News & Events
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Updated Bluetooth Interface Supports High Definition and Low Latency Bluetooth
The updated BTC-4149 Bluetooth measurement interface now supports the aptX HD and aptX-Low Latency Bluetooth protocols for accurate measurement of high definition and low latency Bluetooth devices, in addition to the standard aptX, CVSD and mSBC codecs previously available. This enables manufacturers of Bluetooth audio devices to accurately test the audio of the latest high performance Bluetooth sink and Bluetooth source devices, making the same measurements as on traditional audio devices. In addition, the device has a new, larger color screen for improved ease of operation.
The BTC-4149 is designed as a R&D interface, testing both sink and source devices with full control over Bluetooth protocol settings, including explicit control over codec choice and transmitter power, as well as various pairing options.
Also available is a lower cost production tool, the BQC-4149. This tests Bluetooth Sink devices only, and offers only the standard aptX, CVSD and mSBC, along with more limited control of Bluetooth parameters. This model has been updated to use the same chipset as the BTC-4149 to ensure accurate production line replication of R&D tests for those customers who use both interfaces.
Both interfaces integrate seamlessly with SoundCheck, so that all parameters can be set and modified from within a test sequence for fully-automated testing of Bluetooth devices. This accelerates testing, particularly on the production line as it avoids the need to manually adjust Bluetooth settings, reducing the possibility of error. It also enables a device to be tested using multiple Bluetooth protocols and settings by taking sequential measurements using different settings in one continuous test.
Creating and Using Custom VIs Tutorial
This training video provides an overview of how to create and use custom VIs. Custom VIs enable you to extend the capability of your SoundCheck system by
- Programming your own highly customized tests which run within Soundcheck,
which is useful if your device requires additional specific tests that fall
outside of the SoundCheck test suite - Enabling SoundCheck to control other hardware devices and use them in test
sequences, for example additional application-specific interfaces.
Note that the method is slightly different in SoundCheck version 16 and later versus version 15, so please view the video that corresponds to your SoundCheck installation.
Creating and using Custom VIs (V 16+)
Creating and using Custom VIs (V 15)
Sequence Loops and Logic Tutorial
This series of 5 training videos explains how to use sequence loops and logic. Sequence loops and logic are extremely powerful features that can significantly reduce the time taken both to program and run tests. The first video walks you through the basics, then the following videos focus on 4 examples: Loop Stimulus Level, Polar Plot Measurements, Jump To Sections and Digital I/O.
Sequence Loops and Logic 1: The Basics
Sequence Loops and Logic 2: Loop Stimulus Level
Sequence Loops and Logic 3: Polar Plot Measurements
Sequence Loops and Logic 4: Jump To Sections
Sequence Loops and Logic 5: Digital I/O
Message Steps Tutorial
These 3 training videos provides guidance on how to use message steps in sequences. Message steps enable dialog between the sequence and either the operator or external devices. These fall into 3 categories, each with a short instructional video.
Part 1 – Operator Message steps
– messages between the sequence and operator, for example to advise the operator to do something, or to request the operator input a value or yes/no input.
Part 2 – External control messages
– messages that enable communication with external hardware such as DIOs and RS232 devices.
Part 3 – Listen Hardware Control messages
– messages that enable control over Listen and Portland Tool & Die hardware.
Analysis Editor Tutorials
These 5 short tutorials guide the user through the various tabs in the SoundCheck analysis editor. Note: The next tutorial will cover the remaining tabs and the available analysis algorithms.
SoundCheck 17 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 17, including the new level and cross-correlation trigger, average curve/waveform post-processing functionality, new color palettes, save to MATLAB option, and more.
Listen Releases SoundCheck 17: New Features for Multichannel and Voice-Controlled Testing
Save to MATLAB
Listen is excited to announce the release of SoundCheck Version 17. This new Windows/Mac release offers many features to simplify multi-channel and voice controlled testing, such as a new level and cross-correlation trigger, average curve/waveform post-processing functionality, the ability to easily read and work with multichannel wavefiles, multiple DC Connect control, and enhanced database options. On the usability side, SoundCheck 17 offers increased flexibility in color palettes, save to MATLAB option, and the ability to recall CSV formatted text files.
Today’s modern audio devices have two important testing requirements: the ability to test a voice activated device with no analog input, and the ability to control and test multiple channels simultaneously, for example, microphone or speaker arrays. SoundCheck 17 contains a host of new features to facilitate this. For voice-activated measurements on devices with no analog input, such as smart speakers, wearables, hearables and smart home devices, the new level & cross-correlation ‘smart trigger’ offers improved performance. By using a chirp-based conditioning tone and searching for the exact log sweep frequency, it is more robust and less susceptible to false triggers than simpler level and frequency triggers.
To save time when testing smart devices where it is necessary to test microphone or speaker arrays, SoundCheck 17 can now directly read multichannel WAV files from the memory list, signal generator and stimulus steps. Also for testing multi-channel arrays, multiple DC Connects can now be controlled, independently configured, and used for data acquisition within SoundCheck. The new Average Curve/WFM post processing function which allows the average curve (or waveform) of a selected group of data in the memory list to be obtained, is particularly useful for power averaging selected curves, averaging curves from different spatial positions (e.g. microphone arrays), and complex averaging of multiple measurements with background noise. Finally, the database module has been enhanced and is now it 4x faster and 3x more space-efficient than previous versions. This is particularly important for testing modern audio products with multiple transducers (microphone arrays, multiple speakers, etc.), as these often generate large volumes of data.
New Level and Cross-Correlation Trigger
Usability enhancements include improved color pallets which offer ultimate flexibility in defining colors for backgrounds, grids, cursors and graph lines. New default color palettes are included, and user-defined palettes can be saved as pre-set files which will be applied to any new display created. Multiple palettes can be saved, for example allowing different color sets for different applications. In addition, SoundCheck can now save any data (including memory list curves and Soundmap (time frequency analysis) data ) to MATLAB for additional processing. Data is saved as a standard MAT file and can be manually or automatically saved in this format.
Additional new features include support for the new APTX HD codec for high resolution Bluetooth testing, a 64 bit Demo / Data Viewer which enables measured data to be recalled and viewed without the need to own a separate license, and the ability to recall CSV files as well as TXT files.
More Information: https://www.listeninc.com/products/soundcheck-software/specs/
SoundCheck 17 Discounted Upgrade Pricing
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 11 or 12, $3,250 for owners of version 13, $2,500 for owners of versions 14 through 15, and $1,395 for owners of version 16. All the modules on your present system will be included.
SoundCheckTM 17’s feature-packed release offers many features to simplify multi-channel and voice controlled testing, as well as many usability upgrades including:
- Improved color pallets for ultimate flexibility in defining colors for backgrounds, grids, cursors and graph lines.
- Save to MATLAB – All data including memory list curves and Soundmap (time frequency analysis) data can now be saved to MATLAB for additional processing. Data is saved as a standard MAT file and can be manually or automatically saved in this format.
- A new Level & Cross-Correlation Trigger (requires optional module 2006 – Time Selective Response) for improved performance for open loop measurements
- An enhanced database (optional module) is now 4x faster and 3x more space-efficient than previous versions, making it an extremely powerful data management tool for customers testing modern audio products with multiple transducers (microphone arrays, multiple speakers, etc.), as these frequently generate large volumes of data.
- SoundCheck can now read multichannel WAV files directly from the memory list, signal generator and stimulus steps, simplifying the testing of multichannel devices such as microphone or speaker arrays
- SoundCheck can now control multiple DC Connects which can be configured independently
- A new Average Curve/WFM post processing function allows you to obtain the average curve (or waveform) of a selected group of data in the Memory List.
- SoundCheck now supports the new APTX HD codec for high resolution Bluetooth testing
- A 64 bit demo / data viewer replaces the 32 bit demo version. When the software key is not installed, previously measured data can still be recalled and viewed.
- CSV formatted files can be recalled in addition to TXT files.
Call your sales engineer today to receive a quote for upgrading all your SoundCheck systems. These discounted rates have been extended until June 7th, 2019 but will not be available after that, so please get your order in soon!
| Upgrade from Version | Upgrade List Price | Promotional Upgrade Price | Discount |
| 11.0 | $9,000 | $3,950 | 56% |
| 12.0 | $7,500 | $3,950 | 47% |
| 13.0 | $6,000 | $3,250 | 46% |
| 14.0 | $4,500 | $2,500 | 44% |
| 15.0 | $3,000 | $2,500 | 16% |
| 16.0 | $1,500 | $1,395 | 7% |
If you are using a version prior to version 11, please contact your sales engineer for discounted price information.
PLEASE NOTE:
- Effective Jan 01, 2018, versions of SoundCheck prior to version 13 will no longer be supported. We highly recommend that you take advantage of this limited time offer to upgrade your systems to version 17. 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 18 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 fax your purchase order to 617-556-4145 or email it to sales@listeninc.com, or 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.
