The Lab Bench of 2021: Virtins Multi Instrument Measurement Software

Stuart Yaniger shares his more recent experiences with Virtins Multi Instrument Measurement Software, which he combined with his RME ADI-2 Pro FS R audio interface and the Linear Audio Autoranger II to create what he defines as the Lab Bench of 2021. This is a very complete solution for anyone working on product testing and evaluation from home. It is also an approach that complements Yaniger's 2015 series of audioXpress articles on how to adapt home computers and sound cards for audio test and measurement. In this article, he experiments and updates his findings about Virtin's Multi Instrument software. This article was originally published in audioXpress, March 2021.

The new AT60NC-4 AMT tweeter from SB Acoustics’ Satori Line follows the recent “renaissance” of Air Motion Transformer (AMT or Air Velocity Transformer aka AVT) over the last several years. The Satori AT60CN-4 is targeted at high-end audio applications. Its features include a damped foil and Kapton 43mm × 29mm pleated AMT diaphragm, with an optimized rear chamber, and two-part face plate. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, March 2021.

In earlier editions, Voice Coil introduced the Scan-Speak Ellipticor drivers with its unique oval voice coil shapes to defeat cone and dome standing wave modes. With the design and concept becoming extremely popular in the high-end two-channel market, the elliptical-shaped series of Scan-Speak drivers continues to expand. The new D2404/552000 Ellipticor 24mm tweeter is the little brother to the D3404 tweeter. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, March 2021.

One of the biggest challenges with working from home during the pandemic was not having access to an anechoic chamber. This short tutorial, explains a simple solution for this: a “splice” measurement. The capability for such measurements has been included in SoundCheck since 2001. Despite its long history, this method has not seen widespread use. However, the current pandemic’s working challenges are sparking renewed interest. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, March 2021.

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.

One of the problems when designing large audio devices, (e.g., mixing consoles) is the enormous amount of wiring that’s needed. In this article for audioXpress, Ethan Winer writes about the practical ways on how to deal with wiring techniques in order to reduce the amount needed for any given project by using rotary encoders, serial communications, and other clever solutions. This article was originally published in audioXpress, March 2021

In this edition of Voice Coil, Steve Temme explains "How to Measure Free-Field Speaker Response without an Anechoic Chamber," Mike Klasco writes about "Plastics and Composites for Audio Products in 2021," and there's an updated Speaker Enclosure Vendor Directory. James Croft provides a fascinating patent review of a speaker assembly design for low-frequency control using an acoustic dipole. And Vance Dickason characterizes two new tweeters: the D2404 Ellipticor Tweeter from Scan-Speak, and the Satori AT60NC-4 AMT Tweeter from SB Acoustics. Now available in print and online!

For this edition of audioXpress, start with our valuable Market Update on Audio Test and Measurement, followed by an interview and guided tour of QuantAsylum. From a practical perspective, Stuart Yaniger shares his experience with the latest version of Virtins Multi Instrument Measurement Software, Michael Steffes explains how to explore an interesting composite amplifier structure for great results, Mike Meechan continues his series on microphone preamplifier design, and Ethan Winer explains how to avoid too much wiring in large designs. Another great edition of audioXpress, now available to read in print and online.