APx515 Family DownloadsHOME/DOWNLOADS/APx515
All APx515 instruments use the same APx500 measurement software. However, some features require that the software options SW-HST, SW-AML, or SW-ACR be installed on the analyzer. Therefore, not every download displayed here will work with every APx515.
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Datasheets and Specifications
APx515 Datasheet v1.1 (View previous versions)
The APx515 is a high performance audio analyzer optimized for production test. It is a best-in-class instrument for its speed, performance, automation, and ease-of-use.
Available translations
APx515 Installation Instructions and Full Specifications v2.6
Dolby/DTS Compliance Projects
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Software
APx API Developer Tools v2.6 (View previous versions)
Resources for API developers. Includes VB.NET & C# templates and example code, Intro to API Programming, and API documentation (API Browser). Also LabVIEW driver & documentation. Keywords: software, development, coding, samples, programming, developer
APx LabVIEW Driver v2.6 (View previous versions)
Audio Precision has developed a full-featured LabVIEW Driver for its family of APx500 Audio Analyzers. The APx LabVIEW Driver is a collection of Virtual Instruments (VIs) aimed at providing LabVIEW users the ability to access most of the functionality available in the APx500 Application Programming Interface (API) using high level, LabVIEW-typical subVIs, with a minimum number of programming steps. Using the Driver collection, LabVIEW users will be able to quickly and efficiently develop APx applications with clean, concise LabVIEW code. Please note that the LabVIEW Driver is version specific for each release of APx500.
APx500 Measurement Software v2.6 (View previous versions)
APx500 measurement software for all APx Series instruments.
This download is suitable for most users. If Microsoft .NET version 3.5 is not already on your PC, it will be downloaded during the installation.
For PCs that do not have .NET version 3.5 installed, and are not connected to the Internet, download the full installer instead (APx500 Measurement Software (with .NET)).
APx500 Measurement Software (with .NET) v2.6 (View previous versions)
APx500 Measurement Software for all APx Series instruments.
This download includes the Microsoft .NET Framework version 3.5, and is suitable for installation on PCs that are not connected to the Internet and do not already have version 3.5 installed.
For installation on Internet connected PCs, download "APx500 Measurement Software" instead.
Matlab Toolbox v4 (View previous versions)
Set of MATLAB functions for audio applications such as reading and writing waveforms and filters for 2700, ATS-2, and APx
Technotes and AP Applied
AP Applied: APx Automation with LabVIEW v1
Describes using LabVIEW with APx in a lab or automated production environment. Examples using the APx LabVIEW virtual instrument driver are shown.
AP Applied: Acoustic Response v0
A look at some of the important features needed in an acoustic audio analyzer, the problems you may encounter in non-ideal testing environment, the needs of good production line testing, and the range of measurements and results that should be produced.
Available translations
AP Applied: Production Test v1 (View previous versions)
Cost benefit analysis of high performance, low price audio test equipment in production.
Technote 104: Introduction to the Six Basic Audio Measurements
Technote 104 discusses methods of making a set of basic measurements using an Audio Precision 2700 Series or ATS-2 audio analyzer.These are Level Frequency Response THD+N Phase Crosstalk Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Available translations
Technote 105: FM Radio Receiver Testing with APx Audio Analyzers v0
In this technote, we discuss how to test the analog sound quality of FM radio receivers using an Audio Precision APx500 Series audio analyzer. We also discuss how to test the Radio Data System (RDS), which allows text, such as song title and artist, to be transmitted digitally as part of the analog radio signal.
Available translations
Technote 106: Measuring PSRR (Power Supply Rejection Ratio) v0
In this technote we describe and compare two different methods to measure PSRR. Then we give instructions for using the APx PSRR Measurement Utility, which simplifies the calculations and graphing on APx analyzers.
This technote is included in the APx PSRR Measurement Utility download.
Available translations
Technote 107: Measuring the Sound Pressure Level of Portable Audio Player Headphones v0
Describes how to measure the sound pressure level developed by portable audio players and their associated headphones, according to British Standard / European Norm 50332. Also shown is how to use the APx Portable Audio Player / Portable Headphone Test Utility to facilitate making the necessary measurements with an APx500 analyzer.
Technote 108: PC Audio Testing v0
This Technote discusses the techniques necessary to perform the “Basic Six” audio measurements on consumer-level PC audio devices. This category includes sound systems integrated into notebooks, netbooks, tablets, and PC motherboards, as well as expansion cards and some external devices. It doesn’t include USB-connected headsets, nor pro-audio devices with balanced input and output connections.
Includes APx project and .wav test signal files for playback
Test Signals and Waveforms
APx FM MPX-RDS Waveforms 50µs (except North America) v2.6 (View previous versions)
APx FM MPX-RDS Waveforms 50µs (except North America) contains a series of FM multiplex and RDS encoded waveforms for FM radio receiver testing with the APx Series analyzers. The test streams are versions of the stereo .wav files that can be created with the Audio Precision Waveform Generator Utility (WfmGeneration.exe), also available for download.
Copy the folder to your PC and load the desired file using the generator waveform browser inside the APx500 application. Download Technote 105: FM Radio Receiver Testing with APx Audio Analyzers for a discussion on FM testing.
APx FM MPX-RDS Waveforms 75µs (North America) v2.6 (View previous versions)
APx FM MPX-RDS Waveforms 75µs (North America) contains a series of FM multiplex and RDS encoded waveforms for FM radio receiver testing with the APx Series analyzers. The test streams are versions of the stereo .wav files that can be created with the Audio Precision Waveform Generator Utility (WfmGeneration.exe), also available for download.
Copy the folder to your PC and load the desired file using the generator waveform browser inside the APx500 application. Download Technote 105: FM Radio Receiver Testing with APx Audio Analyzers for a discussion on FM testing.
APx Test Signals on Disc Track List v3 (View previous versions)
The full track listings for all APx test signal discs – APx-BD1, APx-DVD1, and APx-CD1. These discs may be ordered from Audio Precision.
Alternately, the linear test signals may be created using the APx Waveform Generator Utility (available as a download), and the Dolby and dts encoded versions may be downloaded as "APx Dolby Generator Waveforms" and "APx dts Generator Waveforms" respectively.
User Manuals
APx500 User Manual v2.6 (View previous versions)
User manual for APx500 measurement software. Includes detail on signal path setup, hardware connectivity, and software features for all APx models: APx515, 520, 521, 525, 526, 585, and 586.
Available translations
Utilities, Projects, & Macros
APx Active Loadbox Utility v1
APx Barcode Scanner Interface v0
A barcode scanner may be useful in production testing, not only to expedite data entry, but to eliminate the possibility of initiating the wrong test routine. The APx Barcode Scanner Interface is a small VB.net application (Run_Barcode_Project_ID.exe) that automatically loads an APx project who's name matches the barcode data.
APx Damping Factor Measurement Utility v2.6 (View previous versions)
The APx Damping Factor Measurement Utility plots audio amplifier damping factor vs. frequency. It is developed in LabVIEW 2009, but does not require that you have LabVIEW to run. See the accompanying knowledge base article for an explanation and instructions.
Includes the Windows installer, source code, and instructions.
The version number of this utility must match the version of the APx software that you are running.
APx FM MPX-RDS Demo Project v1
A simple APx project file to demonstrate testing of FM transmitters and receivers, including automotive head units. Includes a set of MPX-RDS-encoded sweeps and tones.
APx Loudspeaker Impedance Measurement Utility v2.6 (View previous versions)
This utility for APx analyzers allows you to make an impedance vs frequency sweep across a loudspeaker, and then see the graph and data results directly in ohms. Clicking Help in the utility will display the complete instructions, including a discussion of the theory behind it. This download includes the compiled utility application (LabVIEW not required to run), as well as the LabVIEW 2009 source code.
APx Mixing Console Sample Project v1
APx mixing console sample project with instructions. Requires any APx instrument.
APx Multitone EQ Utility v2.6 (View previous versions)
The utility creates an equalized multitone stimulus signal, with the inverse response curve calculated either by measuring an existing device with an APx analyzer, or by importing a Microsoft Excel Worksheet file with frequency and level data. Running the installer installs both the executable program and the VB.NET source code.
Requires APx500 software (same version number as this utility) and Microsoft Excel 2003 or 2007.
APx Output Impedance Measurement Utility v2.6 (View previous versions)
The output impedance of a device can easily be calculated by measuring its output voltage with and without a known load attached. The APx Output Impedance Measurement Utility simplifies the procedure by calculating and graphing the results. It is developed in LabVIEW 2009, but does not require that you have LabVIEW to run. See the accompanying knowledge base article for an explanation and instructions.
The version number of this utility must match the version of the APx software that you are running. Includes the Windows installer, source code, and instructions.
APx PSRR Measurement Utility v2.6 (View previous versions)
APx Performance Check v2.6 (View previous versions)
Performance check (automated self-test) for all APx instruments.
APx Portable Audio Player / Headphone Test Utility v2.6 (View previous versions)
Tests portable audio players and headphones packaged as a set, and as individual components, for compliance with the BS EN 50332 standard. Works with any APx Series analyzer. The version of APx500 software must match the utility version. Includes Windows installer and vb.NET source code.
APx Power Amplifier (Linear) Sample Project v1
APx power amplifier (linear) sample project and instructions. Requires any APx instrument.
APx Reports Tutorial A Files v2.6 (View previous versions)
The files created while doing "Tutorial A: Making a Custom layout from the Default layout" in the APx500 program Help. Use these files if you wish to skip Tutorial A and proceed with Tutorials B and C.
APx Run External Program Project v1
This APx project and related files demonstrates how to run an external program from APx500. Includes THD+N measurement and Stepped Frequency Sweep measurements. The project file calls the Goldwave audio editor program, so you will either need to install Goldwave, or substitute another audio player with a command line interface. Accompanies the kb article "Running an external program from APx500," which gives a complete explanation.
Whitepapers, Articles, and Books
How to Write (and Read) Audio Specifications
Discusses writing and reading good audio specifications. Guidelines are provided, then key specifications for two classes of audio device are examined for correct expression and form, with examples of real-world specs for comparison.
Measuring Digital Audio
Transmitting and storing audio signals in the digital domain is well-established in the broadcast industry. Analog audio has given way to the AES3 and Sony/Philips Digital Interface Format (SPDIF). AES3 data streams are also embedded in SDI television signals. Handling audio in the digital do- main offers many advantages over analog methods. An analog signal incurs progressive degradation as it passes through a chain of circuits. Converting the analog signal into digital and converting back to analog as late in the chain as possible overcomes this degradation.
Measuring Distortion in Switching Amplifiers v0
Measuring Distortion in Switching Amplifiers by Bruce Hofer
Measuring Switch-mode Power Amplifiers
Switch-mode audio power amplifiers are becoming increasingly popular due to their smaller size, lower weight, and improved efficiency. Their advantages are obvious in low power battery operated personal audio players and laptop computers. However they are also progressively displacing more traditional linear designs in mainstream applications such as home entertainment systems, automotive sound systems, and professional installations where high quality audio is important. Measuring the performance of switch-mode amplifiers presents some new and unique challenges. They inherently generate ultra-sonic artifacts and spurious signals with slew rates that can provoke non-linear behavior within the input stages of high quality audio test and measurement equipment. Absolutely worthless and inaccurate results can result unless effective measures are taken to prevent this non-linear behavior. Written by Bruce Hofer.
Available translations
Testing Challenges in Personal Computer Audio Devices
The Personal Computer audio environment has evolved over the years to become a significant entity within the field of acquisition and rendering of audio information. The personal computer is a highly sophisticated interactive environment that is much more complex than a conventional dedicated home audio device, leading to new problem areas. These include, but are not limited to, stochastic interrupts, network accesses, disc I/O and disparate hardware qualities. While the environment of a highly matrixed multi-tasking concurrent operating system offers many opportunities to overcome quality issues, the PC, due to the media-rich tools and feature sets, is becoming the entertainment capture and rendering device of choice for future generations. Presented at the 114th Convention, 2003 March 22–25 Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Wayne Jones, Michael Wolfe, Theodore C. Tanner Jr., Daniel Dinu
The Audio Measurement Handbook v1
This reference handbook is a practical, hands-on guide for workers in all phases of the audio field. It covers basic tools and techniques, common environments for audio testing, application of these techniques to common audio devices, the typical ranges of performance to expect in different devices, and a glossary of terms and key specifications used in audio measurement. 178 pages Written by Bob Metzler.
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