Fresh From the Bench: Audio Precision APx517B Acoustic Audio Analyzer

Primarily targeted at production test applications, the APx517B debuted at the end of 2020 and supplements AP's powerful product line of analyzers, which are considered the gold standard in audio measurement. In his review, David Logvin explores audio measurements with this fully integrated hardware, that combines multiple digital interface options all with accredited calibration. This article was originally published in audioXpress, August 2021.

The August 2021 edition of audioXpress is now available in print and online. Read our Acoustical Solutions Round-Up 2021 and enjoy the DIY perspectives from Ethan Winer and Thomas Perazella on dealing with room measurements and treatments. David Logvin reviews Audio Precision's APx517B Acoustic Audio Analyzer, while Richard Honeycutt reflects on acoustic challenges for online and in-person meetings. And we conclude the DH-220C MOSFET Power Amplifier article by Bob Cordell and Rick Savas, and the VSCS Amplifier project in this edition.

Following the review of two QuantAsylum’s products featured in the December 2020 edition of audioXpress, David Logvin interviews Matt Taylor, the president and founder of QuantAsylum - a unique and fast growing test and measurement company based in the state of Washington - that adopted a unique modular product/solution approach that seems to be incredibly agile, adjusting well to current times. This article was originally published in audioXpress, March 2021.

On the cover of audioXpress December 2020, many of our readers instantly recognized the familiar look of the increasingly popular QuantAsylum QA401 audio analyzer. What many readers didn't recognize by then was the second module, the completely new QA451 programmable load, so new that audioXpress tested a pre-production version. In this review article, David Logvin shares his valuable perspective on this modular solution for audio measurements from QuantAsylum.

Ending the year with great content, as we do 12 times per year, audioXpress December 2020 is now available in print and online. In this edition, we pay tribute to Jeff Bagby, explore the QuantAsylum QA401 audio analyzer combined with the new QA451 programmable load, and explain the process of measuring wireless audio products using multi-tone testing. Plus, Brewster LaMacchia expands on A2B designs, Gary Galo details how to improve low-output moving-coil cartridges with his Jensen-based step-up transformer, and Mike Harkins reviews the versatile Puffin Phono DSP by Parks Audio. And much more, now available!

audioXpress December 2019 dives into the latest wireless audio and DSP platforms and solutions in a dedicated Market Update, followed by a review of the latest Audio Precision APx555 B Series audio analyzer. David Logvin shares his experience with the xCORE VocalFusion development platform by XMOS, while Michael Steffes re-confirms a theory that cascaded amplifier + ADC harmonic distortion combine as voltage swings. Christopher Paul explores alternative approaches to the design of a linear current regulator for audio tube amplifiers, Menno van der Veen details an 18 W single-ended valve amplifier using Trans technology, and Richard Honeycutt investigates whether or not swapping out comparable tubes makes any audible difference in a guitar amplifier’s sound. Download your own copy now!