FFT Analysis
The real-time FFT is the ideal tool for visualization of comb filters and narrow band effects. It measures the actual level and the averaged level Leq in three ranges over the entire audio band. The optional Extended Acoustic Pack offers an additional high-resolution Zoom-FFT up to 0.4 Hz steps in the frequency range 5 Hz - 20 kHz and adds the linear audio recording (24 Bit, 48 kHz). The Spectral Limits Option extends the FFT Analysis with trace capturing, relative curve display and comprehensive tolerance handling.
Reverberation Time
The XL2 measures the energy decay in the range from 63 Hz to 8 kHz by the Schroeder method in 1/1 octave bands. Automatic triggering and averaging of multiple measurements simplifies the operation and minimizes the measurement time. Use either an impulse source or an interrupted pink noise as the test signal. The optional Extended Acoustic Pack extends the reverberation time measurement to a 1/3 octave resolution.
Polarity
For a stereo sound image, it is important to match the polarities of the left and right speakers. The XL2 measures the polarity of cables, single speakers and speaker cabinets. The detailed result page displays the measured polarity as octave bands from 125 Hz to 8 kHz. This allows in-depth verification of the polarity - frequency relation. The polarity test signal is provided by the NTi Audio Test CD or the Minirator test signal generator.
Delay Time
The delay function supports the accurate setup of delay lines and thus the optimization of the directionality of the signal source. The XL2 measures the delay time between the electrical reference signal and the acoustic signal from the speaker. The required delay settings are displayed automatically, allowing the audio engineer to set the measured delay time directly into the delay device in the rack.
Speech Intelligibility STIPA (optional)
The XL2 Analyzer measures speech intelligibility according to the latest revision of standard IEC 60268-16:2020 (edition 5) as well as older revisions. It offers ambient noise correction and automated averaging for consecutive measurements. The XL2 displays the measurement results as STI or CIS, accompanied by the individual levels and modulation indices of the seven octave bands.
The measurement results are acquired from the dedicated STIPA test signal source:
- NTi Audio TalkBox
Acoustic signal generator, required for audio systems that include voice microphones, allows the entire signal chain to be measured.
- Minirator MR-PRO
Test signal generator, required for audio systems with line inputs
- USB Flash Drive
(included with XL2)
1/12 Octave Band Analysis (optional)
If you are looking for more detailed spectral resolution, the Spectral Limits Option adds a 1/6th and 1/12th octave RTA analyzer to the XL2. Further, with this option, the XL2 can compare spectral measurements against a tolerance band and show exceptions in every frequency band as well as a passed/failed result. This result can be shown in color on the built-in LED limit button and is easily integrated into existing automated test systems or shown on the Stack Light via the XL2 I/O interface.
Fast Frequency Response (optional)
Measuring the frequency response of an acoustic or audio component is often required. The NTi Audio FastPink1” and FastPink4” test signals are particularly well-suited if you need to save time, as these signals settle within 1 or 4 seconds, respectively, which is much faster than traditional pink noise. These FastPink signals are available on the MR-PRO signal generator. The Spectral Limits Option must be installed on the XL2 for this fast frequency response analysis.
AppNote Fast Frequence Response Measurements
Noise Curves (optional)
The noise curve measurement provides an objective rating of the background noise level in a room or environment. The noise curve rating of a spectrum is designated as the value of the highest noise curve “touched” by the measured octave-band spectrum. The speech interference level (SIL) and the noise curve rating are calculated in parallel. The Noise Curve function is offered with the Spectral Limits Option.
The XL2 Acoustic Analyzer measures the following Noise Curves:
- Noise Criteria NC (ANSI/ASA S12.2-2019)
- Room Noise Criterion RNC (ANSI/ASA S12.2-2019)
- Room Criteria RC (ANSI/ASA S12.2-2019)
- Noise Rating NR (ISO/R 1996-1971)
- PNC Rating (ASA 1971)