sound guy Xmas idea: APx515 2-Channel Audio Analyzer

This would be a dream for the test bench.  Simple, robust effective analysis tools!   I would be happy with an old system one… but this would be on the shelf in a heartbeat. 

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The APx515 is a high performance audio analyzer optimized for production test. APx515 has a typical THD+N of –106 dB, a one million point FFT with 24-bit resolution, and 192K digital I/O. It is a best-in-class instrument for its combination of speed, performance, automation, and ease-of-use.

APx515 is a significant product because it delivers the performance and reliability of Audio Precision at a production-level price.

APx is the fastest audio analyzer in the world, returning 21 audio measurements in as fast as 1.2 seconds. It is also the easiest to use, with one-click measurements, custom reporting and sophisticated automation without any programming. A full API and LabVIEW driver is also provided.

This speed and ease-of-use means test will never be a bottleneck, and production line managers can achieve reliable, consistent results compared to the current low-cost alternatives like a distortion analyzer.

For companies outsourcing their production, requiring APx515 on the production line gives tighter control over production, ensuring manufacturers are meeting their contractual requirements.

sound guy xmas!!! Day 1 – Syscomp Curve Tracer

Xmas is around the corner.  Sound guys and gals are the hardest people in the world to shop for… I will be posting a stream of gift ideas!

Day 1:  The Syscomp CTR-101 Curve tracer:

Key Features
-Plots device characteristics for diodes, transistors, MOSFETs, JFETs, and more!
-Up to 30V test voltage at 1A test current
-True voltage and current source drive ampliers
-High resolution measurements
-Pulsed test mode to minimize device dissipation
-Auto-scaling real-time plotting during analysis
-Sample-by-sample power and current limiting
-Open-source software
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My first microphone pre-amp design

Doing a school project is the PERFECT excuse to design build a test my first ground up original Microphone pre-amp!

I learned these buzzwords from the Kimber cable guy:

The imaging is fantastic, totally forward sounding with edge AND detail on the soundstage.  Though precise, there isn’t that analytical flavour tainting the dry sound in the copper typically found in other microphone pre-amps.  Micro-clipping isn’t an issue anymore!  By a factor of at leased 10, the noise floor is lower than you’d ever expect.  With an un-constrained matrix, painting the sound stage will be a pleasure.  Tipping the value curve, the proportions are just right.

But honestly… I’ve not heard it yet, or kimber cable for that matter.

Seriously though…  it’s a transformer coupled double balanced class A instrumentation pre-amp using only the best.  Actual results to follow!

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JL Sub-Woofer

Took a look inside a JL subwoofer… quite the coil and suspension system.  http://www.jlaudio.ca/home-audio-powered-subwoofers-fathom

JL audio dominates the Car stereo market in terms of driver quality.  The salesman said the best line “We learned a lot from our 12 Volt line of products in designing this home theatre sub”  so from now on, Car audio will be forever “the 12 volt industry”


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Dual Spiders to support the super high excursion of the woofer…  simply incredible designIMG_7964