Audio Precision provides the most complete and highest quality solutions for audio production test and measurement. From our measurement performance — amplitude accuracy, frequency response flatness, and residual noise and distortion — to out-of-the-box usability, Audio Precision's solutions have been the standard for decades and remain the reference for most other audio measurement systems, from R&D to the production line.
Whether testing the performance of an electronic audio device — such as a power amplifier, headphone amplifier, DAC, or ADC — or acoustic devices like speakers, microphones, earphones, and hearing aids, we provide the most comprehensive, capable, and cost-effective solutions for audio production testing on the market.
Production Test with APx Audio Analyzers
In this technote, we discuss features in the APx500 measurement software that support the creation of automated production test sequences, with a focus on electro-acoustic test. TN129 also provides a practical example, specifically the configuration, and use, of the APx517B Acoustic Analyzer for production test of loudspeakers, and includes discussion of "golden units" (reference devices), input equalization, multiple sequences in a single project, and Production Test mode.
Additional Resources
Visit Our Technical Library
The Cost of Production-Line Audio Testing
Learn how accurate, repeatable audio testing helps manufacturers improve product quality, reduce manufacturing costs, and accelerate time to market.
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From Frustration to Automation
From built-in sequencing to API-driven customization, explore how APx500 helps manufacturers replace subjective listening tests with fast, objective, and repeatable automated measurements.
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APx517B & Speaker Test Setup
Daniel Knighten, AP General Manager, shows how fast and easy it is to go from unboxing an APx517B Acoustic Analyzer to conducting measurements on a loudspeaker.
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APx Production Test Demonstration Project
This project file contains an APx project file named "PT-Demo External Loopback.approjx" that illustrates many of the production test and automation features added in the APx500 measurement software.
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AP Applied: Acoustic Response
Get a look at some of the important features needed in an acoustic audio analyzer, the problems you may encounter in non-ideal testing environment, the needs of good production line testing, and the range of measurements and results that should be produced.
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High Speed Test in Production & Broadcast
High Speed Tester (HST) is a fast, accurate and easy-to-operate audio test application that is ideal for high speed production test or testing transmission quality across a broadcast network.
Download NowProduction Test Solutions
Browse All Products
APx555B
Low noise, low distortion, and flat response for loudspeaker, headphone and microphone measurement.
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APx58xB
Channel count meets broad range of digital I/O for simultaneous, multichannel audio test. 8 or 16-channel modular audio analyzers.
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APx517B
Acoustic analyzer that's deal for production-line needs where cost and setup time are critical.
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APx516B
Created for the production test applications but suitable for acoustic R&D applications. Configures with digital interface module option.
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APx511B
Designed for use by hearing aid manufacturers conducting product research and development, verifying product performance, and verifying performance for hearing aids returned for evaluation or service.
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APX1701 Transducer Test Interface
Low noise, low distortion and flat response for loudspeaker, headphone and microphone measurement.
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APx500 Flex
Software only option designed specifically for very cost-sensitive production test applications.
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GRAS 45CC Headphone Test Fixture
Configurable platform for dual-channel testing of headphones and headsets, with multiple configuration options: microphones, IEC 60318-1 and IEC 60318-4 ear simulators, anthropometric pinnae and optional ITU-T P.51 mouth simulator.
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APx500 Software
APx500 is a powerful and versatile audio measurement software platform designed by AP, serving as a common software platform for all APx audio analyzers.
Learn MoreAudio Measurement Automation & Production Test with APx
In this Audio Test Session with APx, we offer a detailed discussion of how to use a variety of automation and production (or manufacturing) test-oriented features.
Frequently Asked Questions About Production Testing
Features in the APx500 measurement software that support the creation of automated production test sequences include:
- Sequence Mode
- Sequences & the Navigator/Sequencer
- Signal Paths, Measurements, and Sequence Steps
- Variables
- Auxiliary control
- Data export and report generation
- Microphone calibration
- Output level regulation
- Defining limits/targets using a Golden Unit (reference device)
- Analog generator Global Vmax
- Input equalization
- Production Test mode (password-restricted)
- Sequence logging and statistics
Electro-acoustic devices (loudspeakers, headphones, microphones, and so on) often have special requirements for production test. These requirements can include:
- Periodic calibration of one or more measurement microphones.
- Automatic regulation of a device’s output level to a target sound pressure level.
- Measuring and applying performance targets/measurement limits using a Golden Unit (ideal reference device).
- Defining a voltage limit for analog generators to protect connected devices.
- Applying an input equalization curve to compensate for a microphone’s response.
Production Test mode offers a means of interacting with the APx software that offers several advantages over the traditional APx user interface (UI) for production test applications. These include:
- A much simpler UI for test operators: a Production Test main “menu” consisting of a simple dialog window with a button for each sequence and an optional banner image
- The option to display or hide the full APx UI while in Production Test mode.
- The ability to password-protect select sequences.
- Sequence looping: if all measurements in the sequence pass limits, the sequence can be automatically repeated.
- A user-selectable number of retries if any measurement in the sequence fails.
- An optional sequence log file that can be used to keep a record of sequence runs, complete with pass/fail statistics and other variables