Related Manuals for Vox VOX-01
Summary of Contents for Vox VOX-01
- Page 1 IEC 60268-16 rev. 4 IEC 61672 Class 2 / ANSI S1.4 Type 2 SPEECH INTELLIGIBILITY TESTER Operating manual SPEECH INTELLIGIBILITY TESTER Specialized Fire Products SPEECH INTELLIGIBILITY TESTER VOX-01...
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Page 2: Contact Information And Support
Updates of the system’s firmware and documentation are released online : www.sdifire.com/support/#productsoftwareupdates NOTE: Screenshots and product pictures shown in this manual correspond to the VOX-01 hardware platform 1.8 running firmware version 1.8. Once you update the firmware, the screenshots may not fully correspond to what is being displayed on your device’s screen. -
Page 3: Table Of Contents
Contact information and support 1. Introduction 2.General use and safety precautions Safety precautions when charging Safety precautions related to connectors 3. Getting started 4. Using the VOX-01 Quick STIPA STIPA pro SPL meter Real-Time Analyzer (RTA) Fast Fourier Transform Anazlyzer... -
Page 4: Introduction
Speech Transmission Index ever built, designed and manufactured by the inventors of STIPA. The VOX-01 is also a fully compliant Class 2 / Type 2 Sound Pressure Level meter, a 1/1 and 1/3 octave Real-Time Analyzer, a Fast Fourier Transform Analyzer, a Reverberation Time Meter, an Oscilloscope, and much more. -
Page 5: General Use And Safety Precautions
2. General use and safety precautions The VOX-01 is a sophisticated electronic measuring instrument that should be used, maintained and stored with care: • We recommend that you always use a lanyard to secure your device against dropping, by suspending it around your neck or wrist. If you use a tripod to mount the device during measurements, we recommend that you use a sturdy model with a sufficiently wide base. -
Page 6: Safety Precautions Related To Connectors
Safety precautions related to connectors The VOX-01 features a USB connector and an XLR connector (to which the microphone is attached). If you connect external devices to these connectors, please ensure that these connections are protected against over-voltage and power surges. -
Page 7: Getting Started
“off ” condition. This can be used to reset the device if it becomes unresponsive (keep pressed to 10 seconds to switch off, then press again to restart). The VOX-01 will boot into the main menu. You can launch its different modules from this menu. -
Page 8: Using The Vox-01
For any STI measurement, you need a source of the STIPA test signal as well as an STI analyzer. In your case, the analyzer is your VOX-01. What the signal source is, depends on what kind of measurement you aim to carry out. -
Page 9: Iec 60268-16 Rev
• Tap “Start” on the VOX-01 • Wait for 25 seconds while the measurement takes place. Make sure that signal playback is not interrupted, and that the acoustic environment is stable and free from impulsive sounds (such as door slams). - Page 10 • The VOX-01 calculates a heuristic reliability metric for each STI measure ment. If the measurement is found to be unreliable (e.g. due to disturbance by impulsive sounds), then a red cross is displayed across the STI value.
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Page 11: Stipa Pro
7 octave bands from 125 Hz to 8 kHz. The STI analysis is carried out in these octave bands. The scale of the octave band spectrum plot can be modified by tapping on the triangualar arrows to the left of the plot. VOX-01 Operating Manual... - Page 12 ON. Only when all-electric transmission chains are tested (without any acoustics involved) should these features be turned off, since there is no acoustic level reference in those cases. • Choose whether or not to (computationally) add noise to the measurement. VOX-01 Operating Manual...
- Page 13 If you have the option to physically “turn the noise off,” then it is often more accurate to add the noise computationally in a so-called post-hoc calculation The VOX-01 does this for you, if you enter the noise spectrum in the “additive noise” screen and change the setting to “Noise included in displayed STI If you wish to add noise computationally, the screen “additive noise”...
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Page 14: Spl Meter
The VOX-01 is also Sound Pressure Level meter (also known as SPL meter or SLM) that complies with IEC 61672 Class 2 and ANSI S1.4 Type 2. In fact, the VOX-01 electronics far exceed the requirements for a Class 2/Type 2 device. - Page 15 The measurement numbers form a separate consecutive series for each module. That means that the same measurement number might occur multiple times (once for each module; e.g. number #0002 might exist for SPL as well as RTA, STIPA, etc.) VOX-01 Operating Manual...
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Page 16: Real-Time Analyzer (Rta)
The measurement can also be set to run until stopped manually. The “settings” screen allows you to switch between 1/1 and 1/3 octave band resolution, and to change the weightings for the main and auxiliary spectrum views. VOX -01 Operating Manual... - Page 17 The measurement numbers form a separate consecutive series for each module. That means that the same measurement number might occur multiple times (once for each module; e.g. number #0002 might exist for SPL as well as RTA, STIPA, etc.) VOX-01 Operating Manual...
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Page 18: Fast Fourier Transform Anazlyzer
The zoom controls are used together with the cursor to focus on any region of interest in the spectrum.. The cursor, shown as a vertical red line, can be moved by tapping the arrows below the frequency axis or by tapping directly on the graph. VOX -01 Operating Manual... - Page 19 (up to 32768 data points and frequencies for a single meas- urement). Not all spreadsheet programs may be able to import that many columns, which is why the data is organized in rows rather than columns. VOX-01 Operating Manual...
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Page 20: Reverberation Time Meter (Rt60)
From this impulse response, the RT60 is calculated. The impulse response method is currently not supported by the VOX-01. Of the two available methods, it is more likely to produce invalid results for the following reasons: •... - Page 21 RT60 measurement screen, armed for measurement, but before a measurement has started Make sure that the external sound source is always switched on BEFORE you arm the VOX-01 for a measurement by pressing “arm” Once the beginning of the energy decay curve has been detected, the device starts measuring.
- Page 22 EDT, T20 and T30 are always extrapolated to 60 dB of decay; hence the name T60: the time it takes for the energy to decay to a level 60 dB below the starting level. VOX -01 Operating Manual...
- Page 23 (to the right of the “arm” button). Mean data from all measurements are now permanently saved and the temporary memory is reset. • When browsing through save measurements (in the “browse measurements” screen), you will see the mean data from each measurement series. VOX-01 Operating Manual...
- Page 24 Ambient levels of 90 dB(A) and higher are often needed. The SNR must be at least 50 dB in all relevant frequency bands. VOX -01 Operating Manual...
- Page 25 - s: start time before knee point of the decay curve (warning) - c: correlation of the decay curve fit is low (warning or acceptable, depending on value) Multiple letter codes may be stored with a single measurement value. VOX-01 Operating Manual...
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Page 26: Laeq Logging
LAEQ Logging The LAEQ logging module is intended for long-term monitoring and logging applica- tions. When running this module, the VOX-01 keeps track of how the equivalent- continuous A-weighted sound pressure level (LAEQ) develops over time. This is displayed on the device and also logged, for download to a PC later on. This module can be used for several purposes: •... - Page 27 The first screen of the LAEQ monitoring module (see previous page) gives the levels in large digits, and creates a quick overview. The second screen (see next page) shows a graph of the running series of “LAEQ current” measurements, which gives a good feel of how the overall level is developing. VOX-01 Operating Manual...
- Page 28 In cases where the operator has control over the measured sound level (i.e. through control of a PA installation), and is using the VOX-01 to make sure that the level is kept below the limit, the graph gives a useful insight into how much “room” there is below the limit.
- Page 29 Note that the log file contains more information than shown on the device. In particular, not just the time but also the date is stored. Make sure that the date and time are set correctly (though the settings module). VOX-01 Operating Manual...
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Page 30: Oscilloscope
The basic operation of the oscilloscope module is similar to the common (hardware) oscil- loscopes that many engineers are familiar with. Note that the frequency response of the system is limited to audio frequencies (up to 20 kHz). VOX -01 Operating Manual... -
Page 31: Usb Audio Device Mode
“cal” button to generate a synthetic 1000Hz sine at 94.0 dB. If you calibrate your software to this level, then all audio measured by the VOX-01 will be registered at the correct levels in your software as well. Press “mic” to return to normal operation. -
Page 32: Settings
The system date and time are used for time-stamping the saved data. If you download measurement data over USB, the file creation date/time are only accurate if the internal real-time clock of the VOX-01 was updated to the right date and time. - Page 33 (linear) dynamic range of 130 dB. However, if you wish to connect an external signal source which operates at lower signal levels than the VOX-01 microphone, you can choose adjust the pre-amp gain by (approximately) +20 dB. Note that this value of +20 dB is not exact;...
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Page 34: Calibration
(1/4” / 7mm). The device should now measure the nominal signal level produced by the calibrator. The VOX-01 is easily calibrated with any stable sound source of a known reference level. This can be a calibrator, but a steady sound field (the level of which is measured by another, calibrated, SPL meter) will also work. - Page 35 We recommend that you verify your new calibration in the SPL meter app. Re-apply your calibration signal source, and check that the correct reference level is measured. Once you press “save”, the measured calibration factor is committed perma- nently to the device’s non-volatile memory. This overrides earlier calibrations. VOX-01 Operating Manual...
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Page 36: Status
Accessing saved measurements from a PC When you connect the VOX-01 to the USB port of a PC or Mac, a dialog window will appear on the VOX-01 asking if you wish to start data transfer. If the VOX-01 is powered off when you connect it through USB, it will power on automatically. -
Page 37: Accessing Saved Measurements From A Pc
When you first run the application, you will have to choose the correct COM port (as as- signed by Windows to the VOX-01). If you select the wrong port, or if you want to change the COM port setting later on, press TAB from within the Remote Display application. You can now select any of the available COM ports on your PC. -
Page 38: Power And Charging
The VOX-01 has internal charge circuitry that optimizes your charge time while safeguarding the life span of your battery pack. If you are not using the VOX-01 for a prolonged period, you can safely keep the VOX-01 connected to a charger. A small “trickle charge” will be drawn, making sure that your VOX-01 stays at full charge. -
Page 39: Power Saving Recommendations
USB battery pack (aka power bank). You can also power the VOX-01 from an AC power source through its own charger (or any USB power source), but it is not recommended to power the device this way while measuring. The device will be more susceptible to electronic noise and ground loop effects. -
Page 40: Cleaning, Maintenance And Calibration
(by unscrewing the back lid of the device), make sure that you mention the presence of an NiMH battery pack when hand in the entire device for recycling. VOX -01 Operating Manual... -
Page 41: Product Warranty
Normal wear and tear The following voids warranty: • Repair attempts by an unauthorized party • Replacement of battery packs by an unauthorized party • Removal of product stickers, tamper proof seals, bar codes or serial numbers VOX-01 Operating Manual... - Page 42 Please do not attempt to open your VOX-01 yourself, as there are no user-serviceable parts inside. If you do see a legitimate need to open the device yourself, please contact SDi first, so we can discuss preserving your warranty rights.
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Page 43: Firmware Updates
Firmware updates are released through the website www.sdifire.com. Before updating your firmware, always check: www.sdifire.com/support/#productsoftwareupdates • If the update you downloaded is intended for your device type (the VOX-01) • If you have sufficient battery charge to complete the update cycle without interruption Interrupting the power supply during the update process may render your device unusable. -
Page 44: Technical Specifications
Rear-mounted tripod adapter Hook for carrying cord Bundled items Carrying case, measuring instrument, class 2 microphone, USB charger, int. charger adapters (US, EU, UK,AU), USB charg- ing/data cable, manual, carrying cord, USB flash drive with test signals VOX -01 Operating Manual... -
Page 45: Troubleshooting
Device not recognized by PC Driver problem Update PC drivers (VOX-01 is when connected through USB approached as a mass storage device) Device in measurement mode Select USB data transfer mode... - Page 46 Also, the introduction of STIPA around 2002 made a reasonable alternative available. The Full STI module now available on the VOX-01 fully implements every aspect of the Speech Transmission Index model, making it the most universally applicable speech intel-ligibility metric to date: •...
- Page 47 The Full STI test signal is included on the flashdrive bundled with the VOX-01, and will be available on the VOXBOX starting May 2017. Note that the Full STI signal is copyrighted material;...
- Page 48 Full STI measurement can be thought of as a compromise in between STIPA and Full STI. Please refer to the section on the STIPA pro module (page 11) for a description of the various features and controls of the module (additive noise, qualifications bands, disabling level-dependent masking, etc). VOX-01 Operating Manual...
- Page 49 Estimated speech level (left) and histogram on which the estimate is based (right) To use the Speech Level Meter, simply carry out a measurement while sampling running speech. The SPL of speech and background noise are calculated, as well as the total LAeq. VOX-01 Operating Manual...
- Page 50 Room Criteria mark II (RCII). Updated version apparently intended to eventually replace RC curves. The Room Noise Criterion (RNC) method is currently not implemented on the VOX-01. Each method has its own series of preferred limits, depending on the purpose of the room in which it is measured.
- Page 51 Save the results • Now change to another type of curves (e.g. NCB) • Go to the measurement browser screen. NCB data will now be displayed • Repeat this procedure to inspect results for further metrics (RC, RCII, etc). VOX-01 Operating Manual...
- Page 52 The second screen of the module is used to set the duration of the measument. Selecting curves (and the associated rating method) is done in the third screen of the module. Choose from the available noise curve metrics VOX-01 Operating Manual...
- Page 53 The AC Volt meter module is a simple tool to quickly assess the output level of line-level audio equipment. The line output of a device is connected directly to the XLR input of the VOX-01 (after removing the microphone). The VOX-01 then measures the signal level and expresses it in the following three units: •...
- Page 54 Specialized Fire Products SDi, 3535 Route 66, Building 6 Neptune, NJ 07753 Tel: 732-751-9266 Fax: 732-751-9241 Email: sales@sdifire.com Web: www.sdifire.com SPEECH INTELLIGIBILITY TESTER VOX-01 Operating Manual version 2.0 © SDi 2017. All rights reserved...