Rattle using a Bluetooth connection. He will discuss considerations such as physical setup, infotainment system controls and the measurement parameters. Steve and his colleagues will then discuss connectivity for automotive testing, explaining and demonstrating the various connectivity options including USB drive, Bluetooth and A2B bus. Finally, we’ll take a look at some of the other audio measurements that you can make using SoundCheck, for example active noise cancellation and voice assistance readiness. 

在这个实用的网络研讨会中，Steve Temme 将演示如何使用蓝牙连接进行车内测量，以测量频率响应、最大 SPL 以及异常音。 他将讨论物理设置、信息娱乐系统控制和测量参数等考虑因素。 然后，Steve和他的同事将讨论汽车测试的连接性，解释和演示各种连接选项，包括 USB 驱动器、蓝牙和A2B 总线。 最后，我们将看看其他您可以透过SoundCheck进行的音频测量，例如主动降噪以及voice assistance readiness测量。

Register for 9.00am Event Register for 2.00pm Event Register for China Event

Production Testing Seminar China / 产線测试网络研讨会

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loudspeaker production lineMay 18th 2022. 10am (China Time) / 2022年5月18日上午10点（中国时间）

In this short seminar, Les Quindipan explores the use of SoundCheck for end-of-line production testing. He discusses typical test configurations and the type of measurements that can be made, how to set pass/fail limits and how to optimize tests for high throughput.

He will also explain how SoundCheck is easily scaled for high volume production testing, with such features as external control via another program and auto-saving data to databases, and how SoundCheck’s capabilities are easily expanded through the use of custom steps to control all types of devices and test fixtures.

This seminar will be of interest to anyone considering a production line implementation of SoundCheck, or curious as to how to transition R&D measurements to fast and effective end-of-line test.

There is no charge for this seminar, but registration is required.

在这个简短的研讨会中，Les Quindipan将 与我们探讨如何使用 SoundCheck 进行生产线末端测试。 他会讨论典型的测试配置和可以进行的测量类型、如何设置通过/失败限制以及如何优化测试以实现高吞吐量。

他还会探讨SoundCheck 如何轻松扩展以进行大批量生产测试，具有通过另一个程序进行外部控制和自动将数据保存到数据库等功能，以及如何通过使用自定义步骤轻松扩展 SoundCheck 的功能来控制所有类型的 设备和测试夹具。

任何考虑在生产线中使用 SoundCheck 的人士，或想知道如何将研发测量转换为快速有效的生产线末端测试的人士都会对此研讨会感兴趣。

本次研讨会不收取任何费用，但需要预先登记。

This event has passed. Watch the video.

 

 

 

Enhanced Perceptual Rub & Buzz Event – Asia Edition

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March 24, 2022. 10:00am China time

Listen continues to lead the way in perceptual distortion measurements with our new Enhanced Perceptual Rub & Buzz algorithm. This new product, based on years of original research, offers unrivaled repeatability, reliability and correlation to human hearing, making it an unbeatable solution for end-of-line perceptual audio test.

Our launch event will include live demonstrations, results, technical explanations and more. Be the first to know. Sign up below.

Listen 凭着新的增强型感知摩擦音算法(Enhanced Perceptual Rub & Buzz algorithm)继续引领著感知失真測量。這種基於多年原始研究的新產品提供了無與倫比的可重複性、可靠性和与人类听觉的相关性，使它成為生產線末端感知音頻測試的無與倫比的解決方案。

This event has passed. Watch the Recording.

 

Virtual Instruments Seminar

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April 12th, 2022. 9.00am and 2.00pm Eastern US time (6.00am and 11.00am West Coast time)

Virtual instruments, included in SoundCheck,  are a cost-effective and portable software-based alternative to hardware instrumentation, ideal for making quick measurements or viewing device behavior in real time. In this educational seminar, Les Quindipan walks through a demonstration of the virtual instruments in SoundCheck, showing off some of their lesser-known capabilities. These include the signal generator, multimeter, oscilloscope/spectrum analyzer, real time analyzer, frequency counter and distortion analyzer. The strip chart recorder, which expands the capability of these instruments to record measurements over a period of time, will also be discussed.

This event has passed. Watch the recording.