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New AmpConnect 621 Multichannel, Multifunction Audio Interface
AmpConnect 621
The 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.
SoundCheck 19 New Features Video
In this short video, sales engineer Les Quindipan gives a brief overview and demonstration of the new features and functionality of SoundCheck 19, including the multichannel RTA, RT60 Room Acoustics module, AmpConnect 621 control, and more.
Huge Discounts on SoundCheck 19 Upgrades
For 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 13 or 14, $3,250 for owners of version 15, $2,500 for owners of versions 16 through 17, and $1,395 for owners of version 18. All the modules on your present system will be included.
SoundCheck® 19 offers new features for multi-channel and room acoustics, as well as many usability upgrades including:
- Multichannel RTA: The single-channel RTA is replaced with a new multi-channel version, which enables viewing of multiple signal paths simultaneously for a convenient view of many measurements across a wide range of applications. Spectrum settings are configured independently for each channel for complete measurement flexibility.
- Room Acoustics RT60 (optional module): This module offers extremely fast and accurate measurement of the reverberation time and clarity of any room or space with calibrated signal paths.
- WASAPI-Exclusive Mode: SoundCheck can now operate in WASAPI-exclusive mode. This delivers lower latency, ensures that sample rate conversion from the built-in Windows audio engine will not occur, and enables SoundCheck to ‘lock’ the audio interface to avoid measurement disruption by system sounds.
- AmpConnect 621 Control: SoundCheck 19 supports AmpConnect 621, Listen’s new high resolution multichannel audio interface. 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.
- Diagnostic Window: Warning dialog windows can now be suppressed when running a sequence, instead logging the errors, warnings, and information in a separate diagnostic window. This avoids sequence interruption by dialog windows in unattended or highly automated situations.
- USB Controller Knob Compatibility: SoundCheck communicates with the Drok USB Controller Knob to simulate the feel of a manual analog signal generator. Used in conjunction with other virtual instruments such as the RTA, spectrum analyzer and distortion meter, this offers a rapid way to identify defects by observing the response while manually fine-tuning the signal generator.
Call your sales engineer today to receive a quote for upgrading all your SoundCheck systems. These discounted rates are only available until May 31, 2021, so please get your order in soon!
| Upgrade from Version | Upgrade List Price | Promotional Upgrade Price | Discount |
| 13.0 | $9,000 | $3,950 | 56% |
| 14.0 | $7,500 | $3,950 | 47% |
| 15.0 | $6,000 | $3,250 | 46% |
| 16.0 | $4,500 | $2,500 | 44% |
| 17.0 | $3,000 | $2,500 | 16% |
| 18.0 | $1,500 | $1,395 | 7% |
If you are using a version prior to version 13, please contact your sales engineer for discounted price information.
PLEASE NOTE:
- Versions of SoundCheck prior to 14 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 20 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® 19 Released: New Features for Multichannel Measurements
SoundCheck® 19, the new release of Listen, Inc.’s flagship audio test and measurement system, offers additional functionality for multichannel measurements, including a new Multi-channel RTA, WASAPI-exclusive mode, and AmpConnect 621 control. Additionally, the inclusion of room acoustics measurements offers increased capability for those looking to evaluate devices in real-world situations. Many of these features also add value on the production line, minimizing setup time, reducing the chance of user-error, and ensuring smoother operation in automated situations.
In this release, the original ANSI S1.11-2004 Class 0 standard compliant, single-channel RTA has been enhanced to show multiple channels simultaneously. Settings for these can be configured independently, e.g. adding different weighting curves, and the power-averaged response displayed. This presents a convenient view of many measurements across a wide range of applications including overlaying left and right earphone responses to check for fit and seal, microphone array captures (e.g. in-vehicle cabin measurements), real time adjustment of active noise cancellation filter, and more. For maximum flexibility, spectrum settings are set independently for each channel, and all multi-channel RTA functionality can also be used within a test sequence for automation.
The optional RT60 Room Acoustics module enables measurement of the reverberation time and clarity of any room or space with fully calibrated signal paths. This is useful for quantifying how speakers will interact with the acoustics of a particular type of room. It can also help identify problems with room acoustics so that the floor, ceiling and walls can be treated accordingly. SoundCheck uses a continuous sine sweep with the Log TSR algorithm to obtain the impulse response. The reverberation decay curve is calculated from the backwards integrated impulse response. This method, conforming to ISO 3382-1:2009, offers extremely fast measurements, requires just one measurement at each location, and minimizes the effect of noise and distortion on the measurement.
Another enhancement is the option to use WASAPI-exclusive mode with Windows 10 audio devices. This advanced interface offers superior communication with audio devices, allowing SoundCheck to bypass the Windows audio engine, and send audio streams directly to the device. This delivers lower latency and ensures that sample rate conversion from the built-in Windows audio engine will not occur. It also enables SoundCheck to put an exclusive lock on the audio interface so that a measurement cannot be disrupted by system sounds. The ability to use multiple WASAPI devices simultaneously offers significant advantages for multichannel applications, particularly where the channel count requires multiple audio interfaces. WASAPI and ASIO devices can be combined to increase channel availability.
SoundCheck 19 supports AmpConnect 621, Listen’s new high resolution (up to 192kHz) multichannel audio interface. AmpConnect 621 has no front panel controls; it is exclusively configured via the SoundCheck 19 software. 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. The absence of front panel knobs also provides an added level of test integrity by ensuring that settings cannot be inadvertently adjusted outside of your test configuration. SoundCheck 19 with AmpConnect 621 is a simple and cost-effective solution for automotive measurements with a 6-microphone array, sound power measurements, or for measuring devices with multiple speakers such as smartphones or sound bars.
Also new is a diagnostic window which enables suppression of warning dialog windows when running a sequence, logging any errors, warnings, and information in a separate file. This is useful when Soundcheck is run in unattended or in highly automated situations (for example, on a production line) where dialog windows would interrupt the execution of a sequence. It also facilitates troubleshooting as the log is easily shared via email. SoundCheck also now allows the Drok USB Controller Knob to be used to adjust the SoundCheck Signal Generator, simulating the feel and control of operation of a traditional manual analog signal generator. Used with other virtual instruments such as the RTA, spectrum analyzer and distortion meter, this offers a rapid way to identify defects by observing the response while manually fine-tuning the signal generator.
More information (video, PDF, graphics, etc.): https://www.listeninc.com/products/soundcheck-overview/new-soundcheck-release-version-19/
Listen Expands Engineering Leadership Team
Teo Bal
Listen has strengthened its product development team with the addition of two new senior managers with a vast range of industry experience. Engineering Director, Teo Bal, and Product Manager Ed Srenger will collaborate closely to drive innovation and strategic direction throughout the product design and development process.
Engineering Director, Teo Bal, brings a wealth of experience in engineering practices, project management and innovation leadership to the team. He is a veteran of the automotive audio industry, having held senior engineering roles at industry leaders including Bose, Harman, Dura, and Marelli. He has a Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering from Tri-State University and is a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Teo has taken on the direct leadership of Listen’s engineering and product development team, managing every software release and hardware product from conception to manufacturing. Outside of work, Teo enjoys soccer and skiing, and loves to benchmark the latest and greatest technology products – particularly audio and entertainment technology and VR.
Ed Srenger
Product Manager, Ed Srenger, brings significant expertise in voice-enabled solutions, hands-free systems, and infotainment systems, gained through software engineering leadership roles at Amazon, Nuance, Continental and Motorola. He holds a masters degree in speech and signal processing, as well as an MBA. At Listen, Ed will work closely with our customers as well as our internal engineering team to drive product and algorithm development and ensure that Listen’s audio testing innovations are synergistic with customer needs. Outside of work, Ed enjoys the great outdoors, particularly hiking, skiing, biking and traveling. Ed will be meeting many customers over the coming months to truly understand their needs.
SoundCheck 18.1 Released
SoundCheck 18.1 is now available. This update to version 18 includes a couple of new features and several bug-fixes. It introduces control for the upcoming AmpConnect 621 interface, an all-in-one multichannel interface (6-in, 2-out) that is exclusively controlled via the software for seamless integration with test sequences and virtual instruments. It also includes the new Auto Delay+ algorithm for increased accuracy of open loop measurements, especially in cases where the delay is longer than 1 second. It is particularly useful for measuring smart devices such as smart speakers, automotive audio, hearables, etc., where test signals are sent via the cloud. In addition, there are several bug fixes. Version 18.1 is available free of charge to all owners of version 18. If you have not received a download link from your sales engineer, please contact us.
Listen Celebrates 25 Years
2020 is Listen’s 25th anniversary! When Listen sold its first product in 1995, it was the first soundcard-based audio measurement system, and its competition was often human listeners. Now, with an installed base of well over 10,000 systems and the industry-wide adoption of both soundcard-based architecture and highly automated sequence-based measurement, Listen is still leading the way with new algorithms and product development to meet the changing needs of the marketplace. In this article, reprinted from Loudspeaker Industry Sourcebook, Listen founder and president, Steve Temme, shares his story.
New Software Engineers
Listen has expanded its software team with the hiring of 2 new engineers Josh Thibeault (left) and Dan Donato (right).
Josh graduated from Tufts University in 2019 with a Bachelors Degree In Mechanical Engineering. While at Tufts, he played varsity football and was part of the Tufts Electric Race Team. Outside of work, Josh enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, and listening to music.
Dan holds degrees in Computer Science and Economics from University at Buffalo. Prior to joining Listen, he has worked as a firefighter and testing video games. In his spare time he develops virtual reality games, plays roller derby, and plays the trumpet.
