SoundCheck 23 New Features

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Check out our short demo video for a brief introduction to all the new features in SoundCheck 23. From real-time masking curves and multichannel oscilloscope support to ISO 532-3 loudness measurements and enhanced sequence editing, this release is packed with powerful features for both R&D and production.

SoundCheck 23 New Features

Ready to try SoundCheck 23 for yourself?

If you are ready to upgrade your system to SoundCheck 23, or want to discuss how SoundCheck 23 can help your testing needs, contact your local sales engineer or sales@listeninc.com with any questions.

Learn more

Download the PDF for SoundCheck 23 New Features here.

For detailed information, visit the SoundCheck What’s New page.

To see some of the other great features, algorithms, and functionality from previous SoundCheck versions, check out our version timeline to learn more about Listen’s 20 years of innovation.

SoundCheck 23 New Features Intro

Hello, I’m Steve Temme and today I’m going to demonstrate the new features in SoundCheck 23. This release is a big one for us as this year marks our 30th anniversary. When I created the first version of SoundCheck from the corner of my bedroom back in 1995, I had no idea that it would evolve into such a sophisticated audio test toolkit, or that some of those early algorithms I developed would go on to become industry standard test methods. 

This new release offers new functionality and performance improvements for both R&D and production testing. These include real-time tonal masking curves for detailed perceptual audio analysis, a new multi-channel oscilloscope, a new time/ frequency cursor for recorded Stweep waveforms, and support for AudioConnect 8×8, our newest multi-channel interface. We’ve also improved performance, particularly for graphical display, and updated the sequence editor for faster test development. Let’s take a look.

AudioConnect 2 Support in SoundCheck

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AudioConnect 2 Support is available in SoundCheck version 21 and later.
SoundCheck 21 supports AudioConnect 2TM, Listen’s new compact and high resolution (up to 192 kHz) dual-channel audio interface. AudioConnect 2 is designed for measurements anywhere from the production line to out in the field. With the option to power it via a laptop USB-C port, it is compact, portable, and easy to use. Set-up and configuration is extremely simple and fast with full plug-and-play functionality and TEDS support for automatic identification, configuration and calibration of microphones and accelerometers. AudioConnect 2 has no front panel controls; it is exclusively configured via the SoundCheck software. This provides an added level of test integrity by ensuring that settings cannot be inadvertently adjusted outside of your test configuration.

Watch the video demo of AudioConnect 2 Support

Main SoundCheck Page

Metadata for Simplified Data Collection and Recall in SoundCheck

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Metadata for Simplified Data Collection and Recall is available in SoundCheck version 21 and later.
SoundCheck’s new Metadata feature simplifies data collection and documentation. Curves, values, results and waveforms can now be saved to a single TDMS file, along with all test parameters acquired during the sequence run such as test conditions, test sequence used, operator, serial number, microphone position, data entered via a message step and more. Both system fields (e.g. sequence name, operator, SoundCheck serial number) and user-defined fields can be stored. This data can be viewed or recalled in SoundCheck, as well as by certain other applications such as excel. The TDMS format used to save the data is a fast binary format, minimizing read and write times when a sequence is running. This feature has many uses in both R&D and production applications.

Watch the video demo of Metadata for Simplified Data Collection and Recall

Main SoundCheck Page

Multichannel Spectrum Analyzer in SoundCheck

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Multichannel Spectrum Analyzer is available in SoundCheck version 21 and later.
A new multi-channel FFT analyzer replaces SoundCheck’s original single channel spectrum analyzer. This high resolution constant bandwidth linear filter analyzer enables any number of live FFT spectra to be simultaneously viewed in real time on the same graph. It offers many  options including standard and custom windows and various weighting options. Averaging times and resolution are continuously variable and can be user-specified. Average, maximum and minimum levels can be identified, and overload and real time indicators highlight any problematic signals. Channel subtraction, maximum, minimum and power average can be calculated and displayed in real time. This saves screen space and allows direct comparisons when making multiple FFT measurements. Live FFT curves are displayed in the memory list and can be dragged and dropped into any graph for easy comparison to limits and reference curves. SoundCheck’s multichannel FFT and RTA can be viewed simultaneously, either side by side or superimposed on one another. This enables both high resolution spectra and constant percentage bandwidth resolution (eg. 1/12th Octave) measurements to be viewed at the same time. Typical applications include analyzing broadband speech signals while accurately identifying single frequency interference tones, or analyzing intermodulation distortion in the presence of speech or music.

Watch the video demo of Multichannel Spectrum Analyzer

Main SoundCheck Page

Enhanced Loose Particle Detection in SoundCheck

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Enhanced Loose Particle Detection is available in SoundCheck version 21 and later.
A new enhanced Loose Particle detection algorithm for measurement of transient distortion is more accurate and offers improved correlation to subjective listening. The new algorithm builds on the success of Listen’s original 2005 algorithm, the first method developed for detecting random transient production line defects such as rattling parts, loose particles and other foreign material in the voice coil gap. Based on the same time-envelope analysis, it introduces advanced algorithmic techniques to better highlight the loose particle defects while minimizing other artifacts. Advanced filtering methods enable the stimulus to be removed from the response so only the defects can be heard. This makes it easy to set limits in line with subjective tests. In addition to identifying distortion caused by foreign material in the voice coil gap of a speaker, it is also valuable for detecting rattling buttons on smart devices and Bluetooth speakers, and identifying buzz, squeak and rattle in automotive audio applications.

Watch the video demo of Enhanced Loose Particle Detection

Main SoundCheck Page

Virtual Instruments Enhancements in SoundCheck

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Virtual Instruments Enhancements are available in SoundCheck version 22 and later.
The multi-instrument, which includes both an RTA and FFT analyzer, now includes additional display and calculation options. A single multi-instrument can have multiple simultaneous display windows. These are now detached from the control panel, and can be re-sized and re-positioned for unlimited desktop layout flexibility. Multi-instrument windows can now also be used in a sequence step to offer a clear readout of results while the sequence is running. Real time calculation can be implemented on a combination of live and stored (active and static) curves simultaneously which enables clear display of the difference between live results and a reference curve. Finally, a new dB addition option expands its calculation capabilities.

Watch the video demo of Virtual Instruments Enhancements

Main SoundCheck Page

Upgraded Signal Generator and Multimeter in SoundCheck

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An Upgraded Signal Generator and Multimeter are available in SoundCheck version 22 and later.
The signal generator and multimeter offer added support for accelerometers and shakers in applications where haptic, or both acoustic and haptic, measurements need to be made. These include fan noise measurements, vibrating car seats, and MEMS microphone/accelerometer combinations. Acceleration units can now be calibrated in g as well as m/s², and offer the option to integrate acceleration to velocity in the multimeter. The signal generator now allows maximum and minimum output levels and frequencies to be set. This  limits the range of the signal path to help prevent accidental equipment damage. These  levels are retained when the configuration is saved or used in a sequence, but levels  can still be manually adjusted within these ranges. Waveforms can now be played back  at their original recorded level with no gain applied. This is useful for listening tests.

Watch the video demo of Upgraded Signal Generator and Multimeter

Main SoundCheck Page

Metadata Enhancements in SoundCheck

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Metadata Enhancements are available in SoundCheck version 22 and later.
Additional metadata functionality makes this feature even more powerful. New system metadata options include SoundCheck version, sequence version, start and save date and time. Metadata can now be applied either during the run of a sequence or appended at the end, and the metadata may be applied to either a single measurement or a batch of measurements. This allows the addition of specific test condition information to an entire batch of measurements or allows a user to input information regarding the DUT at the end of the test, for example, a subjective opinion on sound quality. Metadata can even be loaded from a file, saving time and eliminating errors. It is easy to identify results by metadata as this can now be searched in the memory list, and the metadata of any selected curve can be displayed simply by selecting it in a display window.

Watch the video demo of Metadata Enhancements

Main SoundCheck Page

Powerful New Post-Processing Tools in SoundCheck

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Powerful New Post-Processing Tools are available in SoundCheck version 22 and later.

New powerful post-processing tools expand SoundCheck’s calculation capabilities and simplify complex applications. These include:

  • Logarithm and Exponent calculation using base 2, 10, or custom values, in addition to the existing base e.
  • Leq (equivalent continuous sound level) versus Time option for use in noise monitoring, communications applications, and many standards.
  •  A new ‘Intersection Modes’ option for greater specificity in the choice of finding intersection points.
  • An option to ignore units in arithmetic and constant post-processing. This facilitates simple mathematical calculations, for example, quickly subtracting a fixed number of dB to correct sound level from the near field to the far field.
  • A ‘Cosine Taper’ custom window in post-processing FFT which allows leading and trailing taper widths to be customized. This is useful for time-windowed measurements.

Watch the video demo of Powerful New Post-Processing Tools

Main SoundCheck Page

New Statistics Module in SoundCheck

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A New Statistics Module is available in SoundCheck version 22 and later.
SoundCheck’s statistics module is completely overhauled to make it more powerful and intuitive. A new layout makes data selection easier, and curves, values, and results can now simply be dragged and dropped from the memory list into the statistics editor. A new ‘Reset Statistics’ step allows statistics to be reset during a sequence. This is useful when applying statistical analysis to data from a sequence loop or a fixed number of measurements, as the statistics data and sample count can be automatically cleared, ready for the next measurement once the desired settings have been reached. Enhanced searching, including meta-data, makes it easy to select groups of curves from the memory list, and it is now even possible to specify a frequency range within which to run statistics.

Watch the video demo of the New Statistics Module

 

Main SoundCheck Page

ABOUT LISTEN INC

Listen is a global leader in audio measurement and analysis, with over 30 years’ experience developing innovative test methods and algorithms. SoundCheck, our powerful software-based audio analyzer, pairs with our test interfaces, precision microphones, and accessories to offer a complete solution for testing loudspeakers, headphones, microphones, smart devices, communication systems, hearing aids, automotive audio, and more. Trusted by engineers worldwide, Listen delivers the accuracy and flexibility essential for modern audio testing, from the R&D lab to the production line.

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