Basic Soundcheck Training Online – Oct/Nov 2021

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SoundCheck Basic Training is in an all-new online format for 2021. We have taken the material from our popular 2-day Basic SoundCheck training course and re-formatted it into 6 x 2 hr online sessions. Each session, led by a live trainer, 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.

Dates: Oct 25th, 26th, 27th and Nov 1st, 2nd, 3rd

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%).

Instructors: Mark Latshaw and Cam Ruffle-Deignan

 

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

 

Thank you to all who attended. Please contact support@listeninc.com if you have any follow-up questions.

 

 

Online Training: Advanced Analysis

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Sept 15 at 9.00am US East Coast time (3pm Central European Time, 2pm UK time) and 2.00pm US East Coast time (11am US West Coast time)

In this 2 hour training, we will be taking a deeper dive into some of the more advanced features of the analysis editor. This will be useful for anyone with a basic understanding of SoundCheck setup, calibration and sequence writing who is looking to add value to their measurements by optimizing their test procedures. We will be taking a closer look at how to configure various analysis algorithms, and the impacts of the chosen settings on measurement confidence and speed. This training offers value to both R&D and production users. We will cover:

  • Understanding and configuring the distortion options in SoundCheck’s Harmonictrak algorithm, including how to select the best option for your application
  • Configuring the Loose Particles algorithm to detect transients in waveforms to catch manufacturing defects that may not be highlighted using frequency based analysis
  • Using SoundCheck’s measurement confidence option to adjust the stimulus to obtain the best trade off between speed and accuracy
  • How to analyze ‘real world’ test signals (e.g. multitone, noise, music, speech) for measuring devices that do not perform well with sine wave signals (e.g. telecoms, those including DSP)

This training is free to support contract holders and $79 for others.

Register Now

Microphone Measurement Basics

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Sept 16, 2020. 10am China time

In this 60 minute online seminar, S&V Samford presents Listen, Inc. Technical Support Manager, Steve Tatarunis discussing Microphone Measurement Basics.

Listen, Inc’s SoundCheck electroacoustic test system is used by the world’s leading OEMs and their contract manufacturers on thousands of production lines worldwide. Although it can be used for testing a wide range of devices including speakers, microspeakers, headphones, headsets, smart devices, cellphones and more, this seminar will focus on microphones.

In this online session, Steve Tatarunis will cover the basics of microphone testing, including:

  • Common microphone types and how they work
  • Microphone specifications
  • How to measure microphones using the two standard methods available in SoundCheck
    • Substitution method
    • Equalized speaker method
  • R&D and production test environments
  • Important measurements such as frequency response, sensitivity, etc.

The presentation will be in English, but slides will be in English and Chinese.

There is no charge for this seminar, but registration is required. Please sign up below.

麦克风测试基础篇网络研讨会

中国时间2020年9月16日星期三上午10点

在这个60分钟的在线研讨会中，声振环保仪器有限公司以及Listen，Inc.技术支持经理Steve Tatarunis，会与大家探讨麦克风测量的基础知识。

Listen公司的SoundCheck电声测试系统广泛用于全球领先的原始设备制造商及其合约制造商的成千上万条生产线。虽然它可以用于测试各种各样的设备，包括扬声器、微型扬声器、耳机、耳麦、智能设备、手机等等，但本次研讨会将着重讨论麦克风。

在这次在线研讨会中，Steve Tatarunis将涵盖麦克风测试的基础知识，包括：

  • 常见的麦克风类型及其工作原理
  • 麦克风的规格
  • 如何使用SoundCheck的两种标准方法测量麦克风
    • 对比测试法
    • 标准均衡音源测试法
  • 研发和产线测试的环境
  • 重要的测试如频率响应、灵敏度等.

这次研讨会将会以英文进行，演示文稿将以中英文显示。不收取任何费用，但是需要提前注册。请在下面注册。

 

Headphone Measurement Basics

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耳机测试基础篇网络研讨会

Aug 5, 2020 at 10.00am (China time)

中国时间2020年8月5日星期三上午10点

 

在这个60分钟的在线研讨会中，声振环保仪器有限公司授权Listen公司的创始人兼总裁Steve Temme先生，与大家探讨耳机测试的基础知识。

Listen公司的SoundCheck电声测试系统广泛用于全球领先的原始设备制造商及其合约制造商的成千上万条生产线。虽然它可以用于测试各种各样的设备，包括扬声器、微型扬声器、耳机、耳麦、智能设备、手机等等，但本次研讨会将着重讨论耳机。

在这次在线研讨会中，Steve Temme先生将涵盖耳机测试的基础知识，包括：

  • 耳机的工作原理
  • 如何测试耳机（包括不同种类的耳机和声学耳模拟器）
  • 研发和产线测试的环境
  • 重要的测试如校正的频率响应、左右声道平衡度、失真等等。

 

In this 60 minute online seminar, S&V Samford presents Listen, Inc. founder and president, Steve Temme, discussing Headphone Measurement Basics.

Listen, Inc’s SoundCheck electroacoustic test system is used by the world’s leading OEMs and their contract manufacturers on thousands of production lines worldwide. Although it can be used for testing a wide range of devices including speakers, microspeakers, headphones, headsets, smart devices, cellphones and more, this seminar will focus on headphones.

In this online session, Steve Temme will cover the basics of headphone testing, including:

  • How a headphone works
  • How to measure headphones (including considerations for different types of headphones, and acoustic ear simulators)
  • R&D and production test environments
  • Important measurements such as corrected frequency response, left/right tracking, distortion etc.

View Recording

Viewers in China WATCH HERE

 

 

 

Online Training: Basic Sequences

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The ability to quickly generate test sequences is one of the most powerful SoundCheck skills you can acquire. We are bringing a 2 hour basic sequence writing course to the comfort of your own home with our new online training.
This 2 hour course is a condensed version of the basics of sequence writing from our popular 2 day training class. We will start from the beginning, explaining how to determine the test parameters and hardware that will meet your specific test requirements. We will look at best practices for creating a sequence, and finally we will assemble a sequence from scratch. This course is ideal for novice SoundCheck users, or those who have been using SoundCheck with sequences that others have written and who are ready to start developing their own. This training is free to support contract holders and $79 for others.

Register Now

Audio Testing with SoundCheck at Sound Hub Denmark

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February 25th, 2020. 8.30-17.00

Learn how to measure audio quality of both simple and complex modern audio devices, in both R&D and production environments. Get to know the basics of SoundCheck; one of the world’s most popular audio test software systems, and learn about how to build a test sequence incl. recommendations for the equipment used. Additionally, you will get familiar with specific methods and conditions applied for voice-activated audio testing for e.g. automotive among others.

Join us for an inspiring day, where the Founder and President of Listen, Inc., Steve Temme from US together with Danish representatives and people from GRAS share knowledge about do’s and don’ts.

Sound Hub Denmark has the software and recommended equipment in house to further assist you after this course.

Program Outline

8.30–9.00: Sign-in & welcome

9.00-12.00: Audio Measurement Basics: What to measure and why

  • Learn about different test configurations and the products you need for a test system (software, microphones, interfaces, chambers etc.)
  • Understand the basics of SoundCheck – one of the  world’s most popular audio test systems used on over 10,000 production lines worldwide
  • Learn how to build a simple test sequence for speakers and microphones in SoundCheck, and how to adapt this for different products
  • Common challenges and pitfalls with audio testing
  • Transitioning test from the R&D lab to the production line

12.30: Light lunch

13.15-16.00: Voice-Activated Device Testing, Automotive, smart speakers, hearables

  • Automotive infotainment systems, hearables, smart speakers and many other audio devices are now voice-activated. Such devices are complex to test as they have numerous wired and wireless connections and often contain signal processing, both on the record and the playback side. This means that their characteristics change according to ‘real world’ conditions of the environment that they are used in, such as automotive cabin and roaad noise, background noise, playback levels, and room acoustics. Furthermore, many aspects of the device may need to be tested, ranging from voice recognition to music playback, operation as a hands-free telephone, and even hearing assistance. Often measurements need to be made at different levels and different environmental conditions. In this session, we will discuss the test configurations, tools and techniques that enable accurate measurement of the audio performance of such devices under the many various real-world conditions in which they are used.

16.00-17.00: Hands on and drinks

Space is limited so please sign up on the event page on the Sound Hub Website.

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

 

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