Posts

Listen Introduces AudioConnect 2, a New Portable Dual-Channel Audio Interface

AudioConnect 2, Listen’s new compact and high resolution two-channel audio interface is designed for measurements anywhere from the production line to out in the field, and is particularly suitable for headphone testing. It features 2 input channels with a sampling rate up to 192 kHz, microphone power, TEDS support, a low-noise headphone amplifier, and two line outputs. It can be powered via a laptop’s USB-C for portability and for field measurements.

With up to 90kHz frequency range, its two input channels can be independently configured as TEDS-compatible microphone and accelerometer inputs with constant current bias, microphone inputs with constant voltage bias, or regular line-in. This makes it compatible with a wide range of transducers including both SCM and IEPE microphones, couplers, accelerometers and most modern head and torso simulators, including the high resolution Brüel and Kjær 5128. The inputs feature selectable 0/20dB input gain with level and overload indicators.

Two line outputs drive microspeakers and powered loudspeakers or mouth simulators, or control SC Amp (Listen’s audio amplifier) or other similar devices. A separate low noise, low distortion, headphone amplifier powers headphones or allows monitoring of the audio signal via wired headphones.

Designed for portability, AudioConnect 2 is just 4.375” wide x 1.8” high x 8.625” deep, and is powered from a laptop via USB-C, eliminating the need for a dedicated power supply. This makes it ideal for measurements outside the lab such as testing headphones and hearing aids in real-world environments and making in-car audio measurements. For additional functionality, the line powered BQC Bluetooth interface can be added to configure a fully portable Bluetooth headphone test system with both hardware devices running from your laptop’s USB power! A power supply is also included, making it equally suited to production environments where its rack-mount compatibility, ruggedness and competitive price point also ensure that it offers excellent value.

Like Listen’s other new interfaces, AudioConnect 2 is designed for seamless use with SoundCheck. Setup time is minimal as SoundCheck automatically configures the device, loads the factory-saved calibration values and automatically populates the input channels with sampling rate. Self-test requires no additional cabling as all switching is internal. There are no front panel controls; control is exclusively via the software – either through a sequence or a dedicated control panel. This eliminates any possibility of accidental change to the settings. Level and overload indicators ensure reliable results with a clear warning if the signal is near or actually clipping, and BNC connectors minimize the possibility of  a cable becoming disconnected.

More information

Production Testing Seminar China / 产線测试网络研讨会

loudspeaker production lineMay 18th 2022. 10am (China Time) / 2022年5月18日上午10点(中国时间)

In this short seminar, Les Quindipan explores the use of SoundCheck for end-of-line production testing. He discusses typical test configurations and the type of measurements that can be made, how to set pass/fail limits and how to optimize tests for high throughput.

He will also explain how SoundCheck is easily scaled for high volume production testing, with such features as external control via another program and auto-saving data to databases, and how SoundCheck’s capabilities are easily expanded through the use of custom steps to control all types of devices and test fixtures.

This seminar will be of interest to anyone considering a production line implementation of SoundCheck, or curious as to how to transition R&D measurements to fast and effective end-of-line test.

There is no charge for this seminar, but registration is required.

在这个简短的研讨会中,Les Quindipan将 与我们探讨如何使用 SoundCheck 进行生产线末端测试。 他会讨论典型的测试配置和可以进行的测量类型、如何设置通过/失败限制以及如何优化测试以实现高吞吐量。

他还会探讨SoundCheck 如何轻松扩展以进行大批量生产测试,具有通过另一个程序进行外部控制和自动将数据保存到数据库等功能,以及如何通过使用自定义步骤轻松扩展 SoundCheck 的功能来控制所有类型的 设备和测试夹具。

任何考虑在生产线中使用 SoundCheck 的人士,或想知道如何将研发测量转换为快速有效的生产线末端测试的人士都会对此研讨会感兴趣。

本次研讨会不收取任何费用,但需要预先登记。

This event has passed. Watch the video.

 

 

 

Headphone Measurement Basics

耳机测试基础篇网络研讨会

Aug 5, 2020 at 10.00am (China time)

中国时间2020年8月5日星期三上午10点

 

在这个60分钟的在线研讨会中,声振环保仪器有限公司授权Listen公司的创始人兼总裁Steve Temme先生,与大家探讨耳机测试的基础知识。

Listen公司的SoundCheck电声测试系统广泛用于全球领先的原始设备制造商及其合约制造商的成千上万条生产线。虽然它可以用于测试各种各样的设备,包括扬声器、微型扬声器、耳机、耳麦、智能设备、手机等等,但本次研讨会将着重讨论耳机。

在这次在线研讨会中,Steve Temme先生将涵盖耳机测试的基础知识,包括:

  • 耳机的工作原理
  • 如何测试耳机(包括不同种类的耳机和声学耳模拟器)
  • 研发和产线测试的环境
  • 重要的测试如校正的频率响应、左右声道平衡度、失真等等。

 

In this 60 minute online seminar, S&V Samford presents Listen, Inc. founder and president, Steve Temme, discussing Headphone Measurement Basics.

Listen, Inc’s SoundCheck electroacoustic test system is used by the world’s leading OEMs and their contract manufacturers on thousands of production lines worldwide. Although it can be used for testing a wide range of devices including speakers, microspeakers, headphones, headsets, smart devices, cellphones and more, this seminar will focus on headphones.

In this online session, Steve Temme will cover the basics of headphone testing, including:

  • How a headphone works
  • How to measure headphones (including considerations for different types of headphones, and acoustic ear simulators)
  • R&D and production test environments
  • Important measurements such as corrected frequency response, left/right tracking, distortion etc.

View Recording

Viewers in China WATCH HERE

 

 

 

Headphone & Headset Measurements – Chicago and Boston Dates

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

SoundCheck ONE for headphone testing

seq_SC-ONE_headphones_display_and_memory_listWe are excited to announce a new low-cost headphone test package – SoundCheck ONE for headphone testing (part # 1007). This includes SoundCheck ONE, a basic version of the SoundCheck software, along with AudioConnectTM, an audio interface with built-in headphone amplifier. Only a headphone coupler or test fixture and associated power supply is additionally needed to make up a complete headphone test system. The SoundCheck ONE headphone test sequence carries out all basic headphone measurements such as  frequency response, sensitivity, THD, Rub & Buzz, Perceptual Rub & Buzz, loose particles, polarity and channel balance. It can be easily customized and saved for specific products by turning individual measurements on and off, and by adjusting settings within each sequence step such as stimulus range and level, tolerance limits, graphical displays, and data saving. It is an excellent low-cost entry level system, ideal for those on a tight budget.

Please note that although the SoundCheck ONE Headphone test sequence cannot have steps added/removed or the layout modified, customers may upgrade to a SoundCheck package that supports this at any time in the future, should testing needs expand to require additional functionality. Listen can also offer the GRAS 45CC headphone test fixture along with a SoundConnect 2 power supply for a complete production line test system.

 

Print

Production line headphone test setup with SoundCheck ONE and the GRAS 45CC

For more information, please contact your Listen sales engineer: sales@listeninc.com

European Tour: Headphone & Headset Measurements

The challenges of testing today’s devices

Presented by:

listen_gras_logos2

 

 

headphonesLearn 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 Chris Struck 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:

UK: Monday May 15th, Sharnbrook Hotel, Bedford, England

Denmark: Thursday May 18th, G.R.A.S. Headquarters, Holte (near Copenhagen), Denmark

Germany: Friday May 19th, Maritim Airport Hotel, Hannover, Germany

Print

 

See what people are saying about this event (we recently presented it 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
  • Headphone Design (Guest Speaker Chris Struck, CJS Labs)
    • Desired headphone response
    • Headphone measurement standards
  • Hands-on testing: Bring your own device and test it using one of our measurement setups

Print

Reserve your space