NTI’s range of Minstrument hand-held audio test systems has released the AL1 Acoustilyzer—a powerful palm-sized acoustic analyser and audio test system.
The AL1 offers an outstanding combination of acoustic and electrical measurement tools to create an ideal all-in-one tool for sound/system contractors, installers and multi-media specialists. AL1 acoustic measurement and analysis functions include: Sound Level metering with LEQ; SEL and short time LEQ; Real-time frequency analysis in 1/1 & 1/3 octave bands; FT analysis down to 1Hz resolution; RT60 reverberation time measurements; Delay measurements, and optional complete STI-PA speech intelligibility implementation (to IEC60268-13 2003).
Sound Level Measurements
In addition to familiar instantaneous and integrated Sound Pressure Level measurements (SPL), the repeatable short-time LEQ & Sound Exposure Level (SEL) test functions complete the event monitoring requirements. The AL1 visualizes the actual audio spectrum (RTA) or a chart view of the SPL/LEQ history without interrupting ongoing sound level measurements. The RTA also permits relative sound spectrum measurements against previously stored references and stored spectra may be averaged or combined. The “Max-Min” display is particularly helpful for finding dominant room modes and characterisation of listening areas. All measurement results may be logged to the internal memory for further investigation.
Room Evaluations
A simple and robust RT60 reverb time measurement (to ISO3382) calculates the reverberation time either as broadband values or octave audio bands (optional) with confidence indicators for increased reliability. The AL1 features smart trigger & ranging functions to handle a variety of possible stimulus signals. The delay measurement function continuously calculates the propagation delay between electrical signals applied to the system and the wave front reaching the internal microphone. An automatic difference calculation simplifies the verification of correct delay arrangements for larger halls and auditorium.
Speech Intelligibility STI-PA
The optional STI-PA analyser allows reliable speech intelligibility measurement within 15 seconds (typical). Besides single value STI or CIS test results, a detailed view of modulation indices and individual band level results is provided. The STI-PA analyser includes amplitude weighting to the 2003 IEC 60268-16 standard. Measurements may be referenced to previous background noise level spectra with automatic recalculation of the STI values.
Since the AL1 has been developed from NTI’s already successful ML1 Minilyzer palm-top audio analyser, an optional AL1 firmware upgrade path will be available for all current ML1 owners.
NTI Minstrument audio test systems are exclusively distributed in Australia by Amber Technology and are nationally available from selected dealers. For info: www.ambertech.com.au.
