What Is an Audio Analyzer?
An audio analyzer is a sophisticated instrument designed to measure various sound parameters such as distortion rate, frequency response, and signal-to-noise ratio, facilitating the quantitative evaluation of sound quality performance. It integrates the functions of a low-distortion oscillator, filter, and frequency counter into a single device, simplifying the process of assessing sound quality.
With advancements in technology, applications that leverage a personal computer for measuring distortion rates have also become available.
Uses of Audio Analyzers
Audio analyzers are pivotal in assessing the sound quality of audio amplifiers, systems, and other audio-centric devices. They are instrumental in testing speakers and headphones, evaluating audio equipment’s frequency characteristics (like amplifiers and equalizers), measuring stage acoustics, and performing various acoustic tests. They help analyze distortion in audio amplifiers, attributing it to factors such as nonlinearities, residual noise, switching distortion, or harmonic components.
Principle of Audio Analyzers
Audio analyzers feature noise filters tailored to the frequency band characteristics of sound, ensuring accurate sound measurement and analysis. They employ oscillators for precise distortion measurement and analysis, alongside calculation functions for signal analysis. Modern analyzers use digital signal processing (DSP) for signal processing, including noise elimination and harmonic analysis. Additionally, some analyzers can perform intermodulation distortion measurements, employing methods like SMPTE and CCIF to analyze distortion generated by harmonic and difference signals.
Other Information on Audio Analyzers
1. Audio Amplifier Distortion Measurement
Building your audio amplifier involves evaluating the distortion factor, where an audio analyzer proves invaluable. It allows for the input of a low-distortion waveform, measuring harmonics and noise components after filtering out the fundamental waveform, aiming for a low distortion rate as a desirable amplifier characteristic.
2. Distortion Factor Measurement Using a PC
With a Windows PC and USB interface, software like WaveGene (signal generator) and WaveSpectra (measurement software) enable the evaluation of distortion rates. These free software tools are recognized among audio professionals for their ability to analyze audio waveform harmonics and visualize the frequency spectrum of music sources.