ACQUA is HEAD acoustics' highly sophisticated measurement and analysis software for electroacoustic tests, allowing users to optimize voice and audio quality in all kinds of products and markets. In combination with HEAD acoustics' labCORE audio interface, the software forms a precise, automated and flexible system for R&D, conformance tests and quality control of devices and systems.
ACQUA includes a multi-channel analysis system for diagnosis of acoustic and/or electric transmission paths up to 192 kHz. With the measurement and analysis software, users can gather and evaluate measurement data in a simple and quick manner via measurement descriptors (SMD; Single Measurement Descriptor). These SMDs are pre-defined, adaptable and embedded in the database structure. And all telecommunication-specific tests comply with international standards (for example ETSI, ITU, 3GPP, GCF, PTCRB, GSMA). These core features make ACQUA a reliable foundation for a complete measurement chain: From the generation of complex excitation signals through the automated conduct of measurements and the analysis of measurement signals to secure storage and documentation.
ACQUA 5 introduces important new features that HEAD acoustics confirms were designed to expand the flexibility of its platform in order to easily accommodate more applications and provide the flexibility required for future expansions. Among the main new features in ACQUA 5 is the new "Workplace Settings" window. This allows users to collect and configure hardware items, select and define calibration and combine assignments. The new window is where the user can define and configure his local workplace, including the use of HATS (head and torso simulator), microphones, loudspeakers or radio testers. All properties for a single hardware item are found in one single place.
According to HEAD acoustics, this more intuitive structure provides greater clarity and considerably streamlines working with ACQUA. Assignments of equalizations, calibrations and corrections are distinctive, and hardware setups are easily verifiable.
The analysis possibilities with the software have also been extended with new loudness calculations for speech communication according to Recommendation ITU-T P.700, that enables subjectively perceived loudness analysis, not just the traditional loudness rating calculations. The new psychoacoustic based loudness calculation allows a much more realistic calculation of the speech loudness perceived by the user. Even non-LTI systems such as AGC and compression schemes can be evaluated. This provides an excellent analysis of all measures integrated by manufacturers targeting the increase of the subjectively perceived loudness without producing excessive sound pressure levels.
Another new feature is the full integration of Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Score (MDAQS) evaluation, previously available in beta version. MDAQS provides unique audio quality evaluation parameters for all types of audio equipment ranging from headsets to loudspeaker arrangements. With ACQUA 5, the new perceptual based audio quality measure is integrated in the company's analysis portfolio for the first time.
Also extremely important for current applications, ACQUA 5 addresses the fact that often more than one HATS is used in laboratories. Either these are used for different purposes or more than just one HATS is used for the measurements (e.g. with in-car-communication systems or interfering talkers in smart home applications). Consequently, the DRP/ERP correction can now be configured for each HATS individually.
A variety of additional improvements are found in ACQUA 5, ranging from SMD handling to scripting possibilities up to more optimized database features.
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