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

 

Triggered Record Using Chirp Trigger and WAV File (Version 17 and later)

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This test sequence demonstrates SoundCheck’s Triggered Record – Chirp Trigger function for open loop testing of devices without analog inputs such as smart speakers, wearables, smart home devices, tablets and cellphones.  A stimulus WAV file is created in SoundCheck and transferred to the device under test, where it is played back and the response recorded in SoundCheck as if the stimulus were played directly from SoundCheck. The Acquisition step is triggered by the chirp in the stimulus file. Chirp triggers are more robust than level and frequency triggers which are susceptible to false triggering due to background noise.

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TIA-920-B Sequence for Measurement of Narrowband and Wideband Digital Phones

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This sequence tests to TIA 920-B, a comprehensive US dual-bandwidth standard that applies to both narrowband (NB) and wideband (WB) devices. It also allows a choice between Free Field (FF) and Diffuse Field (DF) as the Listener Reference Point (LRP). The current release of this sequence measures digital communications devices with handset features, according to TIA-920.110-B and speakerphones, according to TIA-920.120-B. Support for headset measurements, according to TIA-920.130-B will be added in a future release.

This module is a large structured set of sequences and subsequences which perform all the measurements. Curves and values are shown on the screen, tolerance checks are performed, and data is saved to Excel spreadsheet files. Completely prompted sequences for calibration of all the transducers are included. After a one-time setup with a sound card and other user-specific interfaces, the sequences are automatic. They run by simply selecting, pressing start, and following prompts where user interaction with the device under test is required. The sequence works with approved sound cards for connection to the transducers. Windows audio devices such as USB headsets work directly with SoundCheck®. VoIP softphones also work with SoundCheck, by means of a recommended third-party Windows audio application.

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Korea Headphone Seminar

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Over 150 people attended the Listen, Inc./G.R.A.S. headphone seminar in Seoul on Tuesday March 6th, where Steve Temme, Peter Wulf-Andersen, Dr. Sean Olive and Prof. Lee spoke to a packed room about headphone measurement, perception and design and tuning. It was a great event and exciting to meet so many of Korea’s top audio design engineers. Thank you for coming! And of course a huge thank you to our very special guest speakers, Dr. Olive and Prof. Lee.

Videos of the event (in English and Korean) can be viewed using the links below (videos will open in a new tab).

Peter Wulf-Andersen – G.R.A.S.: https://youtu.be/sTZpShVDaoI

Steve Temme – Listen, Inc.: https://youtu.be/35TtshAENdo

Prof. Lee – New Media Communication Joint Institute of Seoul National University: https://youtu.be/mhLW03PvLmw

Dr. Sean Olive, Harman International: https://youtu.be/B8cNf0Q3tNs

Photo Gallery

Headphone & Headset Measurements – Seoul, Korea – March 6, 2018

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Presented by:

listen_gras_logos2

 

headphones
Due to popular demand, we are now holding our headphone testing seminar in Seoul!

Learn about the latest in headphone test systems and methods from design to EOL Test. Industry experts Steve Temme (Listen, Inc.) and Peter Wulf-Andersen (G.R.A.S.), as well as guest speakers Dr. Sean Olive (Harman International) and Prof. Lee (New Media Communication Joint Institute of Seoul National University) will discuss test equipment (ear couplers, test fixtures, test software and hardware) and demonstrate practical test setups for both R&D and QC headphone testing. It will cover in-ear monitors, Bluetooth, lightning/USB, noise-cancelling and high resolution headphones, in addition to conventional analog headphones. You can even measure your own headphone using our equipment in the hands-on session. Please see the full agenda below.

There is no charge for this one-day seminar. Space is limited, so please RSVP today.

Location and Dates:

Seoul: Tuesday March 6th, 2018. Korea National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul.

 

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See what people are saying about this event (we presented similar last year in the US)

Agenda (9am-4pm)

  • Introduction
  • Overview of Headphone Test Systems and tools
    • Traditional tools vs. modern consumer demands
      • Introduction to head and ear related terminology and definitions.
      • Historical perspective and background for the tools and standards used today.
      • Limitations vs. Possibilities in term of the measurement capabilities. How does that relate to the modern challenges with Bluetooth and ANC related testing tasks?
    • Tools for Next Generation Headphone Testing
      • Solutions to some the challenges addressed above.
      • Examples based on products and measurements.
    • What about frequencies above 20kHz? Science or marketing? Measurement Consistency – Development vs. Production
      • Progress in measurements from Head and Torso Simulator (KEMAR) to Production Test Fixture (45CC – flat plate). How the different components affect the measurements:
    • Software and hardware for headphone testing including typical headphone measurements and test setups
  • Practical examples of headphone measurements on.
    • Analog Headphones
    • Bluetooth Headsets
    • ANC Headphones
    • Lightning/USB Connected Headphones (using triggered recordings)
    • Hi-Res Headphones
    • In-ear monitors
  • Measurements including:
    • Frequency Response relative to a target response
    • Left/Right tracking
    • Impedance
    • Noise attenuation
    • Distortion including Non-Coherent Distortion
    • Standards including Max SPL EN-50332 & IEC-60268-7
  • Design & sound tuning of earphones  (Guest Speaker Prof. Lee, New Media Communication Joint Institute of Seoul National University)
  • Headphone Design: Perception and Measurement of Headphones – What is the Preferred Target Response? (Guest Speaker: Dr. Sean Olive, Harman International)
  • Hands-on testing: Bring your own device and test it using one of our measurement setups

Reserve your space

Headphone & Headset Measurements – Chicago and Boston Dates

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Presented by:

listen_gras_logos2

headphones

 

 

 

Due to popular demand, we are now holding our headphone testing seminar in Chicago and Boston!

Learn about the latest in headphone test systems and methods from design to EOL Test. Industry experts Steve Temme (Listen, Inc.) and Peter Wulf-Andersen (G.R.A.S.), as well as guest speaker Dr. Sean Olive (Harman International) will discuss test equipment (ear couplers, test fixtures, test software and hardware) and demonstrate practical test setups for both R&D and QC headphone testing. It will cover in-ear monitors, Bluetooth, lightning/USB, noise-cancelling and high resolution headphones, in addition to conventional analog headphones. You can even measure your own headphone using our equipment in the hands-on session. Please see the full agenda below.

There is no charge for this one-day seminar and lunch will be provided. Space is limited, so please RSVP today.

Locations and Dates:

Chicago: Friday October 13th, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago Wood Dale-Elk Grove, 1200 N Mittel Blvd, Wood Dale, IL 60191

Boston: Monday October 16th, Hilton Garden Inn, 450 Totten Pond Rd, Waltham, MA 02451 NOTE: THIS VENUE HAS CHANGED. DUE TO HIGH DEMAND FOR THIS SEMINAR WE HAVE HAD TO MOVE IT TO A LARGER VENUE. Note that this is 2 days before the start of the AES show in New York – a short flight or 3.5 hour train ride away. Consider combining this informative seminar with your AES travel!

Print

 

 

See what people are saying about this event (we presented similar earlier in the year on the West Coast)

Agenda (9am-4pm)

  • Introduction
  • Overview of Headphone Test Systems and tools
    • Traditional tools vs. modern consumer demands
      • Introduction to head and ear related terminology and definitions.
      • Historical perspective and background for the tools and standards used today.
      • Limitations vs. Possibilities in term of the measurement capabilities. How does that relate to the modern challenges with Bluetooth and ANC related testing tasks?
    • Tools for Next Generation Headphone Testing
      • Solutions to some the challenges addressed above.
      • Examples based on products and measurements.
    • What about frequencies above 20kHz? Science or marketing? Measurement Consistency – Development vs. Production
      • Progress in measurements from Head and Torso Simulator (KEMAR) to Production Test Fixture (45CC – flat plate). How the different components affect the measurements:
    • Software and hardware for headphone testing including typical headphone measurements and test setups
  • Practical examples of headphone measurements on.
    • Analog Headphones
    • Bluetooth Headsets
    • ANC Headphones
    • Lightning/USB Connected Headphones (using triggered recordings)
    • Hi-Res Headphones
    • In-ear monitors
  • Measurements including:
    • Frequency Response relative to a target response
    • Left/Right tracking
    • Impedance
    • Noise attenuation
    • Distortion including Non-Coherent Distortion
    • Standards including Max SPL EN-50332 & IEC-60268-7
  • Headphone Design: Perception and Measurement of Headphones –  What is the Preferred Target Response? (Guest Speaker: Dr. Sean Olive, Harman International)
  • Hands-on testing: Bring your own device and test it using one of our measurement setups

Reserve your space

Lightning Headphone Test (Open Loop Test)

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open_loop_headphone_screenshotThis sequence tests a stereo headphone connected to a portable audio device such as a mobile phone or MP3 player. It is particularly useful for testing headphones with proprietary connectors such as the Lightning connector which otherwise can’t be tested in a conventional “closed loop” test configuration.

The test stimulus is created in SoundCheck, saved as a WAV file and loaded on to the portable device for playback. Both left and right earphones are measured simultaneously using a continuous log sweep from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The sequence uses a short 1 kHz tone, pre-pended to the normal test stimulus to automatically trigger the test when playback of the test signal begins; it also serves as reference tone for any frequency shift calculations. Post-processing precisely synchronizes the stimulus and response waveforms, and then calculation of the measurement parameters proceeds as with any conventional headphone. In this case, analysis is performed using the Time Selective Response (TSR) algorithm which performs THD and fundamental frequency response analysis simultaneously in addition to producing an impulse response. The fundamentals are then post processed to derive the sensitivity of the left and right channels at 1 kHz.

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Listen Awarded Patent for SC Amp Amplifier

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patentListen’s revolutionary audio test amplifier, SC Amp, has been awarded US Patent # 9,386,387. This patent covers Listen’s unique high accuracy single channel impedance measurement method, which used a unique feedback circuit to offer dual channel accuracy using just a single channel. This enables full electrical and audio tests to be carried out simultaneously and with high accuracy using just 2 channels.

Specifically designed for the audio test market, SC Amp also incorporates several other features unique to the needs of audio test and measurement, such as low distortion (THD <0.025%) and a low noise floor (>100dB). Fixed gain eliminates calibration errors as there is no gain knob to be accidentally knocked or tweaked when it is in use. It supports the application of a DC voltage offset to the AC signal for testing transducers under adverse conditions, and features overload/output protection to prevent damage in case of shorting or overload.

Many unnecessary features found in regular audio amplifiers have been eliminated to keep production line operation simple and error-proof. Although it is designed to integrate seamlessly with Listen’s SoundCheck audio test and measurement software, it will also work well with other brands of test system.

Listen president, Steve Temme commented, ‘We are thrilled that the innovative design of this product has been recognized with this patent, and we are confident that this method will be quickly recognized by the marketplace.’

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New Manufacturing Team

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evan_and_nickListen has expanded its manufacturing team with the addition of Evan Driscoll (left in picture) as Production Supervisor.  Evan graduated from Wentworth Institute of Technology in 2015 with a B.S. In Electronics Engineering Technology, where he also received the President’s award. Evan is very familiar with manufacturing at Listen, having held several internships and temporary positions at Listen over the past 3 years.

Evan replaces Nick Alston (right in picture), who has been promoted to the position of Manufacturing Supervisor after 2 years in the Production Supervisor role. Together, Nick and Evan manage all of our manufacturing and hardware assembly, test, and QC, ensuring that products are build and delivered on-time to high manufacturing standards.

A visit to Reviewed.com

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Headphone Test using SoundCheckAbout Reviewed.com

Reviewed.com, part of the USA Today network, carries out quantitative reviews on a wide range of products including appliances, headphones, cameras, televisions and more. Since the beginning, their reviews have been built on the principle of using standardized scientific testing procedures to examine the performance of products, and a proprietary scoring method to ensure a level playing field amongst all manufacturers. Recently, I met with senior scientist Julia MacDougall, and received a tour of the facility and some insight into their headphone test methods, as well as a demonstration of their recently upgraded SoundCheck system.

The large brick building in Central Square, Cambridge, is in a part of town renowned for its young start up culture and unconventional work environments, so it’s no surprise to see a ping pong table next to the large, glass-walled conference room. However, once you get beyond the main lobby it is a labyrinth of test labs, each designed for testing a specific product. A room dedicated to camera testing features various test pictures on the walls, as well as 3d models with many moving and rotating parts to evaluate the camera’s capture of movement. Another lab was filled with massive flat screen televisions that were being tested for display performance, color measurement, luminance, contrast and more. Perhaps the most impressive was the appliance lab, where staff get to do their laundry while they work (in the interests of testing the washers), as well as working their way through many loads of white towels and stain strips that are marked with red wine, chocolate, sweat and more to scientifically evaluate the performance of the washing machines. Dishwashers, dryers, microwaves and ovens are also tested here, and a dedicated temperature and humidity controlled room contains many refrigerators filled with ‘dummy food’, the temperature of which is continuously monitored. The floor above the test labs is where their testers retreat to write up product reviews for their website, away from the whirr of tumble driers, swishing of dishwashers and stepped sine waves from the audio test lab.

 

The Audio Test Lab

The area that interested me the most was the smallest test area – the audio lab. Headphones are small and the test equipment is also compact, so a large room is unnecessary. Reviewed.com has been using Listen’s SoundCheck software since they first started looking for an objective way to test audio products back in 2007. Back then SoundCheck was being used for measuring mobile phones – smartphones were in their infancy, the next ‘hot product’, and Reviewed.com was the first review website to measure sound quality of a wide range of phones.

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