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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.
Denmark SoundCheck Training May 2019
We are excited to announce our first major SoundCheck training event in Denmark in Copenhagen on May 1-3, 2019.
Basic 2 day SoundCheck training
Wednesday May 1st & Thurs May 2nd, 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.
Course Outline
Register
Advanced SoundCheck training
Friday May 3rd, 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.
Course Outline
Register
Scroll down for full class outlines.
Location: Clarion Hotel Copenhagen Airport, Ellehammersvei 20, 2770, Kastrup, DENMARK
Costs:
Each day is the same cost and you can combine any number of days, with a discount for each additional day that you take Although please note that the basic training is intended as a 2-day course). In addition, support contract holders and multiple attendees from the same company receive additional discounts
1 Day: $495 / 3250DKK ($350 / 2300DKK with valid SoundCheck support contract)
2 Days: $950 / 6235DKK ($665 / 4365DKK with valid SoundCheck support contract)
3 Days: $1350/ 8850DKK ($950 / 6235DKK with valid SoundCheck support contract)
Multi-person discount:
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.
Wednesday May 1st & Thursday May 2nd.
Instructors: Mark Latshaw (Listen, Inc.), Steve Temme (Listen, Inc.), Introduction from Michael Trolle (Vibrakustik)
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.
Friday, May 3rd
Instructor Steve Temme
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
AISE, Orlando, FL, Jun 9-10, 2019
This years AISE (ALMA International Symposium & Expo) will be held on June 9-10 in Orlando, FL. Listen will be showcasing its suite of audio measurement equipment for measuring smart speakers, wearables, smart home audio, hearables and automotive audio, as well as conventional transducers such as loudspeakers, headphones and microphones.
In addition to exhibiting, Steve Temme will present a half-day seminar on smart speaker testing. This informative and educational seminar will discuss the challenges of testing smart devices such as smart speakers, smart home devices, wearables and more, and demonstrate various methods of testing such devices. Steve Temme will also present a paper on testing smart hearable devices, and Les Quindipan will demonstrate automotive audio testing using the Mentor A2B interface with SoundCheck.
Listen offers ETSI Standard background noise generation system
Listen offers ETSI Standard background noise generation system
Listen, Inc. has launched the ETSI standard background noise generation module, a SoundCheck test sequence which calibrates a 4.1 speaker array to conform with the ETSI ES 202 396-1 Standard. This provides an equalized, calibrated playback solution to stress devices in a standardized and repeatable way. The sequence includes a library of real-world binaural recordings from the ETSI standard: cafeteria, pub, crossroad, vehicle, single voice distractor, and office noises. Custom or user-defined binaural recordings can also be used. With a purchase price of just $5,000 for the test sequence, this offers an extremely economical alternative to a conventional $20,000+ stand-alone background noise generation system.
Furthermore, it offers the advantage that the ETSI standard library is fully integrated with, and managed by, the SoundCheck test system. This means that the calibrated background noise levels can be fully controlled and adjusted as part of a pre-programmed test sequence, significantly reducing test development time as well as simplifying the physical setup.
This has many applications, for example evaluating ANC, noise suppression, SNR optimization of microphone arrays, beamforming directionality studies, and more. It is particularly useful for voice recognition testing as the test sequence may include loops to incrementally increase the volume or change the noise and repeat the test until the voice is no longer accurately recognized.
Seminars in China: Smart Speakers and Automotive Audio
The Challenges of Testing Speech Controlled Audio Systems
Your devices got smarter. Did your test system?
Learn how to implement open loop tests for both playback and recording in a range of devices including smart speakers, automotive audio, robots, IoT devices and more in this practical seminar.
Open loop testing (testing devices where inputs and outputs are independent) enables many types of smart devices and their components to be tested in various formats and situations including:
- Smart speakers, smart watches and other smart devices
- Microphone arrays
- Speech recognition systems with microphones
- In-vehicle audio systems
- Audio devices/systems with no physical inputs or outputs
- Testing in noisy environments
We explain how to measure the same parameters as traditional loudspeakers, discussing such challenges as injecting and extracting response signals, time delays, and triggering the system using voice commands. We also demonstrate how to measure microphone array performance, speakerphone performance and more. Course content includes:
- Stimulating and capturing responses from a device where you don’t have direct access to the microphone or speaker (open loop testing).
- Delays, asynchronous stimulus / acquisition, and working with the ‘cloud’
- Testing with real world signals such as speech and music, and how to analyze results from these test stimuli
- Voice Recognition – key word spotting, wake word testing, directionality, and the effect of background noise on voice recognition performance
- Telephony – testing smart speakers for hands-free calling
Speakers /主讲人: Steve Temme, Listen, Inc. and Peter Wulf Andersen, GRAS.
Date & Locations /时间与地点:
West Coast Training Extravaganza! Feb 4-8, 2019
Listen is excited to announce its biggest ever training event on the West Coast the week of Feb 4th– 8th (Chinese New Year week) with 5 full days of training events.
Monday Feb 4th: Electroacoustics training with Chris Struck. This one-day course covers the fundamentals of electroacoustics and is ideal for anyone new to the industry or who wants to learn more about the electroacoustics theory behind the measurements they are making. You do not need to be a SoundCheck user to benefit from this class! Course Outline. Register.
Tuesday and Wednesday Feb 5th & 6th: Basic 2 day SoundCheck training with Steve Tatarunis. 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. Course Outline. Register
Thursday Feb 7th: Advanced SoundCheck training with Steve Temme. 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. More details to follow. Register
Friday Feb 8th: Smart speaker testing seminar (half day plus networking lunch). By popular demand we are bringing our free smart speaker testing seminar back to the West Coast. Steve Temme will present this seminar covering many aspects of smart device testing including open loop measurement, telephony measurements and voice quality measurements. Although the demonstrations will be done with smart speakers, the techniques and methods are relevant to anyone testing voice-controlled devices including hearables, watches and other wearables, robots, smart home devices and automotive entertainment systems. FREE. Course Outline. Register.
Scroll down for full class outlines.
Location: Hilton Garden Inn, 10741 N Wolfe Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014.
Costs:
We have simplified pricing this year so that each day is the same cost and you can combine any number of days, with a discount for each additional day that you take. In addition, support contract holders and multiple attendees from the same company receive additional discounts
1 Day: $495 ($350 with valid SoundCheck support contract)
2 Days: $950 ($665 with valid SoundCheck support contract)
3 Days: $1350 ($950 with valid SoundCheck support contract)
4 Days: $1725 ($1200 with valid SoundCheck support contract)
Smart Speaker Seminar: FREE
Multi-person discount:
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. Multi-attendee discount is only applicable to Mon-Thurs training since the Friday Smart Speaker Seminar event is free.
1- Day Electroacoustics Class Outline. Instructor – Christopher Struck (CJS Labs)
Introduction
-
- Transducers & Reciprocity
- Subjective & Objective Tests
- Loudspeaker and Microphone Test Systems
Basic Acoustics and Measuring Sound
- Sound Pressure & Sound Pressure Level
- Wavelength & Frequency
- The Decibel and Working with Decibels
- Weighting Networks
- Detectors, and Time Constants
Sound Sources and Sound Fields
- Ideal Sources, Sound Radiation, and Sound Fields
- Transmission, Reflection and Diffraction
- Elementary Room Acoustics
- Anechoic Chambers and Reverb Rooms
Psychoacoustics & Hearing
- Frequency and Dynamic Range
- Masking & Critical Bands
- Directional Effects
- Anatomy of the Ear
- Detection and Signal Processing within the Ear
- Loudness & Hearing Loss
Measurement Microphones
- Principles of Operation
- Frequency & Dynamic Range
- Microphone Types, Selection and Applications
- Field Calibration
Frequency Analysis
- Signal Types
- Filters and Filter Analysis
- Confidence Limits, and Averaging Time
- The FFT
- Time Windows, Overlap & “Real Time” Analysis
System Analysis
- Time & Frequency Domains
- Causal Linear Time-Invariant Systems
- Analysis Methods: Dual Channel FFT, MLS, TDS
- Stimulus Signals
Simulated Free Field Measurements
- Sound Paths, Correlated and Uncorrelated Noise
- Quasi-Anechoic Test Methods
- Near Field Measurements
- Time Selective Techniques
Distortion & Non-Linearity
- Non-Linear Systems & Distortion Order
- Distortion Audibility
- Transducer Defect Detection
- Harmonic, Intermodulation & Difference Frequency Distortion Tests
- Measurements of Band-Limited Systems
- Multi-Tone Distortion
- THD + N
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio and Non-Coherent Power
- Time Variance and Linearity Measures
2-Day Basic SoundCheck Training: Class Outline. Instructor: Steve Tatarunis (Listen, Inc.)
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. Instructor Steve Temme
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. WE are finalizing content and a more detailed outline will follow shortly.
Free Seminar: Smarter Measurements for Smarter Speakers! Instructor Steve Temme (Listen, Inc.)
Learn how to test smart speakers, hearables, watches and other wearables, robots, smart home devices, automotive entertainment systems and other smart devices in our practical half-day seminar taught by industry expert Steve Temme of Listen, Inc.
Although acoustic testing of smart speakers and other voice-activated devices presents challenges such as injecting and extracting response signals, time delays, and triggering the system using voice commands, it is still possible to measure the same parameters as traditional loudspeakers, In addition we can also measure microphone array performance, speakerphone performance and more.
We demonstrate how to do this, focusing on:
- Stimulating and capturing responses from a device where you don’t have direct access to the microphone or speaker (open loop testing).
- Delays, asynchronous stimulus / acquisition, and working with the ‘cloud’
- Testing with real world signals such as speech and music, and how to analyze results from these test stimuli
- Voice Recognition – key word spotting, wake word testing, directionality, and the effect of background noise on voice recognition performance
- Telephony – testing smart speakers for hands-free calling
There is no charge for this seminar and lunch will be provided.
Listen Expands Operations Team
Listen welcomes Renee Jolie Bartel to the Operations team, where she will be working as Sales and Marketing Administrator. With previous experience at Thomson Reuters and The Marketing Arm, she looks forward to supporting Listen’s efficiency and creating infrastructure, working as a liaison between teams. She has a degree in Social Sciences from University of Washington and completed post graduate work in pre-medical sciences at Columbia University, where her interest in marketing was stoked through student organization leadership and recruitment. She has worked on campaigns for Frito Lay, Bacardi, and helped create guidelines for greater accessibility and compliance with ADA legislation. She is passionate about music, especially in the ways it impacts human physiology. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, sailing, hiking, and traveling.
