ANSI/CEA 2010-B 2014 Sequence for Subwoofer Maximum SPL

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This sequence measures the maximum peak SPL of a subwoofer according to ANSI/CEA 12010-B 2014. In this test, 1/3 octave band limited tone bursts are presented to the subwoofer across a 3 octave range from 20 Hz to 160 Hz. At each frequency, the stimulus level is increased in +3 dB increments until the harmonic (and non-harmonic) distortion and noise (HD+N) exceeds the specified threshold. The level is then decreased by 3 dB and the test continues with level increments of +1 dB until the HD+N threshold is again exceeded. The peak SPL of the fundamental at the last passing test level is recorded and the sequence continues to the next frequency. Peak SPL values are weighted according to the power spectrum defined in the standard and the Average Weighted SPL and final Broadband Peak SPL calculated as specified.

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Polar Plot (MDT-4000 Turntable) Sequence

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This sequence measures the polar response of a loudspeaker in both the vertical and horizontal dimensions. It is designed to work with the Portland Tool & Die MDT-4000 turntable, and has all the necessary commands to automatically rotate it via RS-232. The sequence uses a log sweep stimulus with the Time Selective Response algorithm so that the measurements can be run in a non-anechoic environment. Note that the time window needs to be adapted to the user’s measurement space.

The sequence plays the stimulus and measures at 10 degree increments from 0 to 180 degrees. This process is repeated with the speaker positioned horizontally. The two results are mirrored to display full 360 degree polar plots for each axis. A directivity index curve is also calculated for each axis and is displayed at the end of the test.

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Loose Particles Sequence

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This sequence demonstrates how to use SoundCheck to detect loose particle defects in loudspeakers. Loose particles typically reveal themselves as randomly spaced impulses, so they may not be detected when performing frequency based measurements such as THD, even though they can be clearly heard as undesirable artifacts. The loose particle algorithm, which is an available function in all analysis algorithms, analyzes a time waveform to detect these impulses. The user sets a customized threshold level for detection.

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Complete Test Sequence

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The purpose of this sequence is to perform a full suite of basic measurements for a loudspeaker. A 500 mV stepped sine sweep from 20 kHz to 50 Hz is played through the speaker and measured via two channels of the audio interface. A calibrated reference microphone is connected to one of the channels, and an impedance reference is connected to the other.

A HarmonicTrak™ analysis step analyzes the recorded waveform from the reference microphone, and outputs frequency response, THD, Rub & Buzz, and various harmonic curves. A second analysis step analyzes the waveform from the impedance reference and outputs a curve of impedance versus frequency. A post processing step is used to estimate the characteristics of the impedance curve and calculates the max impedance, resonance frequency, and the Q of the resonance peak.

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Measuring Loudspeaker Maximum Linear Sound Levels Using Noise to the AES75-2022 Standard

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The AES75-2022 standard details a procedure for measuring maximum linear sound levels of a loudspeaker system or driver using a test signal called M-Noise. This is a complex procedure with many repetitive steps, which makes it time consuming to implement manually. This sequence automates the entire process, accelerating test time, minimizing operator intervention, and ensuring accurate and objective test results.

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Polar Plot (Linear X Turntable) Loudspeaker Sequence

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This sequence measures the polar response of a loudspeaker in both the vertical and horizontal dimensions. It is designed to work with the Linear X turntable, and has all the necessary commands to automatically rotate it via RS-232. The sequence uses a log sweep stimulus with the Time Selective Response algorithm so that the measurements can be run in a non-anechoic environment. Note that the time window needs to be adapted to the user’s measurement space. The sequence plays the stimulus and measures at 10 degree increments from 0 to 180 degrees. This process is repeated with the speaker positioned horizontally. The two results are mirrored to display full 360 degree polar plots for each axis. A directivity index curve is also calculated for each axis and is displayed at the end of the test.

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Time Selective Response Sequence

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This sequence demonstrates the capabilities of the TSR (Time Selective Response) algorithm in SoundCheck. Using TSR with a log sweep is a very fast and effective method for measuring frequency response and THD of a speaker in a non-anechoic environment. This example plays a quick log sweep from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. An analysis step then uses the TSR algorithm with time windowing to output frequency response, harmonics, THD, and impulse response curves.

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Enhanced Perceptual Rub & Buzz Demo Sequence

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This sequence demonstrates how SC20’s new enhanced Perceptual Rub & Buzz algorithm compares to normalized Rub & Buzz and subjective listening. Running this sequence on a batch of good and bad buzzing loudspeakers should help identify by measurement, audibly defective units and where to set production limits. Starting the sequence, the user is asked at what test level to play a stepped sine sweep (Stweep™) in 1/12th octaves, from 20 kHz to 50 Hz. The user is encouraged to try different test levels and change sweep parameters to find the optimum settings to catch buzzing loudspeakers. The loudspeaker is measured via two channels of the audio interface. A calibrated reference microphone is connected to one of the channels and an impedance reference built into the SC Amp or AmpConnect is connected to the other. A HarmonicTrak™ Analysis step analyzes the recorded waveform from the reference microphone, and displays both the enhanced Perceptual Rub & Buzz and normalized Rub & Buzz graphs.

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Complete End-of-Line Speaker Test (includes ePRB and eLP)

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This sequence is an example of the many types of tests that can be performed quickly and simultaneously on a loudspeaker production line. A stepped sine sweep (StweepTM) from 20 kHz to 50 Hz is played through the speaker under test and measured via two channels of the audio interface. A calibrated reference microphone is connected to one of the channels and an impedance reference built into the SC Amp or AmpConnect is connected to the other. A HarmonicTrak™ Analysis step analyzes the recorded waveform from the reference microphone and outputs Frequency Response, THD, Normalized Rub & Buzz, Perceptual Rub & Buzz (ePRB), Loose Particle Prominence and Threshold (eLP) and Polarity. A Post-Processing step calculates the Average Sensitivity from 100 – 10kHz. A second Analysis step analyzes the recorded waveform from the impedance reference and outputs a curve of impedance versus frequency. A Post Processing step performs a curve fit of the impedance curve and calculates the max impedance (Zmax), precise resonance frequency (f0), and the quality factor (Q) of the resonance peak. All measurements and parameters are tested against limits in Limit steps. All these limits can be adjusted to suit your own DUT.

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RT60 Room Acoustics

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The RT60 room acoustics sequence measures reverberation time and clarity of a room using multiple microphones to accurately characterize measurement environments. This is important for smart device testing as measurements of both speech recognition and audio output often need to be made in fully characterized rooms with known reverberation times and clarity. The method used in this sequence is fast, accurate, and made using fully calibrated signal paths. This sequence uses an omnidirectional speaker to play a Log Sweep from 250Hz – 15kHz and four microphones measure the impulse responses generated. These waveforms are analyzed using the Time Selective Response and room acoustics algorithms to calculate reverberation time (T20, T39, T60) and clarity (C7, C50 and C80) according to ISO 3382-1:2009.
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