OPERATING MANUAL HANDHELD AUDIO and XL2 ACOUSTIC ANALYZER Contact Details

OPERATING MANUAL HANDHELD AUDIO AND XL2 ACOUSTIC ANALYZER Contact Details

NTi Audio AG NTI Americas NTI China NTI Japan Im alten Riet 102 PO Box 231027 Room 722, 7F, Building 6-3A, Ryogokusakamoto Bld. 1-8-4 9494 Schaan Tigard, Oregon 97281 No 1388, Bin He Rd. Ryogoku, 130-0026 Sumida-Ku Liechtenstein, Europe USA 215000 Suzhou, China Tokyo, Japan

Tel.: +423 239 6060 Tel.: +1 503 684 7050 Tel.: +86 512 6802 0075 Tel.: +81 3 3634 6110 Fax: +423 239 6089 Fax: +1 503 684 7051 Fax: +86 512 6802 0097 Fax: +81 3 3634 6160 E-Mail: [email protected] E-Mail: [email protected] E-Mail: [email protected] E-Mail: [email protected] Web: www.nti-audio.com

NTi Audio is an ISO 9001:2008 certified company.

Firmware V2.03 Version 2.03.3 / September 2010

All information subject to change without notice. © All rights reserved. ® Minirator is an registered trademark of NTi Audio. Made in ™ XL2, EXEL, M4260, M2210, MR-PRO, MR2 and TalkBox are trademarks of NTi Audio. Switzerland Table of Contents

Table of contents 1. Introduction ...... 4 6. Audio Analyzer ...... 91 2. Overview of the Instrument ...... 6 RMS / THD ...... 91 Power Supply ...... 12 Scope ...... 93 Attaching the Hand Strap ...... 15 7. Calibration ...... 94 Unfolding the Stand ...... 16 8. Profiles ...... 96 Connecting the XL2 ...... 16 9. Data Management...... 103 3. Basic Operation ...... 18 Record Voicenotes ...... 108 Switching the XL2 On and Off ...... 18 Recall Measurements ...... 114 Instrument Settings ...... 18 Append Measurements ...... 116 System Settings ...... 20 10. Microphones ...... 120 4. Sound Level Meter ...... 24 11. Further Information ...... 122 Overview ...... 27 Tips and Trouble Shooting ...... 122 Logging ...... 37 Firmware Update of XL2 ...... 124 Wav-File Recording ...... 38 Options ...... 125 Reporting ...... 40 Accessories ...... 126 Limit Setting...... 42 Warranty Conditions ...... 129 Sound Level Meter - Getting Started ...... 44 Calibration Certificate ...... 129 RTA Measurement - Getting Started ...... 50 Declaration of Conformity ...... 130 5. Acoustical Analyzer ...... 55 Information for Disposal and Recycling ...... 130 FFT Analysis ...... 55 12. Technical Data XL2 ...... 131 Reverberation Time RT60 ...... 60 13. Technical Data Microphones ...... 134 Polarity ...... 71 Appendix ...... 136 Delay Time ...... 75 Appendix 1: Standard - Extended Features...... 136 Speech Intelligibility STI-PA (optional) ...... 82 Appendix 2: Factory Default Profiles ...... 138 Appendix 3: Description Sound Levels ...... 142 Appendix 4: Common Sound Levels ...... 146 Introduction

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the XL2 Audio and Acoustic Analyzer. How to Read this Manual The XL2 is the combination of a state-of-the-art acoustical ana- The XL2 push buttons are displayed as icons , , , , lyzer and powerful audio analyzer tailored for Sound Installa- , , , , . A detailed description of the push buttons is tions, Live Sound, Recording Studios, Broadcast, Environmen- listed in the chapter “Buttons and operating elements”. tal Noise Measurements and Service Applications. Menu items displayed on the XL2 page screens are indicated The XL2 is equipped with the following functions: by a bold font, e.g. SLMeter, Parameter, ...

• Sound Level Meter • Real Time Analyzer • Acoustic Analyzer • STI-PA Analyzer • Audio Analyzer • Wave File Recording • Voice Notes for logged measurements • Mini-SD Card, removable • Built-in Real Time Clock • Automated Sensor Detection • Rechargeable Power Supply Li-Po Battery • Optional: Digital programmable I/O Interface

4 Introduction

Product Configurations

The following items are included with the respective model:

XL2 + M4260: • XL2 Analyzer XL2 without • XL2 Analyzer • M4260 Microphone with pouch Microphone: • Test Signal CD • Wind protection • USB cable • Mic-holder + Adapter 5/8“ - 3/8“ • Li-Po battery • Test Signal CD • Hand strap • Li-Po battery • Operating manual • USB cable • Hand strap • Operating manual

XL2 + M2210: • XL2 Analyzer • M2210 Microphone with pouch • Wind protection • Mic-holder + Adapter 5/8“ - 3/8“ • Test Signal CD • Li-Po battery • USB cable • Hand strap • Operating manual

5 Introduction

2. Overview of the Instrument 11 Tripod Mount

The XL2 offers the following interfaces: 10 Speaker

6 Digital I/O 9 Headphone Output 1 5 USB Connector XLR Input 3 Voice Note Input 8 TOSLink Output 2 4 DC Power Socket RCA Input 7 Mini-SD Card

6 Overview

1 XLR Signal Input 7 Mini-SD Card A balanced audio signal as well as the measurement micro- For storing ASCII data, screen shots, voice notes and WAV- phone M4260 or M2210 plugs directly into the XLR input. files and for firmware updates. The XLR input includes the automated sensor detection ASD and provides 48V phantom power supply for the mea- 8 TOSLink Output surement microphones M4260 and M2210. 24 bit linear PCM audio signal output. For future use; not active at this time. 2 RCA Input Unbalanced audio signal input. 9 Headphone Output The XLR/RCA input signals are routed to the headphone 3 VoiceNote Input output. Connecting a headphone mutes the internal speak- Internal microphone for recording voice notes, measuring er 10 . polarity and delay time. For polarity measurements an ex- In the case of the headphone output being connected to ternal microphone such as the M4260 or M2210 may also a line input, a load impedance of lower than 8 kOhm is re- be used. quired for proper operation; e.g. insert a 1 kOhm resistance between tip and ground of the output jack. 4 DC Power Socket Socket for mains power adapter. Further details in the chap- 10 Speaker ter “Power Supply” in this manual. The XLR/RCA input signals are routed to the speaker. Press- ing the speaker button switches the speaker on/off and 5 USB Connector accesses the volume control. Mini-B USB connection, for accessing the Mini-SD card. 11 Tripod Mount 6 Digital I/O Mechanical mount for fixing the XL2 on a tripod or micro- Programmable digital inputs/outputs. phone stand.

7 Overview

Buttons and Operating Elements 2 Volume of Speaker and Headphone Output • Press the button briefly to enable the speaker. 9 8 7 6  The speaker is activated and the speaker or headphone icon shows up in the upper menu bar.

• Press and hold down the speaker button .

 A pop-up window for volume is displayed. 1 5

2 3 4

1 Page Control Switches between the different screens associated with the menu function selected.

8 Overview

• Hold the speaker button down and adjust the level 6 Start/Stop of the speaker and headphone outputs with the rotary Starts and stops a measurement. wheel . The implemented digital gain control prevents any signal clipping thus allows to increase the gain as 7 Enter long as no clipping occurs. The maximum gain setting Confirms a selection. depends on the connected input signal. • The speaker can be muted with a short press of the 8 Rotary Wheel speaker button . Selects the required measurement function or the individual measurement parameter. 3 Power & Backlight The power button switches the instrument on. Holding 9 ESC down the button for one second switches the XL2 off. Terminates an entry, returns to the top menu level or closes Additionally, a short press on the power button switches an open window. the backlight on and off during operation.

4 Limit The button lights up in green, yellow or red colors according to the setting in the SLMeter - Limit menu.

5 Pause Pauses the current measurement. The measurement is continued by pressing the pause button or the start/ stop button .

9 Overview

The Screen Display 2 Main Menu SLMeter SPL & RTA Measurement 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 FFT FFT Analysis RT60 Reverberation Time RT60 Polarity Polarity Delay Delay Time RMS/THD RMS Level and Distortion

1 Scope Scope STI-PA Speech Intelligibility Calibrte Calibration Menu for microphone sensitivity Profile Store and load measurement profiles System System Settings

3 Page Selector Toggles between available measurement and result pages 1 Measurement Results within the same function menu. Alternatively you may use Individual measurement result display according to the se- the page button . lected measurement function. 4 Input Selector Select XLR or RCA input connectors.

10 Overview

The signal is unbalanced. The level of pin 3 is 5 Memory Menu higher than at pin 2. Opens the menu to generate measurement reports, append further test results to the same report, record voice notes, store screenshots and load back previously stored 9 Battery Symbol measurements for verification on the XL2. The battery symbol indicates the battery status as follows:

6 Speaker/Headphone Using rechargeable Li-Po battery: Indication of enabled rear speaker or headphone output. The battery is full.

7 Phantom Power The battery is almost empty and must be re- The XL2 generates 48 VDC phantom power for the charged. measurement microphones M4260 or M2210. The en- The battery is recharged presently by the mains abled phantom power is displayed by 48 V. Upon con- power adapter or the USB connection to PC. necting the measurement microphone M4260 or M2210, the automated sensor detection reads the electronic data sheet and the display changes from Using standard AA batteries: 48 V to ASD. No indication of full of half full batteries. The batteries are almost empty and must be 8 Balance Indicator replaced. Indication of the audio signal balance between pin 2 and 3 on the XLR input for input signals > -40 dBu. Using mains power supply: The input signal is balanced. No indication of battery status. The signal is unbalanced. The level of pin 2 is higher than at pin 3.

11 Getting Started

3. Getting Started Operation using Mains Power Supply You can also operate the XL2 with mains power by the NTi Power Supply Audio DC power supply unit. During operation with the external mains power adapter, it is recommended to leave the bat- The XL2 offers a flexible power management and can be oper- teries inside the instrument. ated either by • Mains power supply • Replaceable, rechargeable lithium-polymer (Li-Po) battery • 4x AA-batteries Non-NTi Audio power supplies may have negative effects on measurements. The Li-Po battery is included with the XL2 Analyzer. The new battery is charged to approximately 50% and should be fully Power supply specifications: charged before use via: • Electrically-isolated, switching or linear DC power supply Battery Charger Charging Time: approx. 3 hours • Voltage: 7.5 - 9 Volt (optional) NTi Audio #: 600 000 332 • Current: min. 800 mA • Connector type: 2.1 x 5.5 x 9.5 mm Mains Power Charging Time: approx. 6 hours • Polarity: . Adapter Leave the battery inside and switch the (optional) XL2 off for charging. A decreased THD+N performance will occur NTi Audio #: 600 000 333 with unbalanced input signals by using switching type power supplies (approx. 3 dB). USB connection Charging Time: approx. 6 hours to PC XL2 switches to the mass storage de- Damage caused by using an inappropriate ex- vice mode for download of data. Switch ternal DC supply is not covered by warranty. the XL2 off for faster charging.

12 Getting Started

Rechargeable Li-Po Battery • Open the battery cover at the rear of the unit. • Insert the rechargeable Li-Po battery with the contacts edge fi rst. • Close the battery cover.

Switch off the XL2 for faster recharging by mains 2. power adapter or USB connection.

1. Caution • Avoid short circuits. • Operate and charge the battery between 0°C and 45°C (32°F - 113°F). • Do not heat the battery above 60°C. • Do not dispose of the battery by burning. • Do not solder directly to the battery. • Do not disassemble the battery. • Do not insert the battery in reverse polarity. • The Li-Po battery is a potential fi re hazard and requires caution.

13 Getting Started

AA-Batteries As an alternative, the XL2 can also be powered by AA batteries

• Open the battery cover. • Insert 4 fully-charged AA batteries, observing correct polarity via the +/- marks in the battery compartment. 2. • Close the battery cover.

• Only use batteries from the same manufacturer. 1. • Replace the discharged batteries by new ones. • Do not mix used and new batteries. • During operation, the battery temperature may increase noticeably. This is not a defect.

Remove all batteries if the XL2 is not to be used over a long period.

14 Getting Started

Attaching the Hand Strap

To avoid accidentally dropping the XL2, a hand strap is supplied with the instrument.

• Pull the loop of the hand strap through the opening. • Pull the other end of the hand strap through the loop. • Pull the hand strap tight.

1. 2. 3.

15 Getting Started

Unfolding the Stand Connecting the XL2

A convenient table stand is attached to the rear of the instru- Acoustic Measurements ment. Connect the measurement microphone M4260 or M2210 to the XLR input connector of the XL2. • Unfold the stand and rest the XL2 on a fl at surface.

16 Getting Started

Audio Measurements: XLR Connection Audio Measurements: RCA Connection • Connect the instrument to your audio device with a XLR • Connect the instrument to your audio device with a RCA cable. (cinch) cable. • Select the XLR input in the menu. • Select the RCA input in the menu.

17 Basic Operation

3. Basic Operation Instrument Settings

Switching the XL2 On and Off • To select the required measurement function, navigate to the main menu bar with the rotary wheel and confirm Switching the XL2 On with enter .

• Press the power button to switch the XL2 on.  The main menu window will open.

 There will be a short sound of relays and the display will illuminate.

Switching the XL2 Off

• Press the power button and hold it down for one second to switch the XL2 off.

• Scroll up/down with the rotary wheel to select the function required. • Confirm the selection with enter .

 The measurement function is selected.

18 Basic Operation

Setting parameters using the rotary wheel

• Turn the rotary wheel to navigate within the display screen.

 The selected parameter will be highlighted with a black bar.

• Confirm your choice with the enter button .

 The parameter display flashes, available parameters or settings are shown.

• Turn the rotary wheel to set the parameter or toggle with the enter button through the settings. • Confirm the setting with the enter button .

 Now the parameter is set.

19 Basic Operation

System Settings

The various system settings of the instrument can be adjusted Display Contrast Setting as follows: Navigate to the main menu and select System via the rotary wheel and confirm with enter . • Hold down the escape button and turn the rotary wheel to reach the desired contrast.

System Settings Page System Information Page

1 2

3 10 4 11 5 12 6

7 8 9

20 Basic Operation

2 Page Selector 4 Backlight Switches between the system setting page and the system Select between Auto and Manual. information page. Alternatively press the page button . Auto The backlight will be switched on automati- 3 Power Save cally during operation, and dims after the se- The power save function switches the instrument off when lected period without key pressing. no button has been pressed within the selected time period. Manual The background lighting is switched on and dimmed with the power/backlight button. • Use the rotary wheel to navigate to the Power Save function 3 . • Confirm the selection with the enter button • Navigate to the backlight 4 function with the rotary wheel .  The display starts to flash. • Press enter . • Press escape to confirm the backlight setting. • Turn the rotary wheel to set the desired time. • Confirm the entry with the enter button .  The backlight function is set

 The automated switch-off time is set. The dimmed backlight uses a minimum The power save mode is disabled when a measurement is power. running or when an external mains power supply is used.

21 Basic Operation

5 Speaker 7 Select Profile at Power-up Enables/disables the rear speaker. For example the rear The XL2 may start up with individual preset application speaker is recommended to be disabled for all acoustic profiles, e.g. for sound level monitoring according to DIN measurement. This prevents measuring the sound gener- 15905 or SLV 2007. ated by the XL2 itself after accidentally activating the rear speaker. Ye s The instrument will startup with default application profiles. Further details about the application pro- 6 Date / Time files in the chapter “Profiles”. The XL2 includes a real time clock. All measurements are logged with a date and time stamp.

Set the real time clock as follows: • Select the Date function 5 with the rotary wheel . • Press the enter button and set the year with the rotary wheel . • Press the enter button and set the month with the rotary wheel . • Press the enter button and set the day with the rotary wheel . • Follow the same procedure for Time.

 You have set the real time clock.

No The instrument will startup in the last configuration without any application profiles.

22 Basic Operation

8 Phantom Power 10 Firmware You can select if the phantom power shall be activated or Displays of the firmware version number 10 (for updating disabled at powering up the XL2. the firmware to the latest version see the chapter “Firm- ware Update of XL2”). Off The phantom power is switched off at powering up the XL2, e.g. applicable 11 Serial Number at commonly carried out line measure- Displays the instrument’s serial number 11 . ments. 12 Options Remember The XL2 remembers the last setting prior Displays the installed XL2 options. shutting off. (= default setting) Hide options 9 Decimal Separator Required for generating templates of measurement setups For transferring the measurement data to the PC and for (=profiles): generating test result reports the decimal separator default In case the profile is exported from to an XL2 Analyzer with should match your PC settings. This simplifies the data im- enabled options (“Extended Acoustic Pack” or “STI-PA”) port to the PC. and shall be imported to another XL2 Analyzer without installed options, then these options have to be hidden prior • Navigate to the Dec. Separator function 7 with the storing the profile: rotary wheel . • Select in the exporting XL2 system menu Hide Options: • Toggle between “ . ” and “ , ” with enter . Until restart and store the profile. • Press escape to confirm the setting.

 The decimal separator is set.

23 Sound Level Meter

4. Sound Level Meter

The XL2 provides together with the measurement microphone Extended Acoustic Pack (optional) a precise sound level meter for monitoring of live sound events, The Extended Acoustic Pack offers the following additional fea- environmental noise. tures for sound level- and acoustical measurements:

For example Actual, Lmin, Lmax, Leq are measured with fre- • Percentiles: 1%, 5%, 10%, 50%, 90%, 95%, 99% quency weighting A, C, Z and time weightings F and S at the • Time weighting: Impulse same time. All measurement results are simultaneously avail- • Sound Pressure Levels LIeq, Sound Exposure Level LAE able. Customers may log all acquired level information onto a • Clock-Impulse Maximum Level (TaktMax) and values as removable Mini-SD card including real time information. Addi- specified in DIN 45645-1 tionally the XL2 offers wav-file recording for a complete docu- • Recording of wav-files (24 bit, 48 kHz) mentation of the measured sound pressure levels, as well voice • High-resolution Zoom-FFT with selectable frequency ranges notes might be added for each measurement. The accuracy of and resolution up to 0.4 Hz in the range of 5 Hz - 20 kHz the XL2 exceeds IEC 61672-1, class 1. The XL2 measures correction values between the loudest point of the live event and the actual measurement positions according DIN 15905-5 and SLV 2007.

In addition to the wide band parameters the XL2 measures in parallel the real time spectrum either in 1/1 or 1/3 octave-band resolution. The RTA perfectly suits tasks, such as optimizing of sound systems

24 Sound Level Meter

The sound level meter offers different pages: Sound Level Meter Displays the selected broadband sound level results. Page Selection using the Page Button You can change the font size of the result, thus the • Press the page button to toggle between the numeric XL2 shows 3 or 5 results simultaneously. Individual result page and the RTA page. frequency weighting, time weighting, actual, minimum, maximum and correction values can be cho- Page Selection using the Rotary Wheel sen for each displayed result. • Select the icon beside SLMeter and press enter . • Select the sound level page with the rotary wheel . RTA Real Time Spectrum • Press enter to confirm the selection. Displays the 1/3 or 1/1 octave spectrum of the selected sound level within the audio band. Additionally the wide band result is shown graphically by a bar.

Correction Value This page is applicable for compliant sound level monitoring of live events. It measures the correction values between the actual measurement position and the loudest accessible position by the audience. The XL2 displays and logs the selected sound pressure levels including the correction values, thus the sound engineer knows the sound level at the loudest position in the audience. The measurement meets the requirements of the standards DIN15905-5 and SLV 2007. For details refer to chapter “Correction Value KSET”.  You have selected the individual sound level meter page.

25 Sound Level Meter

Logging Page Limit Setting XL2 features a powerful sound level meter data log- Here you may set the function of the limit LED , ger, which allows you to record all required sound thus the XL2 highlights any sound level exceeding level values during the selected period of time. In the pre-set limit in orange or red color. the logging page you may set which sound pressure levels shall be logged over time. You may choose be- Secondly external peripherals are controlled by the tween optional Serial I/O Interface based on the sound level, such as displaying exceeding sound levels on a big ALL Logs all available sound pressure levels external red-orange-green lamp.

Selective Logs up to 10 different individual de- For details refer to chapter “Limit Setting”. fined sound pressure levels.

For details refer to chapter “Logging”.

Report Setting Here you may set which sound pressure levels shall be stored after the completed measurement in a txt- file. You may choose between

ALL Stores all available sound pressure levels

Selective Stores up to 10 different individual defined sound pressure levels.

For details refer to chapter “Report”.

26 Sound Level Meter

Overview

Numeric Result Page Real Time Analyzer Page The numeric result page displays the selected broadband The real time analyzer page RTA measures and displays sound level results. You can change the font size of the result, the 1/3 or 1/1 octave spectrum from 6.3 Hz to 20 kHz including thus the XL2 shows three or five results simultaneously. Indi- wideband results. The real time spectrum RTA is measured in vidual frequency weighting, time weighting, actual, minimum, parallel with the wideband sound levels. maximum and correction values can be chosen for each displayed result. 9

14 1 10

11 13 2

3 12 8 7

4 5 6

27 Sound Level Meter

1 Sound Level Result 1 4 Input Range All sound levels are measured and logged simultaneously. The XL2 Analyzer provides three input ranges to accom- You may select the displayed sound levels. modate the wide range of input signals. The individual ranges are based on the microphone sensitivity setting in the Change Parameter calibration menu of your XL2. For example at a sensitivity • Select with the rotary wheel the parameter Lxx. S=20mV/Pa the the input ranges are • Press the enter button to open the selection menu • Lower range: 10 - 110 dBSPL to choose the wideband sound pressure level to be dis- • Middle range: 30 - 130 dBSPL played. • Upper range: 50 - 150 dBSPL • Select with the rotary wheel the required test result parameters and confirm with the enter button . Select the lowest possible input range according to the maximum expected level during the measurement, e.g. in Change Font Size case the sound pressure will be below 110 dBSPL, then • Select with the rotary wheel the actual test result. select the lowest input range 10 - 110 dBSPL. • Press the enter button 1x, 2x or 3x to set the font size to small, medium or large.

The XL2 shows 3 or 5 sound levels simultaneously on the display based on the font size.

2 Sound Level Result 2 Follow the setting of sound level result 1.

3 Sound Level Result 3 Follow the setting of sound level result 1.

28 Sound Level Meter

5 Error Indication 6 Run Indication The run indication shows the measurement status running, OVR Overload paused or stopped. Various measurement settings are The error message OVR is displayed in case of locked during ongoing measurements, such as input rang- • The measured sound pressure level either ing or preset measurement time. exceeds the pre-set measurement range during the measurement period. Once hap- 7 pened the OVR indication remains displayed Actual Measurement Time for the complete measurement period -> set Counts actual measurement time in hrs:min:sec. Supports the next higher measurement range. setting of time modes: continuous, single, repeat or syn- • The measured sound pressure level is near chronized repeat in SLMeter mode. the maximum level of the connected NTi Au- dio measurement microphone. Timer Mode Continuous LOW Input level too low (applicable for standard measurements) The error message LOW is displayed in case of All values are recorded and monitored continuous- • The measured sound pressure level is below ly after starting a measurement with the start but- the pre-set measurement range; in this case ton . The actual measurement time is shown. the shown results are most likely higher than the actual measured sound pressure level -> Timer Mode Single set the next higher measurement range. Automatically stops the measurement after the • The measured sound pressure level is near pre-set measurement time. the residual noise of the connected NTi • Set the required measurement time. Audio measurement microphone, thus the • Start the measurement . measurement accuracy reduces.

29 Sound Level Meter

 The actual measurement time counts back to Timer Mode Repeat Synchronized zero and the measurement ends. Provides automated repeated measurements synchronized to the XL2 real time clock. The mea- • All measurement results may be recalled. surement begins by pressing the start button . In order to align the selected preset measurement Timer Mode Repeat time with the real time clock, the XL2 shortens Provides automated repeated measurements with the first cycle to match the real time clock syn- user defined preset measurement time cycles. chronization. All following measurement cycles • Set the required measurement time. are synchronized to the real time clock. • Press the start button . For example the cycle time setting is 30 minutes  The actual measurement time counts back and the measurement starts at 7.50 a.m. -> the to zero. As the preset measurement time is first test cycle measures from 7.50 - 8.00 a.m. elapsed, the measurement time and the mea- Thereafter a new test cycle starts automatically surement results are reset and a new mea- for 30 minutes, which continues in the repeated surement is started. All measurement results mode until the measurement is stopped. of the previous cycle are reset. The synchronized repeat timer mode is applicable For consecutive storage of all measurement cycles at measurements for DIN 15905, thus the mea- select in the Rep page the parameter AutoSave surement starts exactly at the half or full hour. On, thus each individual cycle result is automatically stored to the Mini-SD card. 8 Preset Measurement Time Adjustment of preset measurement time for single and repeat timer setting.

30 Sound Level Meter

9 Phantom Power of Microphone 12 X-Scale setting The XL2 reads the electronic data sheet of the connect- Toggles X-scale range between ed microphones M4260 or M2210 and switches the 48 V phantom power automatically on as follows: 20 Hz - 20 kHz RTA levels including wide band results • Connect the measurement microphone to the XL2. • Switch the XL2 on by the on/off button . 6.3 Hz - 8 kHz RTA levels including wide band results

 The XL2 reads the electronic data sheet of the connect- 6.3 Hz - 20 kHz RTA levels without wide band results ed microphone. The 48V phantom power indication in the upper menu bar changes to ASD. The XL2 is ready 13 Broadband Results for acoustical measurements. A A-weighted broadband sound pressure level 10 Y-Scale setting • Select the zoom factor between 20, 10, 5, 2.5 dB/div Z Broadband sound pressure level without any fre- • Confirm the setting with enter button . quency weighting • Scroll up and down with the rotary wheel , thus selecting the displayed Y-axis range. • Press enter to confirm the settings.

11 RTA Measurement Result Real time analyzer results in 1/1 octave or 1/3 octave band resolution. Adjust the resolution at 15 .

31 Sound Level Meter

The XL2 offers two individual read out values for a preset 14 Cursor Readout and Display Setting Lxx: Actual level result of the indicated frequency band in the RTA page. The cursor readout displays the center frequen- Test results shown with dashes in the RTA cy and the level of the band pointed to by the arrow. The graph. cursor automatically follows the highest level band in the spectrum. Test results shown with bars in the RTA graph.

Alternatively the cursor readout may be controlled manually: 15 Setting of Test Result Resolution • Select the arrow next to the frequency read out field and Set the RTA result display to 1/1 octave or 1/3 octave band press the enter button . resolution as follows: • Select with the rotary wheel the parameter 15 .  The arrow is flashing. • Press the enter button to toggle between 1/1 OCT and 1/3 OCT. • Select the frequency with the rotary wheel . • Press the escape button to confirm your setting.

 The cursor readout 14 displays the reading of the selected band.

• Press enter . The cursor returns to the frequency with highest level bar.

32 Sound Level Meter

Error Indications

Numeric Result Page

Real Time Analyzer Page

The limit arrows indicate overload. This might be caused of • The measured sound pressure level either exceeds the preset measurement range during the measurement period. Once happened the OVR indication remains displayed for • The measured sound pressure level is near the maximum the complete measurement period -> set the next higher level of the connected NTi Audio measurement micro- measurement range or reduce the input signal level as ap- phone. plicable.

33 Sound Level Meter

Correction Value KSET How to Measure the Correction Value

The loudest point of the audience area has to be measured • Play a pink noise signal at the typical sound pressure level of at live event monitoring. The XL2 is commonly positioned at a the live event. The pink noise signal is generated e.g. by the convenient accessible location, e.g. front of house. In order to Minirator or the NTi Audio Test CD. display the sound pressure level at the loudest point in such • Position the XL2 in the audience at the point with the high- applications does the XL2 measure the difference between the est sound pressure level. loudest position and the actual measurement position. Thus • Select with the rotary wheel the parameter RUN next to during the live event the sound pressure level of the loudest Audience and press the enter button . point is displayed and recorded automatically. This ensures that all attendees to the concert enjoy sound pressure levels within the permitted limits.

Loudest audience area Audience <----- Position

SPL difference = k1, k2

• The timer counts from 5 seconds down to zero and the FOH Measurement Position sound level measurement is carried out automatically.

34 Sound Level Meter

• Position the XL2 at the measurement point used during the • The correction values k1 and k2 are calculated and displayed live event. including date and time according to DIN15905. • Select with the rotary wheel the parameter RUN next to Measure and press the enter button . • The timer counts from 5 seconds down to zero and the sound level measurement is carried out automatically.

35 Sound Level Meter

Manual Setting of Correction Values

You may fine tune the correction values k1 and k2 manually. • Set the correction value with the rotary wheel . Such fine tuning will add the remark “Manually Adjusted” in the log file.  The note “Manually Adjusted” is displayed at 2 .

• To undo the manual setting select with the rotary wheel the parameter UNDO at 2 . • Confirm by pressing the enter button .

1 2

• Select with the rotary wheel the correction value 1 and press the enter button .

 The selected correction value starts flashing.

36 Sound Level Meter

Logging 1 Logging On/Off The XL2 features a powerful sound level meter data logger, Select Logging with the rotary wheel and enable/dis- which allows you to record all required sound level values dur- able the automated logging of test results by pressing the ing the selected period of time. All results are logged onto the enter button . Mini-SD card. The measurement results can be loaded to PC for documentation and visualization. The LOG menu offers the 2 Interval Dt detailed setup of the log report. Adjust the logging interval.

3 Add Spectra 7 Select Ye s to log additionally the RTA spectrum at each logging interval.

4 Log Audio 1 The XL2 logs audio data as wav-file. For more details read 2 the chapter “Wave File Recording”. 3 4 24Bit_48kHz Optional: Audio logging in 24 bit, 5 48 kHz resolution; part of the optional 6 Extended Acoustic Pack

Compressed Audio logging in ADPCM form

Off Audio logging is off

37 Sound Level Meter

Wav-File Recording 5 Log Value Setting You may choose between the following result logging: The XL2 records wav-files of the measured input signal. The default wav-file format is ADPCM compressed. Optionally ALL Logs all available sound pressure levels with- uncompressed wav-file logging in 24 bit, 48kHz resolution is out correction values. available as part of the optional Extended Acoustic Pack. All wav-files are stored on the Mini-SD card. Selected Logs a subset of up to 10 different sound pressure levels, selected sound levels may Sample name of wav-file: include correction values. MyTest_SLM_000_Audio_FS133.0dB(PK)_00.wav

• Select Log Values with the rotary wheel . • Press enter to toggle between All and Selected. 1 2 3 4 5

6 Selected Log Values By setting Selected at 5 up to 10 individual log values can 1 MyTest be chosen. File name defined by user. • Select the first valueLxx with the rotary wheel and press the enter button . 2 SLM Measurement function.  The pop up window for level selection shows up. • Select the logging level with the rotary wheel and 3 000 confirm with the enter button . Automatically incrementing file number.

7 Display of Ongoing Logging 4 Audio_FS133.0dB(PK) A flashing LOG indicates an ongoing data logging. Audio file with full scale peak level of wav-file.

38 Sound Level Meter

The XL2 Analyzer provides three input ranges to accommo- 5 00 date the wide range of input signals. The dynamic range of the The XL2 analyzer generates a new wav-file after each hour recorded wav-file is set according the selected input range. of recording, thus this number increments automatically. In The full scale peak level is e.g. at a microphone sensitivity of this way the individual wav-file size remains small for easier S= 20 mV/Pa: handling on the computer.

Range Name Range Level Full scale peak level The advantage of wav-file recordings is to identify and document sound sources after the measurement, e.g.: At a live Lower range 10 - 110 dBSPL 117.8 dBSPL event an excessive peak level has been measured and logged. Actually this peak level has been caused by shouting persons Middle range 30 - 130 dBSPL 135.9 dBSPL nearby the measurement microphone, thus not caused by the actual monitored audio system. The recorded wave file will Upper range 50 - 150 dBSPL 159.9 dBSPL prove this and test results can be post processed. Another example is environmental noise monitoring: Listening to the recorded wave file after the measurement may help to determine the predominant sound source. The XL2 Analyzer preserves the original absolute test signal level in the recorded wav-file. Select the lowest possible input range according to the maximum expected level during the measurement, e.g. in case the sound pressure In case of any ongoing measurement is paused will be below 110 dBSPL, then select the lowest , the XL2 continuous the recording of wav- input range 10 - 110 dBSPL. files during the paused period. The logged data and audio data can be synchronized using the stored real time information.

39 Sound Level Meter

Reporting 1 Add Spectra A report saves the conducted measurements onto the installed Mini-SD card. You may even set the sound pressure levels to No No RTA results are included in the measure- be stored in the report after the measurement is completed. ment report.

Leq The RTA sound level Leq is included in the 4 measurement report.

Leq, The RTA sound levels Leq, Lmin, Lmax are Lmax, included in the measurement report. Lmin 1 All All RTA sound levels are included in the measurement report. 2 3

40 Sound Level Meter

2 Report Values You may choose between the following result reporting:

ALL Records all available sound pressure levels without correction values.

Selected Records a subset of up to 10 different sound pressure levels, selected sound levels may include correction values.

• Select Report Values with the rotary wheel . • Press enter to toggle between All or Selected.

3 Selected Report Values • By setting Selected at 2 up to 10 individual report values can be chosen. Select the first valueLxx with the rotary wheel and press the enter button .

 The pop up window for level selection shows up.

• Select the reporting level with the rotary wheel and confirm with the enter button .

4 Display of Non-Saved Reports A flashing ? indicates an non-saved measurement report.

41 Sound Level Meter

Limit Setting 1 Limit LED On/Off The limit page offers two functions: Select Limit LED with the rotary wheel and enable/dis- • Setup of limit LED function, thus the XL2 highlights any able the limit function by pressing the enter button . sound level exceeding the pre-set limit in orange or red col- or. The default color is green. 2 Sound Level 1 • Limit parameter setup for external Digital I/O Box, which You may select one or two sound levels for the limit LED connects to the digital I/O interface. The Digital I/O Box is an indication . optional accessory for the XL2 analyzer. It serves the control • Select the sound level field 2 with the rotary wheel . of any external peripherals, such as displaying exceeding • Press enter and select the sound level for the limit sound levels on a big external red-orange-green lamp. LED indication.

3 Selected Sound Level Values Set the sound level values for the limit LED here. • Select the first sound level in 3 with the rotary wheel 1 and press the enter button . 2 4 • Set the sound level value with the rotary wheel and

3 confirm with the enter button .

4 Sound Level 2 5 Follow the above setting of sound level 1. 6 8 5 I/O Box On/Off 7 Select I/O Box with the rotary wheel and enable/disable the limit function by pressing the enter button .

42 Sound Level Meter

6 Sound Level 3 You may setup one or two sound levels for the control of the external Serial I/O Box. • Select the sound level field 5 with the rotary wheel . • Press enter and select the sound level for the control of the external Serial I/O Box.

7 Selected Sound Level Values Set the sound level values for the control of the external Serial I/O Box here. • Select the first sound level in 6 with the rotary wheel and press the enter button . • Set the sound level value with the rotary wheel and confirm with the enter button .

8 Sound Level 4 Follow the above setting of sound level 3. The sound level 4 may be combined with sound level 3 with and/or combi- nations, resulting in sound level ranges. Alternatively other sound pressure levels can be selected for the control of the external Serial I/O Box.

43 Sound Level Meter

Sound Level Meter - Getting Started Select Displayed Test Result This example describes the setting of the commonly used ac- Test Preparations tual sound pressure level LAF (frequency weighting A, time The XL2 reads the electronic data sheet of the connected mi- weighting F). crophones M4260 or M2210 and switches the 48 V phantom power automatically on as follows: • Select the first parameter setting with the rotary wheel . • Connect the measurement microphone to the XL2. • Press enter to confirm the selection. • Switch the XL2 on by the on/off button .

 The XL2 reads the electronic data sheet of the connected microphone. The 48V phantom power indication in the upper menu bar changes to ASD. The XL2 is ready for acoustical measurements.

• Position the XL2 at the measurement location, e.g. using a microphone stand. • Select the SLMeter function in the measurement menu and toggle with the page button to the numeric result page.

All wideband- and RTA levels are measured and logged simultaneously. You may select the dis- Sound levels results indicated with ---- will be played sound levels. measured and displayed upon pressing the start button .

44 Sound Level Meter

Select Frequency Weighting Select Time Weighting

 The pop-up window FREQ WEIGHTING shows up.  The pop-up window extends with Time Weighting.

• Select the frequency weighting A. • Select the required time weighting, e.g. F (=Fast).

Pop up windows shown at installed Extended Acoustic Option • Press enter to confirm the setting.

• Press enter to confirm the setting.

45 Sound Level Meter

Select Parameter Select Correction Value

 The pop-up window extends with Parameter settings.  The pop-up window extends with Correction settings.

• Select the parameter live. • Select the parameter off.

• Press enter to confirm the setting. • Press enter to confirm the setting.

46 Sound Level Meter

Select further Sound Levels Select Input Range • Select the lowest possible input range according to the  The pop up window closes and the measured sound pres- maximum expected level during the measurement. Wrong sure level LAF is displayed. input ranges are indicated by a flashing LOW or OVR message in the lower menu bar. • Select the input range RNGE and press enter . • Turn the rotary wheel for setting of the applicable input range and confirm your setting with pressing enter .

• Select further sound pressure levels as described before, e.g. Leq and LAFmax.

The numeric result page and the real time analyzer page use the same input range.

47 Sound Level Meter

Start Measurement Stop the Measurement • The XL2 is ready to measure the sound levels LAF, Leq and • Stop the measurement by pressing the stop button . LAFmax. • Press the start button .

 The run indication switches to running. The integrated sound pressure level over time Leq and the maximum level in the measurement period LAFmax are displayed. The parameter LOG is flashing in the Mini-SD card field. In case of any preset audio recording the parameter AUD is flashing in the Mini-SD card field.

48 Sound Level Meter

Save the Measurement Result • Select the Mini-SD card symbol with the rotary wheel and confirm with enter . The XL2 stores the numeric sound pressure levels and the real time analyzer results simul-  The memory menu opens. Save Test is preselected. taneously.

 The sound pressure level measurement is completed.

• Press the enter button to store the test results as ASCII- file or select Save Screenshot to store the screenshot.

49 Sound Level Meter

RTA Measurement - Getting Started RTA Configuration The XL2 displays two different sound pressure levels at the Test Preparations same time. You can personalize the displayed test results and The XL2 reads the electronic data sheet of the connected mi- numeric read out values as follows e.g. LZFmax and LZF. crophones M4260 or M2210 and switches the 48 V phantom power automatically on as follows: • Ensure no other measurement is going on. The run indica- • Connect the measurement microphone to the XL2. tion shall display the stop symbol. • Switch the XL2 on by the on/off button . • Select the LZF value with the rotary wheel .

 The XL2 reads the electronic data sheet of the connected microphone. The 48V phantom power indication in the upper menu bar changes to ASD. The XL2 is ready for acoustical measurements.

• Position the XL2 at the measurement location, e.g. using a microphone stand. • Select the SLMeter function in the measurement menu and toggle with the page button to the real time analyzer page.

All wideband- and RTA levels are measured and logged simultaneously. You may select the displayed sound levels. • Press the enter button .

50 Sound Level Meter

Select RTA Frequency Weighting Select RTA Time Weighting

 The pop-up window FREQ WEIGHTING shows up.  The pop-up window extends with Time Weighting.

• Select the frequency weighting Z. • Select the required time weighting, e.g. F (=Fast).

• Press enter to confirm the setting.

Sound levels results indicated with ---- will be • Press enter to confirm the setting. measured and displayed upon pressing the start button .

51 Sound Level Meter

Select Upper RTA Parameter Select Lower RTA Parameter • Select the parameter shown right of the upper LZF value • Select the parameter shown right of the lower LZF value with the rotary wheel , e.g. max. with the rotary wheel , e.g. live. • Press the enter button . • Press the enter button .

 The pop-up window Parameter shows up.  The pop-up window Parameter shows up.

• Select the parameter max. • Select the parameter live.

• Press enter to confirm the setting. • Press enter to confirm the setting.

52 Sound Level Meter

Select Input Range Start RTA Measurement • Select the lowest possible input range according to the • The XL2 is ready to display the measured sound pressure maximum expected level during the measurement. Wrong levels LZFmax and LZF. input ranges are indicated by a flashing LOW or OVR mes- • Press the start button . sage in the lower menu bar. • Select the input range RNGE and press enter .  The run indication switches to running. The actual sound • Turn the rotary wheel for setting of the applicable input level LZFlive and the maximum level LAFmax are displayed. range and confirm your setting with pressing enter . The parameter LOG is flashing in the Mini-SD card field. In case of any preset audio recording the parameter AUD is flashing in the Mini-SD card field.

The numeric result page and the real time analyzer page use the same input range.

53 Sound Level Meter

Stop the RTA Measurement Save the RTA Measurement Result • Stop the measurement by pressing the stop button . • Select the Mini-SD card symbol with the rotary wheel and confirm with enter .

 The memory menu opens.

The XL2 stores the numeric sound pressure levels and the real time analyzer results simul- • Press the enter button to store the test results as ASCII- taneously. file or select Save Screenshot to store the screenshot.

 The RTA measurement is completed.

54 FFT Analysis

5. Acoustical Analyzer FFT Analysis

The XL2 Audio and Acoustic Analyzer offers besides the com- The FFT measurement is the ideal tool for visualization of comb prehensive sound level meter also the following acoustical filters and narrow band effects. It allows a detailed investiga- measurement functions: tion of the frequency response in audio systems. The XL2 includes an extremely fast, real-time FFT. The display shows 142 • FFT Analysis bins simultaneously. • Reverberation Time RT60 • Polarity • Delay time 10 9 • Speech intelligibility (optional)

8 1 7

4 5

55 FFT Analysis

1 FFT Measurement Result 5 Run Indication The XL2 offers two individual read out values LZF (no fre- This icons indicates a running, paused or stopped measure- quency weighting, fast time weighting) ment status.

Test result of LZeq, averaged sound pressure level 6 Actual Measurement Time over time Counts actual measurement time in hrs:min:sec.

Test result of LZFlive, actual sound pressure level 7 Readout Frequency Selectable frequency to read out the individual FFT level. 2 Y-Scale setting The selected frequency is pointed by the cursor arrow. The • Select the zoom factor between 20, 10, 5, 2.5 dB/div cursor automatically follows the highest FFT level. and confirm the setting with enter button . • Scroll up and down with the rotary wheel , thus se- The cursor readout may be controlled manually: lecting the displayed Y-axis range. • Select the arrow next to the frequency read out field and • Press enter to confirm the settings. press the enter button .

3 FFT Measurement Result  The arrow is flashing. Displays the actual and averaged FFT measurement results. • Select the frequency with the rotary wheel .

4 Input Range  The cursor readout 14 displays the reading of the se- Select between the lower, mid and upper input range. The lected band. exact range depends on the microphone sensitivity setting in the calibration menu of your XL2. The input range setting • Press enter . The cursor returns to the frequency with is disabled during ongoing measurements. the highest level bar.

56 FFT Analysis

8 Zoom Mode 10 Page Selector X-Scale Setting (applicable with the optional Extended Acoustic Package) Select the X-scale range between

• Select the read out frequency 7 and press the enter 20k Shows FFT result of the frequency range. button . 484.38 Hz - 20.594 kHz in a resolution of 141.62 • The zoom mode is displayed above the flashing arrow. Hz with 142 bins shown on the display. • Select the zoom-in frequency with the rotary wheel . • Press the limit button and zoom with the rotary wheel 1k7 Shows FFT result of the frequency range. in or out in the linear frequency scale. 58 Hz - 1.722 kHz in a resolution of 11.72 Hz with • Press the limit button and scroll with the rotary wheel 142 bins shown on the display. left or right in the linear frequency scale. 200 Shows FFT result of the frequency range. 9 Phantom Power of Microphone 7 Hz - 215.01 Hz in a resolution of 1.47 Hz with 142 The XL2 reads the electronic data sheet of the connect- bins shown on the display. ed microphones M4260 or M2210 and switches the 48 V phantom power automatically on as follows: usr Customized zoom mode • Connect the measurement microphone to the XL2. (applicable with optional Extended Acoustic Pack) • Switch the XL2 on by the on/off button . 5 Hz - 20 kHz in zoom mode with a minimum resolution of 0.366 Hz and 142 bins shown on the  The XL2 reads the electronic data sheet of the connect- display. ed microphone. The 48V phantom power indication in the upper menu bar changes to ASD. The XL2 is ready The page key toggles between these display modes. for acoustical measurements.

57 FFT Analysis

FFT Analysis - Getting Started Select FFT Input Range • Select the lowest possible input range according to the Test Preparations maximum expected level during the measurement. Wrong • Connect the measurement microphone to the XL2. input ranges are indicated by a flashing LOW or OVR mes- • Switch the XL2 on by the on/off button . sage in the lower menu bar. • Select the input range RNGE and press enter .  The XL2 reads the electronic data sheet of the connected • Turn the rotary wheel for setting of the applicable input microphone. The 48V phantom power indication in the up- range and confirm your setting with pressing enter . per menu bar changes to ASD. The XL2 is ready for acoustical measurements.

• Position the XL2 at the measurement location, e.g. using a microphone stand.

58 FFT Analysis

Start and Stop the FFT Measurement Save the FFT Measurement Result • The XL2 is ready to display the measured sound pressure • Select the Mini-SD card symbol with the rotary wheel levels LZeq and LZF live. and confirm with enter . • Press the start button . This starts the measurement of the integrated sound level LZeq.  The memory menu opens.

 RUN flashes at the memory symbol.

• Stop the measurement by pressing the stop button .

• Press the enter button to store the test results as ASCII- file or select Save Screenshot to store the screenshot.

 The LZeq and LZeq are measured simultaneously.  The FFT measurement is completed.

59 Reverberation Time RT60

Reverberation Time RT60 RT60 Run Page The XL2 measures the energy decay from 63 Hz to 8 kHz by the Schroeder method. As test signal serves either an impulse source or a gated pink noise. 11 10

What is Reverberation Time RT60? Reverberation time RT60 is the time required for the sound pressure level to decrease by 60 dB after the sound stimulus 1 9 signal is stopped. Since ambient noise often defeats measure- 8 ments of 60 dB level decrease in practice, the RT60 results are measured as T20 reverberation time results, thus a decrease of 20 dB is measured. This requires a measurement signal-noise 7 ratio of only 35 dB, whereby the 35 dB are derived by the 20 dB decay together with 5 dB upper- and 10 dB lower noise range 6 within each octave band.

2 5 4

60 Reverberation Time RT60

RT60 Average Result Page RT60 Cycle Result Page

17 21 16 12 20 13 18 14

61 Reverberation Time RT60

1 Set Level Markers 4 Measurement Status STAT Prior conducting a reverberation time measurement the en- Displays the actual measurement status. Start and stop the vironmental noise is measured, thus setting the required reverberation time measurement by pressing the XL2 start/ energy level of the test signal. stop button . The following status information might be displayed: • Select SET and press the enter button to measure the actual environmental noise. ARMED Measurement is waiting for the test signal exceeding at least one measurement trigger  The required level marker appears in grey color. marker, thus the measurement will be trig- gered automatically. 2 Input Range Select between the lower, mid and upper input range. The NOISE Test signal exceeds the trigger marker. exact ranges depend on the microphone sensitivity setting in the calibration menu of your XL2. DECAY Ongoing decay of the test signal.

3 Run Indication PAUSE The measurement has been paused by press- This icons displays the running and stop status of the re- ing the pause button . verberation time measurement. It is controlled by the start/ stop button . STOP No RT60 measurement is presently carried out.

5 Average AVRG Counts the measurement cycles. At using a gated noise test signal a minimum of 3 cycles are recommended to be carried out sequentially.

62 Reverberation Time RT60

6 Actual Real Time Spectrum 10 Phantom Power of Microphone The black bars indicate the actual background noise. At set- The XL2 reads the electronic data sheet of the connect- ting up the reverberation time measurement you may in- ed microphones M4260 or M2210 and switches the 48 V crease the test signal level, thus the black bars exceed the phantom power automatically on as follows: grey bars completely. • Connect the measurement microphone to the XL2. • Switch the XL2 on by the on/off button . 7 Level Marker The grey bars indicate the required noise level for the re-  The XL2 reads the electronic data sheet of the connect- verberation time measurements in each octave band. The ed microphone. The 48V phantom power indication in marker has a length of 35dB, which can be obtained by the upper menu bar changes to ASD. The XL2 is ready • Selecting SET 1 with the rotary wheel . for acoustical measurements. • Press enter to measure the environmental noise in the silent room.

8 Band Status Indicates a successful reverberation time measurement at the individual octave band.

9 Measurement Resolution Reverberation time measurement selectable in 1/3 octave or 1/1 octave band resolution.

63 Reverberation Time RT60

11 Page Selector RT60 13 Uncertainty Factor Select between the RT60 run page and the test result The uncertainty factor is displayed in the RT60 average page. result page. It indicates the uncertainty of the averaged measurement results. The uncertainty factor depends on RT60 run page the measured reverberation time, the cycles and the bandwidth of the individual frequency band, thus lower bands will show a higher uncertainty factor. The uncertainty fac- RT60 result page. Toggle with the measurement tor reduces as more cycles are measured. The number of result selection 16 between measurement cycles is displayed at 5 .

AVRG RT60 average result page 14 Overall Reverberation Time Test Result Read out of reverberation time and uncertainty factor 12 . CYC xx RT60 cycle result page Measurement results uncertainty. For more details Last Last RT60 cycle result page see 12 .

The page button toggles between these displays. Reverberation time measurement results.

12 Y-Axis Reverberation Time 15 X-Axis Reverberation time in seconds. The scaling is automatically RT60 Octave Bands 63Hz - 8 kHz adjusted. 16 Cursor Readout Select the individual frequency band and read out the following numeric measurement results • Uncertainty factor in % or correlation in %. • Reverberation RT60 of the selected frequency band.

64 Reverberation Time RT60

17 Measurement Result Selection 18 Correlation Factor in % The RT60 measurement function enables consecutive re- The correlation factor will be 100% for perfect linear sound verberation time measurements within one test sequence. pressure level decay after the sound source has ceased. An averaged test result of all measurements is automati- The natural deviation from the linearity results in lower cally calculated. correlation values. The correlation factor is typically 80 - 100%. Select CYC and toggle with the rotary wheel through the individual test result cycles showing 19 Cycle Reverberation Time Test Result Read out of cycle reverberation time and correlation factor Last Last Test Result 17 at selection 16 = CYC xx or Last. Displays the result of last measurement cycle. Correlation Factor. For more details see 17 . xx Single Test Cycle Results The individual single test results are marked Reverberation time measurement result of individ- with CYC xx, where xx is an incriminating num- ual displayed cycle. ber. You may delete individual test results thus the averaged reverberation time result uses only 20 Y-Axis Correlation Factor the remaining valid measurements. Delete cycle The right Y-axis shows the correlation factor in %. The cor- results as follows: relation factor Y-axis is displayed at test result selection is • Select DEL with the rotary wheel CYC xx or Last. Further details at 17 . • Confirm with the enter button . 21 Delete Cycle Results AVRG Averaged Test Result Individual cycle results may be deleted, thus they are not The averaged test results of all taken measure- used for the calculation of the AVRG result. ments are calculated and displayed.

65 Reverberation Time RT60

RT60 Measurement - Getting Started Test Signals The sound source shall be as omni-directional Test Signal: Pink Noise as possible. As test signal serves either an im- The room under test is injected with a pink noise signal through pulse source or gated pink noise. an omni-directional speaker. The sound source has to be active until balance between injected and absorbed acoustical energy • Gated pink noise has been reached. Then the source signal has to be stopped. Various gated pink noise test signals with dif- The XL2 recognizes this interruption, triggers, measures the ferent on/off time are offered by the accompa- decay time and calculates the reverberation time automati- nying NTi Audio Test CD or the Minirator signal cally. generator. Test Signal: Impulse • Impulse The room under test is injected by an impulse sound source The trigger signal is a generated impulse source, e.g. by a gun shot. The XL2 measures the decay time & calcu- such as a gun shot. Individual single measure- lates the reverberation time automatically. ments or test sequences can be carried out by repeated trigger signals.

The XL2 measures the reverberation time of several on/off cycles and automatically averages the reverberation time results. The uncertainty factor is calculated after a minimum of three measurement cycles.

66 Reverberation Time RT60

Test Preparations Set Level Markers The XL2 reads the electronic data sheet of the connected mi- • Select the parameter SET with the rotary wheel and crophones M4260 or M2210 and switches the 48 V phantom press the enter button . power automatically on as follows:  The environmental noise is measured and the grey level • Connect the measurement microphone to the XL2. markers are set. • Switch the XL2 on by the on/off button .

 The XL2 reads the electronic data sheet of the connected microphone. The 48V phantom power indication in the upper menu bar changes to ASD. The XL2 is ready for acoustical measurements.

• Position the XL2 at the measurement location, e.g. using a microphone stand. • Select the RT60 function in the measurement menu and toggle with the page button to the run page. • Prepare the environment for the measurement. i.e. mute all sound sources to establish silence.

67 Reverberation Time RT60

Get Ready for the Reverberation Time Measurement Start the Measurement • Protect your ears against high sound pressure levels, as the • Press the start button . The status indication switches test signals might be very loud. to ARMED. • Enable the test signal, e.g. switch on the gated pink noise Using pink noise: signal or fire a gun shot. • Start the pink noise test signal with the appropriate on/off • The black bars have to exceed the grey bars completely. time according the room under test. Use an initial low sound pressure level. • Increase the test signal level until all level markers for the minimum test signal level are passed. You may use an equal- izer for pushing individual band levels. • Switch off the gated pink noise signal after finishing the measurement.

• The RT60 is calculated when the sound pressure level has fallen below the lower noise level marks in each individual frequency band. • Confirmation marks are displayed in the setup page for successful measurements.

68 Reverberation Time RT60

Continue the Measurement Stop the Measurement and Read Out the Result Using pink noise: • Press the stop button after the measurement is com- The gated pink noise test signal continues with the pre-set on/ pleted. off time. The XL2 automatically triggers at each cycle. Com- • If applicable switch off the pink noise test signal. plete minimum three test cycles, thus the uncertainty factor • Select the result page with the page button . is calculated.

Using an impulse source: The overall reverberation time results is dis- Use further gun shots to repeat the measurements. An au- played in seconds and the measurement uncer- tomated algorithm calculates the averaged reverb time of all tainty in %. For more details refer to chapter measurement cycles. “Reverberation Time RT60”. • Press the pause button to pause the measurement. • Prepare the next impulse sound source, e.g. gun shot. • Press the start button to continue the reverberation time measurement. • Enable the test signal, e.g. fire a gun shot.

• • • •

69 Reverberation Time RT60

Read Out the Individual Cycle Result Error Indications • Select CYC with the rotary wheel , press the enter but- Various error indications display non successful RT60 mea- ton and select the individual cycle result with the rotary surements. Corrupt individual measurements can be deleted wheel . individually. Non-valid results are excluded from average cal- culations.

The cycle result is displayed in seconds and the • LOW LEVL correlation factor in %. For more details refer to This is the abbreviation of “low test signal level” during the chapter “Reverberation Time RT60”. measurement. Increase the test signal level and verify that all levels are exceeding the level markers. Use a correspond- • ing RT60 test signal with longer on/off times, so the lower • level mark can be reached. • • • CORR<70% • The correlation factor is lower than 70% indicating an unreli- • able measurement result. • • • T>18S • The measured reverberation time exceeds the time limit of • 18 seconds, e.g. commonly caused by an incorrect analyzer • range setting or by environmental noise. In this case repeat • the ranging and start the measurement again. •

 The RT60 reverberation time is measured.

70 Polarity

Polarity Positive/Negative Page

The polarity measurement is important to match the left and right speaker for a good stereo sound image. The polarity function measures the polarity of cables, single speakers and speaker cabinets. As test signal servers the polarity signal provided on the NTi Audio Test CD or the Minirator test signal generator. 1 The polarity of individual speakers or speaker cabinets might change with the frequency, such as the polarity of the mid- range speaker may differ to the woofer polarity within the same speaker cabinet. Therefore the detailed result page displays the measured polarity of the individual octave bands from 125 Hz 2 to 8 kHz. This allows in-depth verification of the polarity - frequency relation.

• The polarity testing is a simplified measurement of a very complex signal phasing. Driv- ers, speakers and crossovers cause severe phase shifts of the audio signal. • The polarity of various speakers within the same cabinet may differ. The polarity is a result of the speaker design. • Polarity testing is useful for checking the correct wiring of similar speaker systems.

71 Polarity

Detailed Result Page 1 Input Selection Select the used signal source as follows: • Select Signal Source with the rotary wheel . • Press the enter button to select either

VOICE Using the internal voice note microphone of the NOTE XL2 for polarity measurements. This selection MIC disables the rear speaker. 3

8 XLR/ Measure the acoustical polarity with the M4260 4 RCA or M2210 measurement microphone. Alterna- 7 tively measure the polarity of an electrical signal connected with an audio cable. Set the input 6 selector in the upper menu accordingly.

2 Polarity Test Result 5 Displays either POSITIVE, NEGATIVE or ??? (=undefined). For visual indication the limit button illuminates green at POSITIVE polarity and red at NEGATIVE polarity. Polarity result of Minirator directly connected to XL2 Analyzer 3 Relative Level Indicator The grey area shows the measured signal energy within the individual frequency bands. The bands with the biggest energy will effect the actual displayed POSITIVE / NEGA- TIVE polarity result the most.

72 Polarity

4 Polarity Indication 8 Positive Polarity Area Measurement results area with positive polarity (+). The + Polarity of frequency band is positive. The polarity re- black line in the middle of relative level indicator 3 dis- sult is in the upper display area, the + area. plays the measured polarity of the individual frequency band. The dashed line shows the upper limit of the mea- - Polarity of frequency band is negative. The polarity surement result area. result is in the lower display area, the - area.

5 X-Axis Seven octave bands with center frequencies from 125 Hz to 8 kHz. SUB displays the polarity of sub woofers, frequency range < 100 Hz.

6 Negative Polarity Area Measurement results area with negative polarity (-). The black line in the middle of relative level indicator 3 displays the measured polarity of the individual frequency band. The dashed line shows the lower limit of the measurement result area.

7 Uncertain Polarity Area ??? Polarity results of frequency bands in this area are uncertain, thus positive/negative page displays the polarity result ???.

73 Polarity

Polarity Measurement - Getting Started

For the acoustical polarity measurement you can use the internal voice note microphone, thus no external plug-on microphone is required. The polarity result of left and right speaker cabinet have to match for a stereo sound image.

• Feed the speaker cabinet with the polarity test signal of the Minirator. • Adjust the test level (at Minirator or amplifier) thus the test signal is good to hear. • Enable the polarity test signal at the left speaker cabinet; mute the right speaker cabinet. • Select Signal Source with the rotary wheel and choose VOICE NOTE MIC with the enter button , thus the internal microphone is used for the polarity measurement. • Measure the polarity of left speaker cabinet and save the The sample result shows the polarity as fol- screenshot in the memory menu . lows: • Enable the polarity test signal at the right speaker cabinet; • Sub woofer: Low energy, no sub installed mute the left speaker cabinet. • Woofer: Positive • Measure the polarity of the right speaker cabinet. • Mid-range: Negative • Compare the polarity test result of speaker cabinets. • Tweeter: Positive (with small levels)

 The polarity is measured. The major part of the signal energy is measured in the mid-range frequency bands, thus the overall displayed polarity is NEGATIVE.

74 Delay Time

Delay Time

The delay time measurement function suits the accurate setup of delay line arrangements, thus the directionality of the signal source will be optimized. The XL2 measures the delay time between the electrical reference signal and the acoustical signal from the speaker. The required acoustical delay settings are 1 displayed automatically, thus the audio engineer may set the measured delay time directly at the delay device in the rack. 2

The NTi Audio delay time test signal is provided either by the 3 6 Minirator MR-PRO, MR2 or the included Test CD.

75 Delay Time

1 Delay Signal Source 4 Calculated Distance Select the used signal source for the delay measurement: Distance from measurement position to speaker in meter or feet, based on the preset temperature in °C or °F CD Player Using the supplied NTi Audio Test CD; this setting implies the synchronization time 5 Synchronization Time Bar bar is set to 100 seconds = 1 min. 40 sec.; The automated synchronization allows delay time measure- after 100 seconds the XL2 has to be syn- ments without any connected electrical reference signal for chronized to the delay test signal again. 100 seconds using the NTi Audio Test CD or 300 seconds using the Minirator MR2 or MR-PRO. It displays the time Minirator Due to the known accuracy of the Minirator remaining for the next required synchronization. MR-PRO or MR2 test signal, the XL2 offers an extended time range without synchroni- 6 Automatically Calculated Delay Time: Store - Actual zation. After 300 seconds (5 min.) the XL2 Calculated difference between delay time of speaker A and has to be synchronized to the delay test sig- speaker B shown on next page. The automated difference nal again. calculation simplifies the verification of delay line arrangements, e.g. used in larger halls or auditoriums. 2 Actual Delay Actual measured delay time referring to the electrical reference signal. Rear Speaker 3 Reference D elay Time The rear speaker is disabled in the delay mea- Individually stored reference delay time of e.g. speaker A surement function, thus avoiding measurement as described in the following chapter “Delay Measurement failures. The headphone output is active. - Getting Started”.

76 Delay Time

Delay Measurement - Getting Started Test Preparations • Get the delay test signal ready provided either by the NTi The delay time measurement is conducted between the syn- Audio Test CD or the Minirator test signal generator. chronized electrical input signal and the acoustical signal mea- • Start the delay test signal. sured at the built-in voice note microphone. In this example the • Select the used input XLR or RCA in the upper XL2 menu. required delay between speaker A and B in the below audito- • Connect the generated delay test signal by an audio cable rium is measured. to the preset RCA or XLR input of the XL2. For example the reference signal may also be taken from an auxiliary channel speaker A speaker of a mixing console. front left front right • Set the actual environment temperature, thus the distance lecturer is displayed correctly later.

speaker B speaker sub left sub right

measurement position

Loud OK OK OK OK OK OK OK OK OK 1 OK OK OK OK

OK OK OK OK OK OK OK OK OK OK 2 OK OK OK OK

OK OK OK OK OK OK OK OK OK OK 3 OK OK OK OK

OK OK OK OK OK OK OK OK OK OK 4 OK OK OK OK

OK OK OK OK OK OK OK OK OK OK 5 OK OK OK OK

Results: 298 Seats OK = Good 0 Seats Loc = Sound is not perceived from the front 0 Seats Echo = Sound from the side is more loud Delay Time

• Wait until the XL2 synchronizes to the incoming delay test Measure Reference Speaker A signal, then the synchronization time bar fills up. • Start the delay test signal at speaker A, mute speaker B. • Position yourself with the XL2 at the shown measurement position, thus you measure the acoustical delay in the sound field next to sub speaker B, which is the worst case position in the auditorium.

• You may disconnect the audio cable with the synchronizing signal from the XL2. This allows you to move around freely for the delay measurement. At delay signal source selection Minirator the XL2 has to be synchronized after 5 minutes  The XL2 measures the delay time of speaker A in reference to the signal source again. In case the delay signal source is to the electrical input signal in milliseconds. CD Player, then the XL2 has to be synchronized every 100 seconds.

78 Delay Time

Store Reference Measure Sub Speaker B • Select the displayed 0.0 ms below Act. Delay with the ro- • Start the delay test signal at speaker B. Mute speaker A. tary wheel and press the enter button . • Position yourself with the XL2 at the shown measurement position.  The reference result of speaker A is stored for the difference calculation of delay A - B.

• Stop the delay test signal at speaker A.

 The XL2 measures the delay time of speaker B in reference to the electrical input signal in milliseconds.

79 Delay Time

Automated Difference Calculation • The delay time difference between speaker A and B is Do not position the XL2 to close to reflecting automatically calculated and shown below the Act. Delay surfaces, such as walls or floors. The reflections result. may likely prevent accurate measurements.

 The delay time is measured. Distance in meter/feet The distance results in meter/feet are displayed below for easy verification of the test results Result Interpretation accuracy. The readings are based on 330 m/s • The resulting time in milliseconds shows sound speed at 0°C / 32°F. the time difference of the sound signal from speaker A and B arriving at the measurement position. Speaker B has to be delayed by the displayed difference result. • For best directionality add a safety margin of 5 ms to the calculated difference, thus the main signal from speaker A arrives at the measurement position first. The acoustic signal from sub speaker B arrives 5 ms later. This improves the subjective directionality pattern of the listeners.

80 Delay Time

81 STI-PA

Speech Intelligibility STI-PA (optional) STI-PA Signal Source

The STI-PA analyzer option allows reliable measurement of NTi Audio The NTi Audio TalkBox simulates a person talking the speech transmission index within 15 seconds. Besides the TalkBox at a precise acoustical level, enabling the mea- single value STI or CIS test result, a detailed view of the modu- surement of the complete signal chain including lation indices and individual band level results is provided. The the microphone STI-PA analyzer meets the latest 2003 IEC 60268-16 standard. • Place the NTi Audio TalkBox in front of the microphone at the typical position of the talking The speech intelligibility measurement STI-PA is an option for persons head. the XL2 Audio and Acoustic Analyzer. Ask your local represen- • Select Track 1 for the STI-PA test signal. tative for purchasing details. • Select Output Mode to Speaker; you should hear the STI-PA test signal.

Minirator The Minirator MR-PRO is used for electrical signal MR-PRO injection at public announcement systems, which commonly use alarm messages from a hard drive (systems without a microphone).

CD Player The included NTi Audio CD “STI-PA V1.1” can be used with a professional CD player, for details see chapter “STI-PA Measurement Hints”

82 STI-PA

STI-PA Numeric Result Page STI-PA Table Result Page

8 7

1 6

9 10 11 12

83 STI-PA

1 Run Indication 6 Progress Bar This icons displays the run status of the STI-PA measure- Measurement status indication; the single STI-PA measurement. ments takes 15 seconds, thus the actual measurement time and measurement status are indicated here. 2 STI-PA Measurement Result Single value speech transmission index result in STI (speech 7 Phantom Power of Microphone transmission index) or CIS (common intelligibility scale), The XL2 reads the electronic data sheet of the connect- whereby CIS is calculated as CIS = 1 + log STI. ed microphones M4260 or M2210 and switches the 48 V phantom power automatically on as follows: 3 Sound Level LAeq • Connect the measurement microphone to the XL2. Shows the time-averaged sound level of the 15 seconds • Switch the XL2 on by the on/off button . STI-PA measurement cycle time.  The XL2 reads the electronic data sheet of the connect- 4 Sound Level LAS ed microphone. The 48V phantom power indication in Shows the actual sound pressure level, including A-weight- the upper menu bar changes to ASD. The XL2 is ready ing and slow time weighting according to IEC 60268-16. for acoustical measurements.

5 Analog STI-PA Bargraph 8 Page Selector STI-PA Bargraph display and interpretation of the speech intelligi- Select between the available result pages: bility measurement result STI-PA numeric result page • Bad 0.00 - 0.30 STI • Poor 0.30 - 0.45 STI STI-PA table result page, detailed results per • Fair 0.45 - 0.60 STI octave band • Good 0.60 - 0.75 STI • Exlnt 0.75 - 1.00 STI The page button toggles between these displays.

84 STI-PA

9 STI-PA Octave Bands 12 Error Detection Frequencies 125 Hz - 8 kHz in 1/1 octave band resolution. The STI-PA measurement function has a built in error detection which helps you identifying faulty measurements. 10 Sound Pressure Level Leq The error detection checks the following parameters: Individual time-averaged octave band level Leq. • Invalid modulation indices (MF1 or MF2 > 1.3) • Irregularities during ongoing measurements 11 STI-PA Modulation Index MF1, MF2 For good speech intelligibility it is mandatory that the in- Both parameters depend on the amount of impulsive en- tegrity of the transmitted voice signal modulations are pre- vironmental noise, which influences any STI-PA measure- served. Therefore STI-PA is based on measuring the MTF ment and makes the values inaccurate. (Modulation Transfer Function). This function quantifies the degree to which the voice modulations are preserved in The STI-PA numeric result page displays the measurement individual octave bands. STI-PA determines the MTF by result interrupted by the flashing “?.??” question marks if analyzing the seven frequency bands, whereby each band the error detection finds any problem. Furthermore octave is modulated with two frequencies, resulting in the modu- band results detected with irregularities, are marked in the lation index 1 and index 2. These two indexes combined will STI-PA table result page with a question mark (?). The error give the single value STI-PA result. indication might be caused either by • Missing test signal level • Impulsive background noise events

If the error detection finds any faults, then repeat the measurement and compare the STI-PA test result with the previous ones.

85 STI-PA

STI-PA Measurement - Getting Started Preconditions for STI-PA measurement: Test Preparations • No impulsive noise events should occur dur- The XL2 reads the electronic data sheet of the connected mi- ing the 15 seconds measurement time. Even crophones M4260 or M2210 and switches the 48 V phantom relatively moderate level noise may affect power automatically on as follows: the STI-PA test result. • To avoid measurement failures the STI- • Connect the measurement microphone M4260 or M2210 PA signal level Leq should be minimum to the XL2. 60 dBSPL in the measured area. • Switch the XL2 on by the on/off button . • The STI-PA measurement should be carried out at emergency conditions (same sound  The XL2 reads the electronic data sheet of the connected pressure level and all components activat- microphone. The 48V phantom power indication in the up- ed). per menu bar changes to ASD. The XL2 is ready for acousti- • During the measurement should be no cal measurements. speaking or other noise sources allowed near the measurement microphone. • Position the XL2 at the measurement location, e.g. using a microphone stand. • Select the STI-PA measurement function in the measurement menu and toggle with the page button to the STI- PA numeric result page. • Prepare the environment for the measurement. i.e. mute all sound sources to establish silence.

86 STI-PA

Measure Environment Noise Start STI-PA Test Signal • Verify the actual sound pressure level of the environment as • Switch on the STI-PA test signal at your signal source. shown on the XL2 display. • Set the acoustical sound pressure level of the PA system ac- • Mute all disturbing noise. cording the typical emergency condition requirements, e.g. LAS = 85 dB.

87 STI-PA

Start STI-PA Measurement Stop STI-PA Measurement • Press the start button on the XL2. After the period of 15 seconds the STI-PA measurement fin- ishes automatically. The progress bar indications switches to  The progress bar switches to RUNNING. The test result FINISHED and the final STI-PA test result is displayed. tendency is shown on the STI-PA bargraph, marked with Bad, Poor, Fair, Good and Exlnt. • Switch off the STI-PA test signal at your signal source.

88 STI-PA

Store STI-PA Measurement Result STI-PA Post Processing • Store the test result by selecting the memory menul Measuring the speech intelligibility index under realistic en- with the rotary wheel and press the enter button . vironment conditions is often not applicable, e.g. playing the • Select Save Test to store the test results as ASCII-file or test signal in a railway station at emergency levels during peak select Screenshot to store the screenshot. hours will irritate passengers. Additionally at rush hours the characteristics of back ground noise might be highly impulsive. But a pre-requisite for accurate STI-PA measurements is a neg- ligible impulsivity in the background noise. The detailed STI-PA test result view of the modulation indices and individual band level Under such circumstances the STI-PA measurement should be results is provided on the second STI-PA mea- shifted to a more suitable time of the day, e.g. night time. Such surement page, accessible by the page selector STI-PA measurements taken at untypical background noise or by pressing the XL2 page button . conditions have to be post-processed. Post processing com- bines the STI-PA measurement data taken at quasi noise-free ambient conditions with the unweighted time-averaged octave band noise levels (Leq) taken e.g. during day time, at realistic environmental conditions.  The speech intelligibility STI-PA is measured and the results tored on the Mini-SD card. The NTi Audio STI-PA Post Processing Software is tailored for this application e.g. to combine the night and day-time measurement.

“NTi_Audio_STI-PA_PostProcessing.xlt” is available for download at “www.nti-audio.com”, Products: XL2. (Enable all macros at opening the document.)

89 STI-PA

STI-PA Measurement Hints sound similar but are not compatible. Only the NTi Audio • Any background noise has to be sufficiently static during the STI-PA test signal CD V1.1 or higher shall be used in combi- measurement, e.g. pink noise fulfills this requirement. nation with the XL2. • Verify the environmental conditions prior testing. Complete • STI-PA measurement of alarm systems should be carried STI-PA measurements without any test signal. The results out at emergency conditions (same sound pressure level shall be < 0.20 STI. and all components are activated). • Impulsive background noise during the measurement, such • At locations with varying conditions e.g. some public areas as speech, cause severe measurement errors. The STI-PA with few people; others with crowds -- the worst case STI- result is usually too high. PA results should be measured. Consult your local regula- • In case such an impulsive noise cannot be prevented, the tions (e.g. in the U.S., the NFPA code) for specific directives measurements might be shifted e.g. to night time, and concerning measurement locations and number of required afterwards corrected with the averaged daily background total STI-PA measurements under different circumstances. noise, using external post processing. • Select typical locations based upon such regulations, or typi- • Any CD-Players used to reproduce the STI-PA test signal cally position the microphone at 1 - 1.2 meters above ground have to be accurate as only limited time-shifts (+/- 200 ppm) in sitting areas or 1.5 - 1.8 meters in standing areas (typical are allowed to ensure reliable STI-PA test results. Pitch con- measurement positions are normally not directly in front of trol and shock protection shall be disabled. Thus only profes- the speakers). sional players shall be used. You may verify the time shift of • The person taking the measurements should be out of the your CD-Player with a 1 kHz test signal: acoustic field, so not affecting the measurement results. For • Insert the NTi Audio Test CD into the CD player and start this purpose the measurement microphone can be mounted track 1, which is the 1 kHz test signal. on a microphone stand and connected with the ASD-Cable • Connect the XL2 directly to the audio output and mea- to the XL2. sure the signal frequency in the RMS/THD mode. The • Low STI-PA readings can be caused by displayed frequency shall be in the range from 0.9998 • Excessive sound reverberation, echoes or reflections kHz to 1.0002 kHz • Poor speaker directivity or speaker coverage • STI-PA test signals of other test system manufacturers may • Speaker power setting not in order (e.g. low signal-to- noise ratio)

90 Audio Analyzer

6. Audio Analyzer 1 Filter The XL2 Audio and Acoustic Analyzer offers besides the com- The following filter settings are available: prehensive sound level meter- and acoustical measurement functions also the analog audio measurement functions RMS Z- Z-Frequency weighting with flat frequency / THD and Scope. Weighting response from 20 Hz to 22 kHz. Default measurement setting.

RMS / THD A- A-Frequency weighting measuring re- Weighting sidual noise of the unit under test acc. to The XL2 Audio and Acoustic Analyzer measures the parame- IEC 61672 e.g. in sound broadcasting. ters Level RMS, THD+N and frequency simultaneously. C- C-Frequency weighting for special appli- Weighting cations, such as noise measurements according to IEC 61672 at higher levels. 1 HP 400Hz Highpass 400 Hz acc. to DIN 45045 -120dB/dec., attenuates mains frequency 2 (50/60Hz) components of the test signal.

3 HP 19k Highpass 19 kHz attenuates all audio frequency components from the test signal, e.g. to measure a 20 kHz pilot tone level of 4 a public announcements systems without disturbing the public.

91 Audio Analyzer

22.4 - 22.4k Bandpass filter 22.4 Hz to 22.4 kHz ac- PreNotch Listening cording standard IEC 468-4. The input signal is audible at the rear speaker or headphone output. 2 Level RMS Measures the absolute level of the input signal. The units • Press and hold down the speaker button . dBu, dBV, V and dBSPL are selectable.  The pop-up window volume is dis- 3 THD+N played. Measures the total harmonic distortion and noise of the input signal. The distortion measurement, expressed in dB, lieanr or in %, is conducted within the bandwidth 10 Hz - 20 kHz.

4 Frequency in Hz The XL2 automatically extracts and measures the frequency of the basic fundamental signal. The XL2 frequency counter technology even reads the frequency correctly for heavily distorted signals.

92 Audio Analyzer

Scope PostNotch Listening The main frequency component is filtered out The scope function visualizes the waveform of the electrical in- by a notch filter, thus the remaining signal is au- put signal. It automatically triggers to the fundamental frequen- dible. cy and selects the scaling of the X-axis (time) and Y-axis (level) accordingly. The fundamental or most dominant frequency of • Press the speaker button to display the the input signals is displayed above the scope screen. volume window. • Additionally press the enter button

 The post notch listening is activated. The maximum gain setting is 0 dB.

For example using a 100 Hz sine test signal connected to the XL2 input, this 100 Hz main frequency is filtered by the notch filter, thus the complete frequency spectrum is available at the speaker or headphone output. This feature allows listening to the actual distortion signal. The scope scaling is fixed. Thus e.g. you will hear a noise from the speaker even without any connected inputs signals!

93 Calibration

7. Calibration 1

The XL2 Audio and Acoustic Analyzer meets or exceeds the specifications listed in the chapter “Technical Data”. 2 Instrument Calibration 3 In order to maintain the high accuracy annual calibration of 4 the XL2 Analyzer and the measurement microphone is recommended. The calibration service verifies the complete product specifications, differences to the last calibration and measures 5 the frequency response of the measurement microphone. To enquire the calibration service follow the RMA guide lines at www.nti-audio.com/service.

Microphone Sensitivity The measurement microphones M4260 (class 2) and M2210 (class 1 frequency response) include an electronic data sheet. 1 Phantom Power of Microphone Thus the automated sensor detection of the XL2 recognizes the The XL2 reads the electronic data sheet of the connect- sensitivity and calibration data of the connected microphone. ed microphones M4260 or M2210 and switches the 48 V The electronic data sheet including the microphone sensitivity phantom power automatically on as follows: is displayed in the menu Calibrte. • Connect the measurement microphone to the XL2. • Switch the XL2 on by the on/off button .

 The 48V phantom power indication in the upper menu bar changes to ASD. The XL2 is ready for acoustical measurements.

94 Calibration

• The pop-up window Calibration: Calibration running ... 2 Factory Sensitivity shows up and changes to Calibration: Successfully fin- Factory sensitivity of measurement microphone in mV/Pa. ished! for a successfully completed calibration. The sensor detection of the XL2 reads the microphone sen- • Note for NTi Audio microphones: The XL2 writes the user sitivity automatically using the measurement microphones sensitivity additionally onto the electronic data sheet of the M4260 or M2210. connected measurement microphone M4260 or M2210, thus all following measurements utilize the user sensitivity 3 User Calibration automatically. Sensitivity setting with an external calibrator.  The user calibration with an external calibrator is complet- 4 Level of External Calibrator ed. Level setting according the used external calibrator.

5 Electronic Data Sheet of Measurement Microphone User Calibration - Manual Sensitivity Setting Read out data of the connected microphone. In case no external calibrator is available you may set the sensitivity of non-NTi Audio microphones manually according the User Calibration - With External Calibrator product specifications as follows: User sensitivity setting for measurement microphones with an • Select Sensitivity 2 with the rotary wheel . external calibrator. • Press enter and adjust the sensitivity with the rotary • Select with the rotary wheel the parameter Calibration wheel in 0.1 mV/Pa steps. The setting range 100 µV/Pa - Level 4 and press the enter button . 9.99 V/Pa is supported. • Set the calibration level according the calibrator used. • Press enter to confirm the setting. • Generate the specific reference signal with the calibrator onto the microphone.  The manual user calibration is completed. • Select with the rotary wheel the parameter RUN next to User Calibration 3 and press the enter button .

95 Profiles

8. Profiles Profile - Getting Started

Profiles are templates of measurement setups. You may select Activate Profile Selection at Start Up your profile at the start up screen, thus anytime your measurements are carried out with the same setup and instrument set- • Select Show profile list 1 in the System menu. tings. • Press the enter button to activate Ye s to show the profile list at start up. A remarkable advantage of the XL2 is the flexible user interface. The measurement screens may be personalized and only a limited subset of the comprehensive functionality enabled for simplified operator interfaces. Advanced users may access all menus, settings and store their preferred measurement configurations. For basic users offers the XL2 Audio and Acoustic Analyzer fixed operator interfaces with specific pre-defined settings. The XL2 boots up with exactly the required measurement parameters according the pre-defined instrument con- 1 figurations. This ensures accurate measurements achieved by advanced and basic users.

 The profile list is shown at the next power up of the XL2.

96 Profiles

Preset Measurement Function Store MyFirstProfile

• Start the XL2 Analyzer in Full mode. • Select Profile in the main menu and press the enter button • Select the typically used measurement function and adjust . the measurement parameters according your requirements.  The profile menu opens. For example measuring the sound levels LAF, LAeq and LAFmax for 10 seconds:

97 Profiles

• Select Manage and press the enter button .

 The Manage Profile menu opens. • Select Save Profile and press the enter button .

 The Save Profile menu opens.

Each stored profile includes all settings of all measurement functions and pages. Only the following details are not stored: • Calibration settings • Select Rename and press the enter button . • System settings • Set the profile name toMyFirstProfile . The maximum name • Temperature unit length is 20 characters. • Phantom power on/off

98 Profiles

Select Profile at Start Up

• Select Configure available screens and press enter . • Switch on the XL2 Audio and Acoustic Analyzer

 The profile selection is shown on the display.

• Select additional available pages/measurement functions for your profile, e.g. RTA . • Press the ESC button to return to the Save Profile screen. • Set Append mode available: yes in order to have the ap- • Select the profile MyFirstProfile and press enter . pend data feature available in the memory menu . • Select Save and press the enter button .  The XL2 starts up with the preconfigured settings for sound level monitoring.  MyFirstProfile is saved in the internal XL2 memory.

99 Profiles

Select Profile during Operation Run Measurement

• Select Profile in the main menu and press the enter but- The profile name is displayed at the selecting measurement ton. function. The main menu offers only the enabled measurement functions, the calibration- and profile menu.  The profile menu opens. • Press the start button .

• Choose Select and load the required profile. • Wait 10 seconds until the measurement is finished. • To return to the full mode either switch the XL2 off again or select EXIT Profile in the main menu.

100 Profiles

Export MyFirstProfile to Computer Import MyFirstProfile from Computer

In case you have two or more XL2 Audio and Acoustic Analyz- • Connect another XL2 to the computer and generate a folder ers you may like to transfer the same profiles to your other called “Profiles” on the Mini-SD card. instruments. • Copy the profile called MyFirstProfile into the folder “Pro- files”. • Select Profile in the main menu and press the enter button • Start up the XL2, select Profile in the main menu and press . the enter button . • Select Manage and press the enter button . • Select Manage and press the enter button . • Select Export to SD-Card and press the enter button . • Select Import from SD-Card and press the enter button .  The XL2 generates a folder on the Mini-SD card called “Pro- files”. All available profiles are exported into this folder.  MyFirstProfile is available on the other XL2 Analyzer.

• Connect the XL2 to a computer. • Copy/paste the profile calledMyFirstProfile to the computer. In case the profile is exported from an XL2 Ana- lyzer with enabled options (“Extended Acoustic Pack” or “STI-PA”) and shall be imported into another XL2 Analyzer without installed options, then these options have to be hidden prior storing the profile: • Select in the exporting XL2 system menu Hide Options: Until restart and store the profile.

101 Profiles

The XL2 stores up to 20 individual profiles in the internal sys- Secured Secured profiles are locked user profiles with tem memory and offers three different profile types: profiles overwrite protection indicated by the file name ending “xxx.prfs”. Thus others can not store an- Types Description other profile with exactly the same file name. Sample filename: MyFirstProfile.prfs Factory The XL2 includes factory default profiles, which default are marked with “#” in the beginning of the file How to generate secured profiles profiles name. Sample filename: #DIN15905-5.prfs • Export the profiles to Mini-SD card according the procedure in the chapter “Profile - Get- You may download the factory default profiles ting Started”. at “http://support.nti-audio.com/xl2/index.php” • Connect the XL2 to the computer. • Select the user profile in the folder “Profile”. For detailed settings of factory default profiles • Manually change the ending of the user pro- please see the Appendix 2 in this manual. file from “xxx.prfl” -> “xxx.prfs” • Remove the XL2 from the computer. User User profiles are custom generated profiles on • Import the profiles from the Mini-SD card profiles the XL2 Analyzer. • Power off/on the XL2 Analyzer Sample filename: MyFirstProfile.prfl  The secured profile is displayed with a lock- symbol in the profile selection window at the start up of the XL2.

102 Data Management

9. Data Management 1 Create New Project Folder The XL2 stores all acquired measurement data including real Add a new folder with an individual project name. The maxi- time information onto the removable Mini-SD card. Additionally mum length of the project name is 16 characters. A fast wave files might be recorded and individual voice notes added way for creating new folder names is for a complete documentation of the measurement. • Select an existing folder name with DIR • Select NEW • Carry out a sound level measurement. • Rename the folder and confirm with the start button, • Select the Mini-SD card symbol in the upper menu bar. thus creating a new folder name. • Press the enter button . The memory menu opens. 2 Select Project Folder 1 2 An overview of all existing project folder is shown. Select a folder to store the results of your measurements.

3 Project Folder Name 3 All measurements are stored in this project folder. 4 5 4 Naming+Saving 6 Setting of auto or manual data file naming and saving 7 8 auto The results are named and stored automati- 9 cally in the selected project folder.

manual The question mark shows up in the upper menu bar upon the completed measurement. You can choose to individually name and store each single measurement.

103 Data Management

5 Save Test Original Mini-SD cards ensure that all measure- Stores the measurement in the selected project folder. ment data and audio wav-files are stored in good order on the Mini-SD card. Non-original Mini-SD 6 Save Screenshot cards may lead to distorted wav-files. Stores the XL2 screen in the selected project folder. Order Information: Spare Mini-SD Card, NTi Audio # 600 000 374 7 Load Test Loads back previously stored result data from the Mini-SD card for detailed examination on the instrument screen.

8 Append Mode In case the Mini-SD card is full, you can insert The append mode stores one or more results into the your original spare Mini-SD card in the XL2 and same data file, simplifying data analysis and handling on continue with your measurements. The XL2 the computer. generates the projects- and system folder automatically. Application example: The speech intelligibility STI-PA shall be measured at various locations in the same venue. The append mode allows to store all individual measurement results into one single data file.

9 Free Memory Displays the remaining available memory on the Mini-SD card.

104 Data Management

Memory Structure of Mini-SD Card

1 2 3

1 Projects The folder Projects contains subfolders with your stored measurement results. The default subfolder name is “My- Project”. You can create further individual subfolders.

2 XL2.htm This file opens the XL2 instrument status page, with • Serial Number, Firmware • Installed Options

as well serves for online • Firmware updates • Activation of options

3 XL2_SYS The XL2 system folder contains a file with serial number, firmware version and installed options.

105 Data Management

Measurement Data - Getting Started Select Parameters for Measurement Report

Enable Data Logging • Select the Rep page in the sound level meter function and set the parameters as follows: • Select the Log page in the sound level meter function and set the logging parameters e.g. as follows:

 The data logging is enabled. The sound pressure level is logged each second.

106 Data Management

Complete the Measurement Open the Memory Menu

• Press the page button to return to the numeric result • Select the memory menu with the rotary wheel and page. confirm with the enter button . • Press the start button , thus the sound level measurement is running.  The memory menu opens with “Save Test” pre-selected. • Press the stop button to complete the sound level measurement.

 The memory question mark shows up in the upper menu bar after the completed measurement.

• Press the enter button to confirm Save Test.

 The pop-up window Save Test shows up.

107 Data Management

Select File Name Record Voicenotes

Voice notes are recorded speech annotations for each stored measurement. The XL2 utilizes the internal voice note microphone for the recording.

• Select Record Voicenote and press enter .

• Select the user part of the file name. The maximum length of the user part is 12 characters. The right part “_SLM_001” is defined by the XL2 to avoid overwriting of existing measurements, whereby “SLM” is the appendix for the measurement function and “001” is an automatically increment- • Select REC and press enter . ing number. • Record your voice note and press enter to finish.

 The voice note has been recorded.

108 Data Management

Save Measurement Data Manually Save Screenshot

• Select the memory menu with the rotary wheel and confirm with the enter button .

 The memory menu opens.

• Select Save Screenshot and press the enter button . • Select the file name and confirm SAVE with the enter button .

• Select SAVE and press the enter button to confirm.

 The measurement data including test configurations and all log files are stored on the Mini-SD card.

 The screenshot is saved to the Mini-SD card.

109 Data Management

Name + Save Measurement Data Automatically Measurement data logging: Upon completing the measurement the XL2 Audio and Acous- In case of the battery runs empty, the XL2 cre- tic Analyzer may store the results automatically to the Mini- ates the folder RESTORE_AFTER_POWERFAIL SD card. You may apply the Naming+Saving: auto function for and stores the measurement data until switch- longer measurements, such as sound level monitoring for several ing off. The following window is displayed next hours. Thus the measurement data are stored automatically to time you switch the XL2 on: the Mini-SD card. The default file name is the actual date.

• Select Naming+Saving in the memory menu and press the enter button to confirm Naming+Saving: auto.

110 Data Management

View Project Folder on the PC Overview of Measurement Data Files

• Connect the XL2 with the USB cable to the PC.

1  The PC recognizes the XL2 as mass storage device. The 2 following Mini-SD card content is shown: 3 4 5 6 7

1 Test System File System file for use in XL2 only. It contains the measurement data and test configuration of the last measurement cycle for later reload and view of measurement results in • Open the folder “Projects” and the subfolder “MyProject”. the XL2.

 All stored measurement data files are shown. 2 Sound Level Log File The XL2 logs sound levels in pre-defined log-intervals over time. For more details please see chapter “Sound Level Meter” -> “Logging”.

111 Data Management

Transfer Measurement Data to PC 3 Measurement Report File Final report after the completed measurement. For more • Drag and drop the required data files to PC. details please see chapter “Sound Level Meter” -> “Re- porting”. Card Reader 4 Wav-File Alternatively the Mini-SD card can be inserted The wav-file is the recorded audio file. The index into a card reader. This offers a faster data trans- “FS133.0dB(PK)” in file name represents the full scale peak fer from the Mini-SD card to PC. level of the recorded wav-file. For more details please see chapter “Sound Level Meter” -> “Wav-File Recording”.

5 RTA Log File Additional Data Files using Repeat Mode The XL2 logs the detailed real time analyzer spectra in pre- defined intervals over time. For more details please see At sound level measurements with timer mode chapter “Sound Level Meter” -> “Logging”. Repeat or Repeat Synchronized the following additional data files are generated: 6 VoiceNote • MyTest_SLM_000_123_Report_Rep.txt A voice annotation can be recorded for each stored mea- • MyTest_SLM_000_RTA_Report_Rep.txt surement or screenshot. For more details please see chapter “Data Management” -> “Voice Notes”. Common xxx_Report.txt files contain the measurement data of the last measurement cycle. 7 Screenshot The xxx_Report_Rep.txt file contains the results Picture of the actual XL2 display. of all measurement cycles in the Repeat or Re- peat Synchronized mode.

112 Data Management

Log File Format Report File Format File name e.g. = MyTest_SLM_000_123_Log.txt File name e.g. = MyTest_SLM_000_123_Report.txt

XL2 Broadband Logging XL2 Sound Level Meter Broadband Reporting ------

# Hardware Configuration # Hardware Configuration XL2 Serial No.: A2A-02868-D1 XL2 Serial No.: A2A-02868-D1 Mic Type: NTi Audio M4260, S/N: 1498, Factory adjusted Mic Type: NTi Audio M4260, S/N: 1498, Factory adjusted Mic Sensitivity: 25.1 mV/Pa Mic Sensitivity: 25.1 mV/Pa

# Measurement Setup # Measurement Setup Timer mode: continuous Timer mode: continuous Timer set: --:--:-- Timer set: --:--:-- Log-Interval: 00:00:01 k1: 0.0 dB k1: 0.0 dB k2: 0.0 dB k2: 0.0 dB kset Date: k-Values not measured kset Date: k-Values not measured Range: 30 - 130 dB Range: 30 - 130 dB # Broadband Results # Time Start Stop Start: 2010-06-14, 12:59:50 Date Time Date Time Laeq LCPKmax End: 2010-06-14, 13:00:00 [YYYY-MM-DD] [hh:mm:ss] [YYYY-MM-DD] [hh:mm:ss] [dB] [dB] 14.06.2010 12:59:50 14.06.2010 13:00:00 81.6 109.2 # Broadband LOG Results Date Time Timer LAeq_dt LAeq LAFmax_dt LCPKmax_dt [YYYY-MM-DD] [hh:mm:ss] [hh:mm:ss] [dB] [dB] [dB] [dB] 14.06.2010 12:59:51 00:00:01 70.8 70.8 77.3 89.3 14.06.2010 12:59:52 00:00:02 87.6 84.7 90.6 108.3 14.06.2010 12:59:53 00:00:03 87.6 85.9 90.9 103.7 14.06.2010 12:59:54 00:00:04 65.2 84.6 78.0 78.7 14.06.2010 12:59:55 00:00:05 64.2 83.7 66.7 76.8 14.06.2010 12:59:56 00:00:06 62.5 82.9 65.2 77.0 14.06.2010 12:59:57 00:00:07 80.5 82.6 85.3 109.2 14.06.2010 12:59:58 00:00:08 81.2 82.5 88.8 109.1 14.06.2010 12:59:59 00:00:09 78.5 82.2 85.3 98.3 14.06.2010 13:00:00 00:00:10 62.1 81.7 84.2 86.6 The generated txt-files are best viewed with # Broadband LOG Results over whole log period 14.06.2010 13:00:00 00:00:10 81.6 81.6 90.9 109.2 “Open with” -> Microsoft Excel.

113 Data Management

Recall Measurements Load Test

The straight-forward but powerful Load Test and Save Test • Select the memory menu with the rotary wheel and functions serves the dual purpose of conveniently retriev- confirm with the enter button . ing standard test setups for repeat testing and also of saving stored result data for later recall and examination on-screen.  The memory menu opens.

The following measurement functions support the recall function: • SLMeter, sound level meter • FFT Analysis • RT60, reverberation time • STI-PA, speech intelligibility measurement

114 Data Management

Select File Name View Measurement Data

• Select Load Test and press the enter button to confirm.  The previously stored measurement data are displayed.

 The pop-up window Load Test shows up.

• Select the project folder and stored data file name with DIR. • Select LOAD confirm with the enter button . The run indication 1 shows the pause symbol. You may continue with your measurements directly, e.g. choosing the measurement function, setup parameters and press the start button.

115 Data Management

Append Measurements Start the Append Mode

The append mode stores the results of several individual mea- • Select SLMeter and preselect the sound level LAeq. surements into the same data file, thus simplifying measure- • Select the memory menu with the rotary wheel and ment result analysis and data handling on the computer. confirm with the enter button .

The following measurement functions support the append  The memory menu opens. mode: • SLMeter, sound level meter • Select Start Append Mode and press the enter button • STI-PA, speech intelligibility measurement to confirm.

Application example: The sound level LAeq shall be measured at various locations in the same venue hall using a pink noise test signal. The append mode allows to store all individual measurement results into one single data file.

Backup the stored measurement data from the XL2 to your computer daily. This prevents any data loss, as by mistake data could be deleted on the Mini-SD card.

 The Start Append Mode window opens.

116 Data Management

Select Filename Take Measurement Results

• Measure the sound level LAeq on the first position. • Select the memory menu and Append Data.

• Select the user part of the file name. The maximum length of the user part is 12 characters. The right part “_SLM_001” is defined by the XL2 to avoid overwriting of existing measurements, whereby “SLM” is the appendix for the mea- The XL2 does not store in the append mode: surement function and “001” is an automatically increment- • Log files ing number. • Wav-files • Select START and press the enter button to confirm. • Repeated report files generated in timer mode repeat & repeat synchronized.  The append mode is available.

117 Data Management

Store Measurement Results Append Further Measurement Results

 The pop-up window Append Data shows up. • Move to the next location in the room, carry out the measurement and follow the described append data procedure. • Select the location ID and measurement ID, thus each measurement result is stored with an individual description for later documentation. Exit Append Mode • Select Append with the rotary wheel and confirm with the enter button . • Open the memory menu . • Select Exit Append after adding the last measurement.

Auto Append Alternatively the XL2 appends measurement data to the same report file automatically.

• Start the Append mode and set Auto Ap- pend is ON in the memory menu or in the pop-up window Start Append Mode.

Skip Append Data In case of selecting SKIP in the Append Data window, then no measurement data are ap-  The measurement data are stored on the Mini-SD card. pended to the report file.

118 Data Management

Append After Power Up Recall Previous Measurements for Append

You can continue to add measurement results into the same Any previously stored measurement with the remark for ap- data file at any time later. pend can be load back for appending further test records.

• Store your measurements in the append mode and switch • Select Load Test and press the enter button . the XL2 off and on again. • Select the project folder and stored data file name. • Select LOAD confirm with the enter button .  The pop-up window Continue append shows up.  The pop-up window Load for Append shows up.

• Select Ye s and continue adding measurement results to the • Select Continue and add further measurements to the same report file in the append mode. same report file in the append mode.

119 Microphones

10. Microphones Electronic Data Sheet The M4260 and M2210 measurement microphones include an The plug-on measurement microphones M4260 or M2210 form electronic data sheet. The automated sensor detection (ASD) together with the XL2 a comprehensive sound level meter and of the XL2 Analyzer reads this data sheet, enabling the XL2 to acoustic analyzer. The microphones are 48 VDC phantom pow- automatically recognize the microphone model, sensitivity and ered and include an electronic data sheet. calibration data. This ensures correct measurement results using the M4260 or M2210 microphones. Integrated Preamplifier The microphone bodies contain the pre-amplifier and require

48 VDC phantom power supply for operation. They combine Screen connection used for high dynamic range and wide frequency range with low noise. ASD technology The measurement microphones can also be connected with M4260 Microphone the ASD Cable to the XL2 Audio and Acoustic Analyzer for mea- XLR M 2 2 2 Pin 2 + ASD Microphone surements at remote locations or reducing acoustical reflec- Pin 3 - 3 3 3 1 Capsule tions. Pin 1 Shield 1 1

Connection Diagram of Measurement Microphones M4260 and M2210 - Enhanced Performance Pin 1 Pin 2 Pin 3 XLR M

120 Microphones

Microphone plugs directly to the XL2 Microphone Connection via a professional Audio Cable The XL2 automatically reads ASD electronic data sheet of the For distances longer than 20 meter (= 65 feet) use a high qual- connected microphone as follows: ity, low capacitance standard professional audio cable. In this • Connect the measurement microphone to the XL2. scenario, no separate data line for the transmission of the elec- • Switch on the XL2 with the on/off button . tronic data sheet is available, thus the microphone sensitivity has to be entered manually into the XL2 Analyzer.  The XL2 reads the electronic data sheet of the connected microphone during a short initialization process prior the first measurement. • Use the microphone for the intended pur- Microphone Connection via the ASD Cable pose only. The measurement microphones M4260 and M2210 can be • Protect the microphone from contamination connected with the ASD Cable to the XL2 Audio and Acoustic by always using the supplied windscreen. Analyzer for measurements at remote locations or reducing • Never use the microphone in a damp or wet acoustical reflections. The ASD Cable includes a separate line environment. for transmitting the electronic data sheet to the XL2, thus not • Do not jar or drop the microphone. affecting the measurement data. • Do not remove the microphone protective grid. The electronic data sheet is transmitted via the XLR connec- • Do not touch the microphone membrane. tor’s housing and the shield lead of the ASD Cable. Do not • Remove the white dust cap of the M2210 touch these parts during the short initialization period to ensure measurement microphone prior to use. the complete data sheet is recognized by the XL2. The automated sensor detection does not disturb any measurements. You may chain up to 4x ASD Cables together in tandem. The ASD technology supports accurate data communication up to a length of 20 meters (= 65 feet).

121 Further Information

11. Further Information Mini-SD Card Errors The XL2 Audio and Acoustic Analyzer writes measurement data automatically onto the Mini-SD card during ongoing mea- Tips and Trouble Shooting surements, thus a working Mini-SD card has to be inserted at any time.

Resetting to Factory Default Error Messages Actions to do If the XL2 Audio and Acoustic Analyzer reacts unexpectedly, a reset to the factory settings might solve the problem. Missing SD-Card Insert the Mini-SD card.

• Switch the XL2 off. SD-Card is not FAT Format the Mini-SD card on the PC. • Hold down the escape button and simultaneously operate formatted the On/Off button . SD-Card is full The memory of the Mini-SD card is  The reset confirmation is displayed. full, thus download all data to PC and empty the Mini-SD card.

XL2 Starts Up with Limited Functions The XL2 has been operated the last time in one of the sim- Can I use another Mini-SD Card ? plified application profiles and the system settings have been Yes, you can use any alternative Mini-SD card. changed as follows: Select Profile from Yes to No. • Switch the XL2 off. • Insert the Mini-SD card into the XL2 Analyzer. • Follow the above resetting to factory default. • Switch the XL2 on.

 The XL2 will start up with full functions.  The XL2 writes the data structure automatically on the inserted Mini-SD card.

122 Further Information

Stored Data or wav-Files not available on Mini-SD Card The file system might be currupted. • Carry out the error checking in the below property panel. • Thereafter all stored data shall be available again.

123 Further Information

Firmware Update of XL2

You will fi nd information about the installed fi rmware ver- Firmware update with XL2 in hand, PC online: sion in the systems settings of your instrument. The fi rm- • Start the XL2 and connect it to the computer. The XL2 will ware revision history is listed on the XL2 support page: be recognized as mass storage device. http://support.nti-audio.com/xl2. • Double-click the fi le xl2.htm 1 . The web screen “XL2 In- strument Status“ opens. Updating the fi rmware on the XL2 is executed by a XL2Vxxx. • Select “Look for FW Updates“. The web screen “XL2 Sup- xx fi le which is fi rst placed in the root directory of the XL2. port Page“ opens. When started, the XL2 automatically completes the fi rmware • Download the fi rmware fi le XL2Vxxx.xx into the XL2 root update. directory. • Remove the USB cable and power up the XL2. • Watch the display and wait until the update is fi nished.

No PC available: If you have no web access at all, please contact your local NTi 1 Audio partner. You will receive the new fi rmware fi le.

1 XL2.htm This fi le opens the XL2 instrument status page, for online • Firmware updates • Activation of options

124 Further Information

Options

The System menu shows the installed options on your XL2. The following options extend the measurement functions of the XL2:

• Speech Intelligibility STI-PA NTi Audio #: 600 000 038 • Extended Acoustic Pack NTi Audio #: 600 000 039

The STI-PA function measures the speech intelligibility of The Extended Acoustic Pack offers the following additional public announcement systems according the latest revision features for sound level- and acoustical measurements. of IEC 60268-16:2003 standard. The XL2 displays the mea- • Percentiles: 1%, 5%, 10%, 50%, 90%, 95%, 99% surement results as STI or as CIS results, accompanied by • Time weighting: Impulse the individual levels and modulation indices of the seven • Sound Pressure Levels LIeq, Sound Exposure Level LAE octave bands. The measurement results are acquired from • Clock-Impulse Maximum Level (TaktMax) and values as the dedicated STI-PA test signal, generated by the specified in DIN 45645-1 • Included Test Signal CD • Recording of WAV-files (24 bit, 48 kHz) • Minirator MR-PRO, test signal generator, required for au- • High-resolution Zoom-FFT with selectable frequency dio systems with line inputs ranges and resolution up to 0.4 Hz in the range of 5 Hz • NTi Audio TalkBox, acoustic signal generator, required for to 20 kHz audio systems with voice microphones, thus measuring • Reverberation time RT60 in 1/3 octave resolution the complete signal chain

125 Further Information

Installation of Options Manual Activation: (applicable if the XL2 can not be connected to an online PC) • Open the web site Activation with PC online (recommended): http://registration.nti-audio.com/XL2activation.php • Start the XL2 and connect it to the computer. The XL2 will • Enter your individual XL2 serial number (e.g. xxx-xxxxx-xx), be recognized as mass storage device. listed in the XL2 battery compartment or shown in the XL2 • Double-click the fi le xl2.htm 1 . The web screen “XL2 In- system settings. strument Status“ opens. • Complete the form. • Select “Activate Option“. The web screen “XL2 License Ac- • You will receive an automated e-mail with the activation key tivation“ opens. fi le within minutes. • Enter the license number printed on the rear side of the CD • Copy this activation key fi le into the root directory of the XL2 cover and complete the form. memory (=Mini-SD-Card). • You will receive an automated e-mail with the activation key • Remove the USB cable and power up the XL2. fi le within minutes. • Copy this activation key fi le into the root directory of the XL2 Congratulations, the purchased option is now permanently en- memory (=Mini-SD-Card). abled on your instrument. • Remove the USB cable and power up the XL2. • Congratulations, the purchased option is now permanently Accessories enabled on your instrument. Ever-ready Pouch The Ever-ready Pouch protects the XL2 during transport and operation. With its convenient belt-clip, the XL2 can be kept close by for those tasks requiring both hands. The Ever-ready Pouch allows op- 1 eration of the XL2 fi tted in the pouch. NTi Audio #: 600 000 335

126 Further Information

Mains Power Adapter Exel System Case Mains Power Adapter for XL2 Audio and This compact system case provides the Acoustic Analyzer. Non original power professional transport protection for work supplies may cause interferences with in the fi eld. It offers space for the hand- the measurement. held instruments, cables and connectors. NTi Audio #: 600 000 333 NTi Audio #: 600 000 334

Spare Li-Po Battery Calibration Certifi cate

Rechargeable spare battery for portable Test & Calibration Certificate Individual calibration certifi cate with se-

This document certifies that the following instrument has been tested and calibrated to the measurements at any time. manufacturer specifications. With this calibration are all instrument functions calibrated. rial number according to the standards • Device Type: XL2 Audio and Acoustic Analyzer NTi Audio #: 600 000 337 • Serial Number: A2A-02023-C0 EN ISO / IEC 17025. NTi Audio #: 600 000 018

48V -> ICP Adapter XL2 Mounting Adapter Connects to the XL2 and generates ICP Mechanical adapter piece to mount the

NTI AG • Im alten Riet 102 • 9494 Schaan • Liechtenstein • Europe • Tel: +423 239 6060 • Fax: +423 239 6089 power supply for alternative microphones www.nti-audio.com • HR-Nr: 2.012.557 • MwStNr: 54306 • Bank: VP Bank, Vaduz, Acc No: 322.235.015 XL2 on a microphone stand. or sensors. NTi Audio #: 600 000 372 NTi Audio #: 600 010 223 Battery Charger ASD Cable The Battery Charger contains a sophisti- The ASD Cable allows for extended con- cated charge controller for effi cient charg- nections of the measurement micro- ing of the spare Li-Po battery. The battery phones M4260 or M2210, while main- charger includes 1x spare Li-Po battery. taining the automated sensor detection NTi Audio #: 600 000 332 functionality (ASD). You may chain up to 4x ASD Cables together in tandem. Length = 5 meter (16 feet)

NTi Audio #: 600 000 336 127 Further Information

Digital I/O Adapter Box Minirator MR-PRO The Digital I/O Adapter Box serves the The MR-PRO is an extremely powerful control of external peripherals, such as analog audio generator to satisfy every displaying exceeding sound levels on a need for the professional engineer. It gen- big external red-orange-green lamp. It erates the following analog audio signals: connects to the digital I/O interface. • Sine Waveforms, freely selectable fre- NTi Audio #: 600 000 380 quencies and levels up to +18 dBu • Sweep Signals, any frequency interval Spare Mini-SD Card 2 GByte up to 1/12 octave NTi Audio #: 600 000 374 • White Noise, Pink Noise • Polarity Test Signal Precision Calibrator • Delay Test Signal The calibrator ensures accurate sound • Wave Files (*.wav) level measurements. The class 1 sound NTi Audio #: 600 000 310 calibrator provides 114 dBSPL @ 1kHz for calibration of measurement micro- NTi Audio TalkBox phones. The NTi Audio TalkBox greatly simplifies NTi Audio #: 640 300 101 the acoustical feed of the STI-PA intelligibility test source signal into closed sound reinforcement systems. It presents the standardized voice-like acoustical signal emission simulating a human talker according to IEC 60268-16, combined with a TNO certified speech intelligibility signal at standardized levels. NTi Audio #: 600 000 085

128 Further Information

Warranty Conditions Calibration Certificate

International warranty The XL2 Audio and Acoustic Analyzer has been carefully tested NTi Audio guarantees the function of the XL2 Audio and Acous- during production and corresponds to the specifications listed tic Analyzer and the individual components for a period of one in “Technical Data”. year from the date of sale. During this period, defective instruments will either be repaired free of charge or replaced. NTi Audio recommends annual calibration of the instrument. Kindly follow the service guidelines at Limitations www.nti-audio.com/service. These guarantee provisions do not cover damage caused by accidents, transportation, incorrect use, carelessness, accessories or the installation of any parts that were not delivered with the instrument, the loss of parts, connection to the mains Damage through shocks and moisture voltage, operation with non-specified input voltages, adapter • The protective shock jacket shields your in- types or incorrectly inserted batteries. In particular, NTi Audio strument against reasonable impacts that accepts no responsibility for subsequent damage of any kind. could occur in normal use. The warranty will be voided by the carrying out of repairs or • Do not intentionally subject the instrument service work by third parties who are not part of an approved to extreme stress! NTi Audio Service Centre. • Please do not drop the instrument! • Damage caused by dropping or impact is not Repairs covered by warranty. In the case of faulty functioning or damage please contact your • Do not use the instrument in damp environ- local NTi Audio partner for assistance. If your instrument needs ments! The instrument can be permanently to be returned for service, kindly follow the service guidelines damaged by the penetration of water. at www.nti-audio.com/service.

129 Specifications

Declaration of Conformity Information for Disposal and Recycling

CE / FCC Compliance Statement

We, the manufacturer Dispose of your instrument in accordance with NTi Audio AG the valid legal environmentally regulations in your Im alten Riet 102 country. 9494 Schaan Liechtenstein, Europe do hereby declare that the XL2, M4260 and M2210, approved in 2009, comply with the following standards or other standard Regulations for the European Union and other European documents: countries with corresponding laws:

EMC: 89/336, 92/31, 93/68 The instrument must not be disposed of in the household gar- Harmonized standards: EN 61326-1 bage. At the end of its service life, bring the instrument to a collecting point for electrical recycling in accordance with the This declaration will become invalid if modifications to the in- legal regulations. strument are carried out without the written approval of NTi Audio. Other countries outside the European Union:

Date: 1. September 2009 Contact your respective authorities for the valid environmental Signature: regulations in your country.

Position: Technical Director

130 Specifications

12. Technical Data XL2 Functions • Percentiles: 1%, 5%, 10%, 50%, 90%, 95%, 99% Extended • Time weighting: Impulse Acoustic • Sound Pressure Level LIeq Sound Level Meter Pack (op- • Sound Exposure Level LAE Product Con- • XL2 with M2210 microphone: tional) • Clock-Impulse Maximum Level (TaktMax) and val- figurations Class 1 frequency response acc. to IEC 61672 ues as specified in DIN 45645-1 Type 1 frequency response according ANSI S1.4 • Digital I/O interface • XL2 with M4260 microphone: • Recording of WAV-files (24 bit, 48 kHz) Class 2 according to IEC 61672 • High-resolution FFT, up to 0.4 Hz resolution in the Type 2 according ANSI S1.4 range of 5 Hz - 20 kHz • Reverberation time RT60 in 1/3 octave resolution Conforms IEC 61672, IEC 60651, IEC 60804, ANSI S1.4, -1 with Stan- ANSI S1.43, DIN 15905-5, DIN 45645-2, SLV 2007, Weighting• Frequency Weighting: A, C, Z, X-Curve dards optional: DIN 45645-1 • Time Weighting: Fast, Slow, optional: Impulse Real Time • Frequency resolution: 1/3 octave, 1/1 octave, wide Measure- • SPL actual, Leq, Lmin, Lmax, LCpeak Analyzer band ments • Gliding L Aeq with t = 5”, 10’, 15’ and 60’ • All measurement results are simultaneously avail- RTA • Frequency range: 6.3 Hz to 20 kHz, level resolu- able tion: 0.1 dB • Correction value measurement wizard • Band pass filters conform IEC 61260 class 0, ANSI • Noise curves NC, NR, PNC, RC with post process- S1.11-2004, class 1 ing Acoustic Analyzer • Noise exposure level LEX with post processing FFT Analysis • Real time FFT with L and L • Logging all data or subsets in selectable intervals ZF eq • Level resolution: 0.1 dB • Recording of WAV-files (ADPCM) and voice notes • Ranges: 7 Hz - 215 Hz, 58 Hz - 1.72 kHz, 484 Hz - • Limit monitoring showing exceeding sound levels 20.5 kHz • Level resolution: 0.1 dB • Optional: High-resolution FFT in the range of • Internal noise: 1.3 µV A-Weighted 5 Hz - 20 kHz

131 Specifications

Reverbera- • 1/1 octave bands results from 63 Hz - 8 kHz, STI-PA • Single value STI and CIS test result according to tion based on T20 Speech IEC 60268-16, 2003 release, DIN VDE 0833-4, IEC Time RT60 • Optional: 1/3 octave bands results from 50 Hz - 10 Intelligibility 60849, DIN VDE 0828-1 kHz, based on T20 (optional) • Modulation indices and individual band level re- • Range: 10 ms - 14 seconds sults with error indicator, post processing with • Measurement according to ISO3382 by Schroeder- recorded spectra supported method • Test signal: NTi Audio STI-PA signal generated by • Test signal: Impulse source or gated pink noise the MR-PRO, NTi Audio TalkBox or the STI-PA Test generated by the MR-PRO, MR2 or the included CD NTi Audio Test CD Audio Analyzer Delay Time • Propagation delay between electrical reference signal and acoustical signal using the internal mi- Level RMS• True RMS detection in V, dBu, dBV and dBSPL crophone • Range XLR/RCA input: 2 µV - 25 V (-112 dBu to • Range: 0 ms - 1 second (0 m - 344 m) +30 dBu) • Resolution: 0.1 ms • Accuracy: ± 0.5 % @ 1 kHz, • Test signal: NTi Audio delay test signal generated • Flatness: ± 0.1 dB @ 12 Hz to 21.3 kHz by the MR-PRO, MR2 or the included NTi Audio • Bandwidth (-3 dB): 2 Hz to 23.6 kHz Test CD • Resolution: 3 digits (dB scale),5 digits (linear scale) or 6 digits (x1 scale) Polarity• Checks polarity of speakers and line signals • Positive/Negative detection of wideband and Frequency• Range: 9 Hz to 21.3 kHz, resolution: 6 digits individual 1/1 octave bands through internal micro- • Accuracy: < ± 0.003% phone or XLR/RCA connector THD+N • Range: -100 dB to 0 dB (0.001% to 100%) • Test signal: NTi Audio polarity test signal gener- (Total Har- • Minimum level: > -90 dBu ated by the MR-PRO, MR2 or the included NTi monic • Fundamental bandwidth: 10 Hz to 21.3 kHz Audio Test CD Distortion + • Measurement bandwidth: 2 Hz to 23.6 kHz Noise) • Resolution: 3 digits (dB scale) or 4 digits (linear scale) • Residual THD+N @ XLR/RCA input: < 2 µV Scope Auto ranging, auto scaling Filter • Frequency weighting: A, C, Z • Highpass 400 Hz, Highpass 19 kHz, • Bandpass 22.4 Hz - 22.4 kHz according IEC468-4 132 Specifications

Input / Output Interfaces Power • Rechargeable Li-Po battery included, type 3.7 V / Supply 2260 mAh, typical battery lifetime > 4 hours Audio Inputs• XLR balanced with input impedance = 200 kOhm, • Dry cell batteries type AA, 4 x 1.5 V, typical battery phantom power: +48 V switchable, automated lifetime > 4 hours sensor detection for M4260/M2210 • Linear external power supply 9 VDC (charges Li-Po • RCA unbalanced with input impedance >30 kOhm battery in operation) • Built-in condenser microphone for polarity testing, delay measurements and voice note recording General Audio Out- • Built-in speaker Clock Real time clock with lithium backup battery puts • Headphone connector 3.5 mm Minijack Stereo Calibration• Recommended calibration interval: one year USB Inter- USB mini connector for data transfer to PC and • Microphone calibration supported with external face charging of Li-Po battery calibrator • Calibration certificate for new instruments optional Digital I/O Optional 1-wire interface for control of external pe- available ripherals Mechanics• Tripod or microphone stand mount TOSLink 24 bit linear PCM audio signal output • Wire stand mounted on rear side (prepared for later firmware extension) • Display: 160 x 160 pixels grey scale with LED back Memory Mini-SD card, 2 GByte, removable, light storing ASCII data, screenshots, voice notes and • Dimensions: 180 mm x 90 mm x 45 mm wav-files (7.1” x 3.5” x 1.8”) • Weight: 480 g (1 lbs) including built-in Li-Po battery Temperature -10 °C to +50 °C (14° to 122°F) Humidity 5% to 90% RH, non condensing Electromag- CE compliant: netic EN 61326-1 Class B, EN 55011 class B Compat- EN 61000-4-2 to -6 & -11 ibility

133 Specifications

13. Technical Data Microphones

M4260 M2210 - Enhanced Performance Microphone Type Omni-directional, pre-polarized condenser, free field microphone Capsule / Transducer 1/4” 1/2” detachable capsule with permanently installed capsule 60UNS2 thread Flatness Class 2 (IEC61672-1) Class 1 (IEC61672-1) +1/-4.5 dB @ 5 Hz - 20 Hz ±1 dB @ 5 Hz - 20 Hz ±1.5 dB @ 20 Hz - 4 kHz ±1 dB @ 20 Hz - 4 kHz ±2.5 dB @ 5 Hz - 20 Hz +1/-1.5 dB @ 5 Hz - 20 Hz ±4.5 dB @ 4 kHz - 20 kHz ±2 dB @ 4 kHz - 20 kHz Frequency Range 5 Hz - 20 kHz 5 Hz - 20 kHz Residual Noise Floor typical 29 dB(A) 19 dB(A) Linear Measurement Range 35 dB(A) - 144 dB 28 dB(A) - 144 dB with XL2 acc. IEC 60804 Maximum SPL 144 dBSPL 144 dBSPL @ THD 3%, 1 kHz Sensitivity typical 31.7 dBV/Pa ±3 dB -34 dBV/Pa ±3 dB (26 mV/Pa) @ 1kHz (20 mV/Pa) @ 1kHz Temperature Coefficient ±0.02 dB / °C @ -10°C to +50°C (14°F to 122°F) -0.01 dB / °C @ -10°C to +50°C (14°F to 122°F) Long Term Stability not defined > 250 years / dB Environmental Behavior not defined very stable at changes in air pressure and humidity Temperature Range -10°C to +50°C (14°F to 122°F) Humidity 5% to 90% RH, non condensing Electronic Data Sheet NTi Audio ASD according IEEE P1451.4 V1.0, Class 2, Template 27 134 Specifications

M4260 M2210 - Enhanced Performance Output Impedance 100 Ohm balanced Power Supply 48 VDC phantom power, 3 mA typical Dimensions Length 150 mm (5.9”), diameter 20.5 mm (0.8”) Connector Balanced 3-pole XLR

Typical Frequency Response

M4260 M2210 8 8 Tolerance 6 6 Class 1, IEC61672-1 4 4

2 2

0 0

-2 -2

-4 -4 Tolerance -6 -6 Sensitivity [dB] relative Class 2, IEC61672-1 -8 -8

-10 -10

-12 -12 1 5 10 10 20 100 100 1000 1000 10000 10000 20000 100000 log frequency [Hz] (free field conditions @ reference direction 0°)

135 Appendix

Appendix Appendix 1: Standard - Extended Features

Standard Features Extended Acoustic Pack

Sound Level Meter Frequency Weighting

Sound Level Meter Time weighting Impulse

Sound Exposure Level

Percentile Sound Pressure Levels:

Sound Level Meter Correction

136 Appendix

Standard Features Extended Acoustic Pack

Sound Level Meter Clock-Impulse Maximum Level (Taktmaximalpegel) accord- Parameter ing to DIN 45645-1:

Calculated levels according to DIN 45645-1:

Sound Level Meter • Recording of WAV-files • Recording of WAV-files (24 bit, 48 kHz) Audio Recording (ADPCM) • Voice note recording

FFT Analysis Measurement Range

137 Appendix

Appendix 2: Factory Default Profiles DIN15905-5 / DIN15905-5 & Audio (Sound Level Monitoring according DIN15905-5) The XL2 may start up with individual preset application profiles. The following limits apply at all areas accessible by the visitors during the measurement period of 30 minutes: • Maximum averaged level = 99 dB The XL2 displays this maximum level with the measurement result LAeq+k1. • Maximum peak level LCpeak = 135 dB

The profile Full mode is the default configuration with all available measurement functions enabled.

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These levels are shown in the numeric result page: How to measure • Select the page KSET with the rotary wheel . LAeq5”M+k1 Moving time-averaged integrated sound • Measure the correction values k1 and k2 as described in the pressure level LAeq with 5 seconds time interval and correction value k1. chapter “Correction Value KSET”. • Press the start button . L +k1 Time-averaged integrated sound pressure Aeq • During the measurement flashes the indication LOG. In level L with correction value k1 Aeq case the profile #DIN15905-5 & Audio has been selected LCpeak+k2 C-weighted peak level LCpeak with k2 the icon AUD is flashing, indicating the additional audio wav- file logging. • Press stop to finish the measurement.

The following sound levels are displayed in the real time analyzer page: All sound levels according DIN15905-5 are mea- LZFhold For tracing of feedback frequencies. The peak hold time can be set to 3, 5 or 10 sec. sured, displayed and logged to Mini-SD card automatically. The settings are locked which L Actual real time spectra. ZFlive ensures, that the required parameters are measured. The profile #DIN15905-5 & Audio includes the recording of ADPCM compressed wav-files.

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The profile offers the following limit indications for the limit but- SLV 2007 / SLV 2007 & Audio ton and optional external Digital I/O Box, thus allowing taking (Sound Level Monitoring according SLV 2007) immediate actions against exceeding sound levels. The following limits apply at all areas accessible by the visitors during the moving measurement period window of 60 minutes during the live event:

• Maximum averaged level Type of Max. level Description live event 1 93 dB Live events, which do not comply to requirements for live events of type 2 or 3 2 96 dB - Sound level monitoring - Level warning to visitors - Hearing protection distributed 3 100 dB - Sound level recording - Results to store for 30 days - Level warning to visitors - Hearing protection distributed - Chill out zone < 85 dB(A) The control of external peripherals with the Digital I/O Box re- The XL2 displays this maximum level with the measure- quires an installed Extended Acoustic Pack. For details please ment result LAeq60‘M+k1. see chapter Options. • Maximum peak level LAFmax = 125 dB

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The following sound levels are displayed in the real time analyzer page: LZFhold For tracing of feedback frequencies. The peak hold time can be set to 3, 5 or 10 sec. LZFlive Actual real time spectra.

How to measure: • Select the page KSET with the rotary wheel . • Measure the correction values k1 and k2 as described in the chapter “Correction Value KSET”. • Press the start button . • During the measurement flashes the indication LOG. In case the profile #SLV2007 & Audio has been selected the icon AUD is flashing, indicating the additional audio wav-file These levels are shown in the numeric result page: logging. • Press stop to finish the measurement. LAeq60’M+k1 Moving time-averaged integrated sound pressure level with 60 minutes moving time interval and correction value k1. All sound levels according SLV 2007 are mea- L +k1 Maximum sound pressure level L AFmax AFmax sured, displayed and logged to Mini-SD card with correction value k1 automatically. The settings are locked which LAF+k1 Actual sound pressure level LAF with A- ensures, that the required parameters are mea- weighting and correction value k1 sured. The profile #SLV2007 & Audio includes the recording of ADPCM compressed wav-files.

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The profile offers the following limit indications for the limit but- Appendix 3: Description Sound Levels ton and optional external Digital I/O Box, thus allowing taking immediate actions against exceeding sound levels. A-Frequency Weighting Filter acc. to IEC 61672 Applicable for most common sound pressure level measurement following the human hearing perception at lower sound pressure levels.

C-Frequency Weighting Filter acc. to IEC 61672 Applicable for very high sound pressure levels following the human hearing perception at high sound pressure levels; typically used for measurements of peak values e.g. LCpeak

Sound Exposure Level The sound exposure level LAE is the LAeq normalized to 1 second. The sound exposure level is measured to compare noise events with different time durations. The LAE reports the amount of noise from a event such as an individual aircraft fly over. The control of external peripherals with the Digital I/O Box re- LAE = LAeq + 10 x log (time in seconds) quires an installed Extended Acoustic Pack. For details please see chapter Options. Time-Average Sound Level or Equivalent Continuous Sound Level according to IEC 61672

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Moving Time-Average Sound Level or Fast Time Weighting Moving Equivalent Continuous Sound Level Time constant t = 125 ms; the time weighting is with selectable time intervals of 5 seconds, 10 min- an exponential function of time, which defines utes, 15 minutes or 60 minutes. The moving time- how changes of the instantaneous sound pressure average sound level is a Leq based on a moving level are averaged for useful sound pressure level time window. results. The measurement results are shown accu- rately for sound sources with a minimum length of Sample: 0.5 seconds. Fast time weighting is typically used for common sound level measurements. 10h 00min 00sec Start of XL2 measurement Holding Peak Level 10h 00min 05sec Leq5” = Leq of this 5 seconds For tracing of feedback frequencies in the RTA page. The peak hold time can be set to 3, 5 or 10 10h 00min 06sec Leq5” = Leq of the time win- seconds. dow from 10h 00min 01sec to 10h 00min 06sec Impulse Time Weighting Time constant increase t = 35 ms; time constant 10h 00min 07sec Leq5” = Leq of the time win- decrease t = 1500 ms; the time weighting is an dow from 10h 00min 02sec to exponential function of time, which defines how 10h 00min 07sec changes of the instantaneous sound pressure level are averaged for useful sound pressure level Application example: results. The measurement results are shown ac- • Display the moving Leq over 5 seconds accord- curately for sound sources with a minimum length ing to DIN15905 of 0.1 seconds. Impulse time weighting is used for • Measure the moving Leq over 60 minutes ac- impulsive sound sources. cording to SLV2007

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Correction Value k1 Previous Leq Applies for RMS based values (LA F, LAeq, ...). The Applicable for timer mode Repeat or Repeat Syn- correction value k1 is measured or pre-set in the chronized: Displays the time averaged sound level page KSET of the sound level meter function. Leq of the last measurement cycle.

Correction Value k2 Percentile Sound Level - Level Statistics Applicable at time weighting setting PK ( = peak). The sound pressure level exceeding xx% during The correction value k2 is measured or pre-set in the measurement period; e.g. LAF90% is the level the page KSET of the sound level meter function. exceeded at 90% of the measurement period. The percentile value xx is user defined; available are Parameter live 1%, 5%, 10%, 50%, 90%, 95%, 99%. The statis- Actual sound pressure level. tical distribution of sound pressure levels is commonly used at background noise analysis. Parameter max Maximum sound level of the measurement cycle. Slow Time Weighting Time constant t = 1 second; the time weighting is Parameter min an exponential function of time, which defines how Minimum sound level of the measurement cycle. changes of the instantaneous sound pressure level are averaged for useful sound level results. Correction Value off No correction value, default setting. Parameter T3 Clock-Impulse Maximum Level (Taktmaximalpegel) Peak Level LAFT3 acc. to DIN 45645-1. Application example: Maximum sound pressure level measured with fre- Measure LCpeak according to DIN15905 quency weighting A and time weighting F within a time interval of 3 seconds.

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Parameter T3 equivalent Time-average Clock-Impulse Maximum Level (Takt- maximalpegel) LAFT3eq acc. to DIN 45645-1.

Parameter T5 Clock-Impulse Maximum Level (Taktmaximalpegel) LAFT5 acc. to DIN 45645-1. Maximum sound pressure level measured with frequency weighting A and time weighting F within a time interval of 5 seconds.

Parameter T5 equivalent Time-average Clock-Impulse Maximum Level (Takt- maximalpegel) LAFT5eq acc. to DIN 45645-1.

Inverted X-Curve In the film and recording industry an X curve is also known as the wide-range curve, e.g. used for cin- ema installations; conforms to ISO 2969.

Z- frequency weighting according to IEC 61672 (= flat frequency response, no filter) Overall sound pressure level, all sound signal components are included; required for special applications.

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Appendix 4: Common Sound Levels

Display Application Setting

L Sound Exposure Level AE -> The sound exposure level LAE is the LAeq normalized to 1 second. The sound exposure level is measured to compare noise events with different time durations. The LAE reports the amount of noise from a event such as an individual aircraft fly over. LAE = LAeq + 10 x log (time in seconds)

L Actual Sound Pressure Level AF -> -> -> SPL with A frequency weighting and F time weighting following the human hearing perception at lower sound pressure levels, e.g. applicable at levels lower than 100 dB.

L Time-Average Sound Level or Aeq -> -> Equivalent Continuous Sound Level Averaged sound level over time with A frequency weighting.

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L + k1 Time-Average Sound Level with Correction Value Aeq -> -> The actual measurement position often differs to the loudest position of the live event. Thus the correction value k1 is the measured correction value of LAeq between loudest position and actual measurement position by using pink noise. The correction value k1 is measured or pre-set in the page KSET of the sound level meter function.

L Minimum Sound Pressure Level AFmin -> -> Measures the minimum environmental noise level during the measurement period.

L Percentile Sound Level AFxx% -> -> The sound pressure level exceeding xx% during the measurement period; e.g. LAF90% is the level exceeded at 90% of the measurement period. The percentile value xx is user defined; available are 1%, 5%, 10%, 50%, 90%, 95%, 99%. The statis- tical distribution of sound pressure levels is commonly used at background noise analysis.

L Peak Sound Level Cpeak -> -> Measures the peak sound pressure level with C frequency weighting according IEC 61672; typically required to measure possible short and high peak levels, which may damage the human hearing, such as defined in DIN 15905-5.

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L + k2 Peak Sound Pressure Level with Correction Value Cpeak -> -> The actual measurement position often differs to the loudest position of the live event. Thus the correction value k2 is the measured correction value of LCpeak between loudest position and actual measurement position by using pink noise. The correction value k2 is measured or pre-set in the page KSET of the sound level meter function.

L Moving Time-Average Sound Level AeqxxM -> -> -> Measurement of the moving sound level over time Leq with A frequency weighting and F time weighting; the parameter xx is user defined with the available settings • 5 seconds for live sound monitoring • 10 minutes according French standard • 15 minutes according British standard • 60 minutes according SLV 2007

L +k1 Moving Time-Average Sound Level with Correction Value k1 Aeq60’M -> -> -> The actual measurement position often differs to the loudest position of the live event. Thus the correction value k1 is the measured correction value of LAeq60’M between loudest position and actual measurement position by using pink noise. The correction value k1 is measured or pre-set in the page KSET of the sound level meter function. Application: Measurements according SLV 2007

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L Noise exposure level LEX EX -> -> The Noise at Work Directive 2003/10/EC reduces the risk of hearing damage for employees. • At steady noise LEX,8h = LAeq; (applies for LAS deviation is < 5 dB) e.g. the LAeq measured over a few minutes equals the LEX,8h; the following formula applies for a daily exposure time <> 8 hours : LEX,8h = LAeq + 10 x log ( T / 8 hours ) • At steady noise with stepwise level variations measure the LAeq at the different levels and enter the data with the corresponding exposure time in the NTi Audio noise exposure level post processing form; the LEX,8h will be calculated and displayed • At varying noise levels LEX,8h = LAeq measured for 8 hours

The action limits are LEX, 8h LCpeak Action Lower limit value 80 dB(A) 135 dB recommend wearing hearing protectors Upper limit value 85 dB(A) 137 dB hearing protectors must be worn and noise level re- duced as possible Exposure limit 87 dB(A) 140 dB employee with hearing protectors shall never exceed this limits

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