APx585 

Multichannel audio analyzers from Audio Precision. 

The APx Series is the next generation audio analyzer family that combines an awardwinning UI with AP’s legendary commitment to performance. No other analyzer is faster or easier to use. 

The APx585 is a true multichannel audio analyzer, with 8 simultaneous analog outputs and inputs. The APx586 adds a second input module for 16 simultaneous analog channels in. Both models have 192k digital inputs and outputs via AES/EBU, TOSLINK and SPDIF. HDMI and Digit Serial I/O are also available as options. 

Multichannel audio requires multichannel analysis 

A true multichannel analyzer allows not just faster testing, but also a complete picture of the performance of all of a device’s input and output channels simultaneously. Today, the majority of A/V receivers, disc players, TVs, PCs and automotive audio devices have more than two channels, from six channels (5.1) in surround sound applications to 16 or more channels in many cars. The conventional solution for testing multiple channels with a two channel analyzer has been to use switchers. Such an approach has two major problems. First, even when automated, switching between channels is slow. Second, because only one or two channels are being observed at a time, designers and manufacturers are often blind to interactions between channels. Problems which may go unobserved include output sag in channels during full power output tests as well as phase and crosstalk interactions, particularly the combinatorial complexity of all the output channels interacting with each other.  

Clear communication between R&D, production and management 

All settings for a test are saved in a single project file that’s small enough to email, making it easy to replicate test setups between R&D and production facilities anywhere in the world. Project files are compatible with all APx instruments and each project is self-contained, so there’s never any worry about dependencies or broken links. For customers, contract manufacturers or management, APx automatically generates rich graphic reports, with highlighted pass / fail limits and options to export as PDF, HTML, Excel or text.  

Ideal for production test 

APx works well in production environments. Complex sequences with user instructions and reports can be created without writing a single line of code. For integrated test stations, APx integrates easily within a larger test procedure using .NET, C# or LabVIEW or it can execute external scripts to control other instruments. 

APx525 Audio Analyzers Audio test & measurement for modern audio devices 

The APx525 family combines an award-winning user interface with AP’s legendary commitment to performance. APx is high speed, high performance, and user friendly. Innovations include oneclick measurements, the automated measurement sequencer and continuous sweep technology that can derive 14 measurements in as few as 7 seconds. 

Across all measurements, the interface is extremely intuitive with multiple views of results and graphic pass/fail limits. Repetitive bench tests across multiple signal paths can be automated with the measurement sequencer or through the API; level, scope, and FFT signal monitors can be pulled up for real-time analysis. APx can play custom waveforms and can measure playbackonly devices such as CD, DVD and MP3 players using external source mode. 

Ultra-high bandwidth, unique measurements & very low noise 

APx525 has exceptional performance. With the AG52 and BW52 options, typical THD+N is -110 dB and FFTs can go all the way out to one megahertz, with 24-bit resolution. APx525 displays power spectrum graphs with regulated frequency sweep and other CEA-2006/CEA-490A measurements. It is also the only audio analyzer in the world to enable CMRR measurements in accordance with IEC60268 section 14.15.1. 

The APx521 and APx526 four channel models are ideal for testing automotive audio systems (a free utility generates MPX RDS-encoded tones for APx). APx’s built-in loudspeaker test uses an energy time curve view to make setting up pseudoanechoic measurements very simple. The Digital Serial I/O option provides an I2 S interface to multichannel converters, CODECs, and DSPs.  

“Many of the measurements and facilities provided new insights into the products I tested, and the time saving in setting up the measurements and running them is considerable.” -- Graham Langley | Audio Media

AG52 Analog generator option 

With the new AG52 generator option APx can generate exceptionally clean square waves with a rise time better than 2 microseconds. The AG52 can also generate all of the popular DIM test signals to complement a corresponding new DIM distortion measurement capability in the software, all highly desirable for power amp test and measurement.

Using special circuit techniques, the AG52 does not suffer from the ringing and rise time issues associated with digital test tones passing through a converter.  

Other benefits of the dedicated hardware include a 2 dB improvement in THD+N (to -110 dB typical) and an increase in maximum output level from 21.21Vrms to 26.66 Vrms (balanced).  

BW52 Ultra-high bandwidth option 

The BW52 High Bandwidth option extends the APx’s FFT capability all the way to 1 megahertz, with 24-bit resolution and 2.38 Hz bin width, making APx ideal for looking at out-of-band noise in Class-D amplifiers, sigma-delta converters and other modern audio devices. 

By comparison, other audio analyzers have a maximum FFT bandwidth of 250 kHz or less, making them unsuitable for looking at switching frequencies that often center around 300-500 kHz. RF spectrum analyzers can have much wider bandwidth, but their low impedance, low resolution and low tolerance to high input levels again make them unsuitable for audio design.