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SoundCheck Online Advanced Training, November 2022
/in Upcoming Training Events /by ZarinaRegistration is now open for our Online SoundCheck Advanced Training class from November 15th-17th. Advanced training is designed for users familiar with the content of the basic class who need to make more complex measurements and want to take their SoundCheck use to the next level.
The course consists of 3 x 2-hour sessions (one per day for 3 consecutive days), and will cover three separate advanced training topics. Each session is led by a live trainer and will include instruction, demos and discussion.
Sign up early to secure your spot! Registration closes on November 7th, and a 5% early booking discount will apply to all registrations received by Sept 16th.
Dates: November 15th, 16th, 17th.
Time: 3 x 2hr sessions from 11.00am-1.00pm Eastern US Time (8.00am-10.00am Western US Time)
Cost: $175 ($115 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 March 18th.
Instructors: Steve Temme and Mark Latshaw
Course Outline
November 15th: Advanced Sequence Development
This session continues where basic sequence development left off, covering topics such as advanced stimulus and analysis options, conditional branching and looping, advanced post-processing algorithms and more.
November 16th: Advanced Measurement Techniques
This session will cover two popular and rapidly growing measurement techniques, open loop testing and simulated free field measurement. Open loop testing (including Bluetooth) will discuss in detail the considerations when making open loop measurements, and examine in detail the advanced triggering options available in SoundCheck. The Splice method of obtaining simulated free field measurements was developed by Steve Temme almost 20 years ago and is currently surging in popularity due to its ability to offer reliable measurements in an office or home environment.
November 17th: Advanced Distortion Measurements
Steve Temme takes a deeper dive into the mechanics of distortion and the various distortion measurement techniques available in SoundCheck. Part educational, part SoundCheck instruction, he covers causes and analysis of THD, higher order harmonic distortion, loose particle detection and perceptual distortion methods.
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: 5% until Sept 15.
We are also running Basic Training Oct 4-13th. Learn more.
SoundCheck 20 New Features Video
/in Product News /by ZarinaIn this short video, Devin Vaillancourt gives a brief overview of SoundCheck 20 new features including the new enhanced Perceptual Rub & Buzz, features for multichannel testing including the new multichannel RTA, new features for communications testing, POLQA analysis, signal generator upgrades and more.
Huge Discounts on SoundCheck 20 Upgrades
/in Product News /by Devin VaillancourtFor a limited time we are offering deep discounts on a system upgrade to enable you to get up to date with the latest version of SoundCheck. The upgrade offer is a simple flat rate: $3,950 for owners of SoundCheck 14 or 15, $3,250 for owners of version 16, $2,500 for owners of versions 17 and 18, and $1,395 for owners of version 19. All the modules on your present system will be included. Promotional pricing valid till June 30th, 2022.
When you upgrade to the latest version of SoundCheck, the license is perpetual – in other words, you keep all the new features you have acquired for ever (or until you decide to upgrade to an even newer version). Please ask us if you have any questions about upgrade licensing!
SoundCheck® 20 offers new features for multi-channel and room acoustics, as well as many usability upgrades including:
- Enhanced Perceptual Rub & Buzz: Our new Perceptual Rub & Buzz algorithm is a reliable and repeatable method of detecting audible Rub & Buzz faults on the production line, increasing yield by rejecting only devices with audible distortion defects.
- New Multichannel RTA functionality: The multichannel Real Time Analyzer now displays multiple channels simultaneously, and offers real time calculation and display of channel addition, subtraction, maximum, minimum and power average.
- Updated Signal Generator: A complete overhaul of the signal generator brings additional functionality and simplified operation, particularly when using wav files.
- POLQA: The optional POLQA (Perceptual Objective Listening Quality Analysis) module brings POLQA analysis right into SoundCheck, for perceptual measurements of speech degradation in communications applications ranging from telephones to smart devices.
- Batch Processing of external files: External data files can now be batch-loaded and processed. This enables testing of a large number of external data files to be automated via a sequence, for example wav files of speech recordings.
- New Features for Communications Testing: New stimulus steps and post-processing capabilities such as a silence stimulus step, and RMS level versus time and histogram post-processing steps support communications testing needs, for example, measurement of Doubletalk and other speech transmission parameters.
- Stimulus editor upgrade: The stimulus editor can now create a stimulus from any waveform in the memory list and equalize and adjust its level, for example using active speech level. This enables such adjustments to be made to externally acquired test signals, such as those imported into SoundCheck via TCP/IP or recall steps.
- Saving Multichannel Wav files: It is now possible to export multiple SoundCheck recorded waveforms to a single multichannel wav file.
Upgrade from Version | Upgrade List Price | Promotional Upgrade Price | Discount |
14 | $9,000 | $3,950 | 56% |
15 | $7,500 | $3,950 | 47% |
16 | $6,000 | $3,250 | 46% |
17 | $4,500 | $2,500 | 44% |
18 | $3,000 | $2,500 | 16% |
19 | $1,500 | $1,395 | 7% |
If you are using a version prior to version 14, please contact your sales engineer for discounted price information.
PLEASE NOTE:
- Versions of SoundCheck prior to 15 are no longer supported. We highly recommend that you take advantage of this limited time offer to upgrade your systems to the latest version. Please contact your sales engineer to discuss additional multi-system upgrade discounts.
- If you have multiple systems with different purchase dates, we are happy to work with you to get them all upgraded to the latest version and onto the same annual support contract cycle.
- You can also reduce your future upgrade costs by purchasing an annual support contract for an additional $950. With this, you will receive SoundCheck 21 when it is released at no extra charge, as well as priority support service.
Please note that these prices are applicable to the US only. Users outside the US should contact Listen or their local representative for pricing information.
Please email your purchase order to sales@listeninc.com. You can also contact us on this email address if you would like to pay by credit card, have any questions, or need additional paperwork to support your order.
Please also see the detailed information on new features.
SoundCheck 20 Released: ePRB, Features for communications testing, POLQA, Multichannel enhancements and more
/in Product News /by ZarinaSoundCheck 20, Listen’s flagship audio analysis software, introduces a new state-of-the-art perceptual distortion algorithm for end-of-line testing – Enhanced Perceptual Rub & Buzz. It also includes a host of new features for multichannel and communications testing, increasing its capabilities for audio measurement of smart speakers, infotainment systems, headphones and hearables, and other voice-activated and multichannel devices.
The new enhanced Rub & Buzz algorithm is a reliable and repeatable perceptual method for detecting audible Rub & Buzz faults on the production line. This offers manufactures the option to increase yield by rejecting only those devices with audible distortion defects. Based on the sound psychoacoustic principles used in Listen’s industry-standard 2011 perceptual algorithm, new research offers refinements that improve listener correlation and new, patent-pending, noise reduction technology offers unrivaled repeatability and reliability for end-of-line use. In fact,this algorithm performs like a human ear under normal listening conditions with the background noise of a manufacturing environment! SoundCheck measures perceptual Rub & Buzz using the same stepped sine wave, simultaneously with other end-of-line measurements, enabling this valuable analysis to be added to production line tests with no extension in test time.
Two of SoundCheck’s virtual instruments, the multichannel RTA and the Signal Generator, have been significantly upgraded. The multichannel Real Time Analyzer now includes expanded functionality for real time observation of audio signals. It displays multiple channels simultaneously, and offers real time calculation and display of channel, subtraction, maximum, minimum and power average. Applications for this new feature include real-time observation of active noise cancellation, automotive industry standard 6-microphone array infotainment measurements, validating headphone seal on a test head prior to measurement by comparing left and right earphone response, and more. RTA curves are now seamlessly integrated with SoundCheck’s standard graphs and can be dragged and dropped into any graph for easy comparison to limits and reference curves. This is useful for quick comparisons to reference standards or golden units, tuning automotive infotainment systems, and more.
An overhauled signal generator brings additional functionality and simplified operation, particularly when using wav files. In addition to standard audio stimuli (sine, white noise, pink noise, etc.) with user-selected sampling rates and resolution, it can play any wav file, any memory list file, and any complex waveform created by the stimulus editor. The level can be referenced to Peak, dB or RMS. The signal can be equalized in real time, and custom EQ curves applied, which is useful when using a non-flat source such as a mouth simulator. A specific portion of a waveform can be selected to play, either by selecting a start and stop time in seconds, or by examining the waveform, and signals can play for a fixed duration, a fixed number of times, or in a continuous loop. Outputs from 2 or more signal generators can be mixed on the same channel, and waveforms from multiple signal generators can be synchronized, or delayed for phase control during playback.
The optional POLQA (Perceptual Objective Listening Quality Analysis) module brings Opticom’s POLQA 3 algorithm, implementing the ITU-T P.863 standard, right into SoundCheck, where it can be used for perceptual measurements of speech degradation in communications applications ranging from telephones to smart devices. Used just like any other analysis step in a sequence, this is a fast and cost-effective alternative to a panel of human listeners. In addition to speech degradation measurements, it may also be used to assess the impact of noise reduction algorithms, evaluate bluetooth degradation due to packet loss, or to analyze distortions introduced into the audio path.
Several new features expand the software’s post-processing capabilities for testing communications devices. These include batch processing of external files, a silence stimulus step, and RMS level versus time and histogram post-processing steps. A pre-written test sequence for categorizing Doubletalk performance to two international standards, ITU-T P.502 and ETSI TS 126 132 (part #3114), from communications expert John Bareham, is also available. Other enhancements include a stimulus editor upgrade, the ability to export multiple SoundCheck recorded waveforms to a single multichannel wav file and a hardware reset option for quickly changing audio interfaces or restoring hardware to a known configuration.
Log4j Vulnerability Statement
/in Product News /by ZarinaSoundCheck software is not affected by any lapses in security caused by Log4j or other Apache logging frameworks.
Current and previous versions of SoundCheck do not use the Java logging package Log4j, therefore do not pose any security risk. This applies to all versions of SoundCheck, SoundCheck One, NoiseCheck, and SoundCheck demo versions.
2021 End of Year Promos
/in Product News, Uncategorized /by ZarinaWe have some amazing discounts to celebrate the end of 2021 and help you get more for your money.
Each of these will be launched on the scheduled dates; we are happy to provide quotes for these items ahead of the scheduled date, to enable efficient order processing. All offers expire at 5pm on December 31st. Please contact your sales engineer or email sales@listeninc.com with any questions.
Date | Offer |
Nov 29th | 26% off version upgrades (support contract purchase required) |
Dec 6th | 26% off all additional modules |
Dec 13th | Free software upgrade from 2 to 8 channels when you buy an AmpConnect 621 ($1500 value) |
Dec 20th | 26% off package upgrades (basic to advanced; advanced to complete etc) |
Dec 27th | 26% off new Stereo Soundfield Parameters sequence |
Note: offers cannot be combined with other discounts (e.g. quantity discounts).
AmpConnect 621 Demo Video
/in Product News /by ZarinaIn this short video, sales engineer Les Quindipan gives a brief overview and demonstration of the new AmpConnect 621 multichannel, high-resolution audio interface.
New AmpConnect 621 Multichannel, Multifunction Audio Interface
/in Product News /by ZarinaThe new AmpConnect 621 is Listen’s next generation multichannel, multifunction, high resolution audio test interface. It is ideal for any application where more than 2 channels are needed, for example, automotive audio, voice-activated device measurements, sound power measurements and measuring devices with multiple speakers such as soundbars and smartphones. With a sample rate of up to 192kHz, it is also a great choice for measuring high resolution devices such as headphones and hearables. Additionally, it includes all the functionality required for audio testing in just one unit, including an amplifier, microphone power supply, line outputs and digital I/O.
AmpConnect 621 features 6 inputs, 2 line outputs and one amplifier output. All inputs offer microphone power (SCM, IEPE and pre-polarized), to accommodate many types of couplers, accelerometers and reference microphones – even the new Brüel and Kjær 5128 high resolution head and torso simulator. Full TEDS support for microphones and accelerometers simplifies setup and calibration by importing the data at the click of a button. The 2 line level outputs plus a separate 50W amplifier route the output signal to any sources, powered or needing amplification, (e.g. artificial mouth, speakers, headphones, automotive head units). Impedance measurements using the amplifier output, along with output voltage monitoring, are performed entirely internally and do not require using any of the 6 external input channels, leaving them open for other measurements. This, along with digital I/O, simplifies operation as signals are all routed internally with no additional cabling required. The device connects to the computer with a single USB cable; the only additional cables required are those connecting your microphones and DUTs. This all-in-one approach offers excellent ground loop immunity in comparison to discrete components.
The interface has no control knobs on the front; control is entirely through the SoundCheck software interface. This minimizes errors by making it impossible for settings to be accidentally changed. For example, in a production environment, the only way the operator can adjust the settings is by modifying the test sequence, and access to this can be restricted via operator access rights. This helps OEMs ensure test integrity when requiring contract manufacturers or offshore manufacturing facilities to run their test sequences. This is also advantageous for protecting against accidental changes in a laboratory, particularly when multiple people are accessing the same piece of equipment. The front panel features visual indicators for power, input and output level, amplifier channel and level so that overloads, etc. can be clearly identified.
Test deployment is fast with full plug and play functionality. Channel configuration is fully automatic when the AmpConnect 621 is connected to the SoundCheck computer – the user just needs to adjust driver selection and sampling rate if different from the default values. Calibration data is read from TEDS microphones in SoundCheck’s calibration editor, or easily imported from a calibration file. When setting up multiple systems, the AmpConnect only needs to be configured once, and the setup can be duplicated to other test stations; there is no need to re-configure AmpConnect 621 each time.
AmpConnect 621 offers the option to use WASAPI-exclusive mode with Windows 10 audio devices in addition to the more commonly used ASIO drivers. This advanced communication protocol allows SoundCheck to bypass the Windows audio mixer, sending audio streams directly to the device. This results in lower latency and ensures that there is no sample rate conversion behind the scenes. It also enables SoundCheck to put an exclusive lock on the audio interface so that a measurement cannot be disrupted by system sounds which is valuable in highly automated settings. Multiple WASAPI devices can be used simultaneously, and WASAPI and ASIO devices can be combined to increase channel availability.
Like Listen’s other hardware products, AmpConnect 621 is built to last in production environments. The 17” wide x 2-Units (3.5”) high x 11.5” deep rack-mountable unit is rugged with a new fingerprint-resistant matte finish.