"Version 8.0, along with our regular cadence of enhancements to APx500 software, allows users to take advantage of measurement scalability and efficiency, and benefit from as much as a 40% saving in test times," says Daniel Knighten, Audio Precision General Manager. "This upgrade reinforces our philosophy of delivering a continuous program of improvements that not only saves customers time and money, but also increases the value of their new and existing analyzers."
This latest version incorporates updates to Bose SoneTrac, which according to Audio Precision is a Bose-developed improved method for Rub & Buzz measurements that filters the residual signal and ratios it to the RMS of the total signal to reduce the noisiness of the measurement result. This method was introduced with APx version 6.1 software and now allows users to make measurements in the same way as Bose to experience more refined control over signal processing in the detection of rub and buzz defects.
Version 8.0 also gives users access to THD+N results using the FastSweep stimulus in Continuous Sweep, Acoustic Response and Loudspeaker production test. As its name implies, this extremely fast stepped frequency signal sweep offers several advantages over a logarithmically swept sine (chirp) signal, including an ability to sweep from low-to-high or high-to-low frequency, a lack of transient ripples at low or high frequencies, support for measuring harmonics above the 20th, and precise control of the number of discrete points used in measurements.
"Audio Precision’s strength lies in providing elite audio analysis, audio measurement software, and a wide range of modules, options and accessories to support analog and digital audio measurement," Dan Knighten adds. "Our version 8.0 software aims to give engineers the analysis tools they need to support their own innovative product design and manufacturing processes."
As part of its upgrade path, Audio Precision’s more recent software updates include v7.1 and v7.0. Version 7.1 offers integrated handling of units of measure and improve the presentation of input units, allowing users to scale any input in either the native unit domain of that physical input or in Volts, FS, Pascals, or Amps; while v7.0 enables the use of FastSweep in open loop testing scenarios, such as the testing of smart speakers.
To ensure Audio Precision customers never miss out on the latest software upgrades, the company also offers software subscriptions available in one, three or five-year increments. This gives users an all-access pass to optional APx measurements for the duration of their subscription (excluding PESQ & PLQA) at no additional cost.
Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, AP is now part of Axiometrix Solutions, a holding company also combining the test solutions from GRAS Sound & Vibration and imc Test & Measurement.
www.ap.com
