Audio Control SA-3052A Manuel utilisateur

tmSA-3052Atm

Competition Autosound

Analyzer/SPL Meter

22410 70th Avenue West • Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043

Phone 425-775-8461 • Fax 425-778-3166 • Internet http://www.audiocontrol.com

Operation Manual

P/N 9021100

SA-3052

SA-3052A Owner’s Manual ®

SA-3052A Owner’s Manual

About This Manual ......................................................i

Notational Conventions ...............................................i

Notes, Cautions, and Warnings ....................................ii

Chapter 1 Introduction

Test Instruments vs. Toys.............................................1-1

ANSI Filter Design ......................................................1-2

Applications .................................................................1-3

Accessory Information.................................................1-3

Chapter 2 SA-3052A Front and Rear Panel Features

Front Panel...................................................................2-1

Rear Panel ....................................................................2-4

Chapter 3 Operation

Quick-Start Information...............................................3-1

Using The SA-3052A’s Functions ...............................3-1

Storing and Recalling a Response Curve.....................3-1

Averaging Several Readings ........................................3-2

Peak-Hold; RTA and Digital SPL ................................3-2

Clearing the Internal Memories ...................................3-2

Printer Operation..........................................................3-2

Printers Supported........................................................3-2

Connector Pin Designations.........................................3-3

Battery Operation.........................................................3-4

A and C Weighted Measurements................................3-5

Getting extreme at 175dB SPL ....................................3-6

Chapter 4 Acoustical Testing with the SA-3052A

Overview......................................................................4-1

Basic Procedure ...........................................................4-2

Body Effects.................................................................4-3

Sound Pressure Level and Hearing Loss .....................4-3

Chapter 5 A Primer on Car Acoustics .........................................5-1

Chapter 6 Getting the Last ¼ dB

Getting the Last 1/4db .................................................. 6-1

Setting Gain Levels.................................................... 6-12

Chapter 7 Contest Scoring

IASCA Scoring ............................................................7-1

USAC Scoring .............................................................7-1

Chapter 8 Other SA-3052A Applications

Sound System Equalization .........................................8-1

Hi-Fi Equalization........................................................8-1

Component Checkout...................................................8-4

Sound and Music Monitoring ......................................8-6

Crossover Testing.........................................................8-7

Chapter 9 Theory of Operation

Input Circuitry .............................................................9-1

One-Third Octave Filters .............................................9-1

Signal Multiplexing & Analog to Digital Conversion .9-1

Microprocessor Circuitry.............................................9-2

LED Display ................................................................9-2

Pink Noise Generator...................................................9-2

Chapter 10 Warranty

Legalese .................................................................... 10-1

Service Information ................................................... 10-1

Chapter 11 Specications............................................................. 11-1

Table of Contents

SA-3052A Owner’s Manual ®

SA-3052A Owner’s Manual

About This Manual

This manual describes the AudioControl SA-3052A and a few of its audio applica-

tions. The manual is divided into several major sections.

Chapter 1. Introduction is an overview of the SA-3052A and to this manual.

Chapter 2. SA-3052A Front and Rear Panel Features describes the physical features

found on the front and rear panels of the SA-3052A.

Chapter 3. Operation describes how to use the various functions of the SA-3052A

Chapter 4. Acoustical Testing with the SA-3052A has procedures for using the

SA-3052A for sound system equalization and analysis.

Chapter 5. Car Acoustics looks at the research and specics of automobile

acoustics.

Chapter 6. Last ¼ dB describes some advanced topics.

Chapter 7. Contest Scoring explains the special programming built into the SA-

3052A for car stereo contests.

Chapter 8. SA-3052A Applications describes a few other applications for the

SA-3052A besides equalizing sound systems.

Chapter 9. Theory of Operation, for terminally curious technoids only, is a descrip-

tion of what goes on inside the connes of the box.

Chapter 10. Warranty Information describes the SA-3052A warranty and tells how to

obtain service for the SA-3052A. We trust that you’ll never need to use

this section.

Chapter 11. Specications lists the SA-3052A’s specications.

SA-3052A Owner’s Manual ®

Notational Conventions

Within this manual, several different notation conventions are used to indicate various facets

of the SA-3052A’s features.

Small CapS Indicate a marked feature on the unit, like a control or a connector.

They are also used within procedures to identify controls and switches

by function.

Italics and boldface Are used for emphasis. Words printed in boldface convey more em

phasis than those printed in italics.

Notes, Cautions, and Warnings

Some of the text in this manual is set apart by the headings: Note, Caution, or Warning

These terms are used to denote varying degrees of awareness required by the user during

installation, operation, or maintenance of the SA-3052A.

NOTE conveys information that may be helpful to the user. A note is

similar to an aside during a conversation.

CAUTION indicates a potential danger to the instrument.

WARNING indicates a potential hazard to the operator.

SA-3052A Owner’s Manual

1-1

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Introduction

Congratulations on purchasing one of the world’s most popular audio analyzers. The

AudioControl SA-3052A is an affordable, measurement-grade, one-third octave real-time

analyzer designed for audio signal analysis. Previous analyzer designs were either too costly

for the average professional or too inaccurate for serious use. The SA-3052A overcomes

these inadequacies by combining a state-of-the-art microprocessor-based design with mod-

ern electronic manufacturing techniques. The result is a very accurate, quick and easy to use

instrument, self contained in one box.

The SA-3052A includes the following features:

• Car stereo contest scoring

• Portable battery operation

• Parallel printer port

• Completely self contained opeating system and programing

• 30 one-third octave bandwidth filters

• Fourth-order filters conform to ANSI S1.11-1986 standards

• Laboratory-grade calibrated measurement microphone

• Internal digital pink noise source

• 36 dB display window

• 9 x 30 large-format LED display matrix

• Full-screen digital SPL readout with 1/10th dB resolution

• Six non-volatile memories with lithium battery backup

• Frequency response averaging for up to six stored response curves

• 20 second temporal averaging

• Peak-hold

• Balanced XLR microphone, balanced TRS ¼” phone jack and unbalanced RCA

connector inputs

• 175 dB sound pressure level measurement (optional)

Test Instruments vs. Toys

There is a fundamental difference between the many real-time analyzers currently

available on the market today. That difference is one of calibration. An instrument that is

calibrated is capable of making measurements based on some absolute reference (absolute

measurement).

An instrument that isn’t calibrated can only make comparisons against a relative refer-

ence (relative measurement). For example, someone asks you, “How hot is it today?” If you

step outside for a moment and reply, “Oh, a bit hotter than yesterday,” that’s a relative mea-

surement. On the other hand, if you step outside and consult a certied laboratory thermom-

eter and say “85 degrees F,” you’ve made a measurement against an absolute reference.

The SA-3052A was calibrated at the factory to meet or exceed its published specica-

tions. You can make a measurement with the SA-3052A and compare it with a measurement

made by any other measurement-grade instrument and know that you are comparing apples

with apples.

SA-3052A Owner’s Manual

1-2

Chapter 1 - Introduction

ANSI Filter Design

A real-time analyzer works by dividing the audio spectrum up into equal bandwidth

parts using a set of calibrated (usually) bandpass lters. Then the output of each lter is

displayed on some sort of level indicator: LED matrix, Video display, LCD, etc.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) oversees the establishment and

maintenance of various engineering standards in conjunction with the International Stan-

dards Organization (ISO) in Europe. These two standards organizations have established

standards for the performance of the bandpass lters used for acoustical measurement

purposes.

For one-third octave analyzers, there are two classes of lters allowed by ANSI.

These are Class II, and Class III. Class I is reserved for octave bandwidth analyzers.

Class III lters are the hardest to design and manufacture and are usually only found on

the most expensive (read unaffordable) analyzers. Class II lters, are easier (not easy, just

easier) to design and manufacture than Class III lters. Any real-time analyzer intended

for serious measurement work will use lters that at least meet Class II standards.

The lters used in the SA-3052A analyzer meet or exceed the standards specied by

ANSI for a Class II, Type E lter set. Simply, they are very, very good but still affordable.

Figures 1.1 and 1.2 show two different one-third octave lters. Figure 1.1 is repre-

sentative of those found in most analyzers. Figure 1.2 is an actual lter used in the

SA-3052A. Note the difference in the response away from the center frequency. The

inferior lter’s broad response characteristic translates to potential measurement errors at

frequencies removed from the band-center and undesirable interaction between adjacent

frequency bands.

Figure 1.1. A non-measurement quality one-third octave filter

Figure 1.2. A measurement quality one-third octave filter

SA-3052A Owner’s Manual

1-3

Applications

The SA-3052A is well-suited to many audio applications including but not limited

to:

• Acoustical analysis for sound reinforcement or recording studios

• Equalizer adjustment and setup

• Crossover level setting and verification of frequency

• Gain matching and setting at various stages of the signal chain

• Movie theater system setup and alignment

• Industrial noise measurement

Special Features

Rechargeable Internal Battery Pack

The rechargeable battery option allows the SA-3052A to be used independent of

AC mains power. The batteries install within the instrument and provide up to 4

hours of operation on a full charge.

The batteries are recharged by plugging the instrument into a source of AC mains

power and leaving the front panel power switch set to off for a period of 9 to 10

hours. When charging, the power light glows red. When fully charged the red

power light flashes occasionally.

Printer Output

The printer output option provides a Centronics parallel interface for a PC

compatible printer (not provided). The analyzer-to-printer cable is a standard

PC-type parallel printer cable (also not provided).

The printed output is a form with suitable blank spaces for recording the time and

place of the measurement and other data, followed by the a printed representation

of the real-time spectrum display on the analyzer.

On-screen score display

For quick check-ups in the shop when you don’t have a printer handy, the SA-

3052A will display the frequency response score on the screen. Of course if you

do have a printer, the SA-3052A provides complete information about the individ-

ual response deviations on a special printout.

Automatic SPL judging

Forget about finding your stopwatch. Forget about disputes over SPL scores. The

SA-3052A automatically times 30 seconds and holds the loudest SPL peak during

the count-down. An LED bar ticks off the seconds for great crowd appeal.

No computer required

The SA-3052A works directly with your PC-compatible printer. Just plug your

printer into the SA-3052A and you’re ready to go.

SC-10 Soft Carrying Case

The optional soft carrying case protects the SA-3052A from the ravages of porta

ble operation. It includes a large pocket to carry the mike and cables. There is also

a hatch on the bottom of the case to allow access to the power cord connection.

Chapter 1 - Introduction

SA-3052A Owner’s Manual

1-4

Options

Customized Printout

The CP-10 option customizes the printer output form to include six lines of data

for your business name, address, and other data. Since this data is only factory

installed, it has the additional benefit of “branding” your analyzer in case someone

wanders off with your prize analyzer.

AC-10 A- and C-weighting Filter

The AC-10 A/C weighting filter is a compact plug-in module designed to be

inserted inline with the microphone. The AC-10 applies the standard A- or C-

weighting function to the microphone signal.

Very High SPL option

The high SPL option allows sound pressure level measurements over 170 dB. This

option includes a high SPL microphone and software upgrades.

External SPL Display

Designed for SPL contests, this option includes a large, very bright SPL display

which connects to the SA-3052A. The output is in big, bold numbers, which are

easily readable by the contest crowd. Two analyzers and displays may be started

simultaneously by a single simulstart button (SS-10).

Chapter 1 - Introduction

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