LX500 - Precision Audio & Acoustic Analyzer

Features & Capabilities
• Frequency Domain, Time Domain, and Dual Domain versions
• Frequency Domain Analog, High Performance, measurements, 10Hz-100kHz
• Time Domain Digital, High Performance, 24b/216kHz sampling rate, 4M acquisition lengths
• Full Custom Discrete Ultra High Performance Multiplying DAC architecture
• True RMS wideband level detectors, both for accurate noise and signal measurements
• True Phase detector with High Noise Immunity and 360 degree continuous phase
• Low Distortion Programmable Sine Wave Oscillator, 10Hz-100kHz, <0.001%
• Precision Noise Generator, extremely flat (0.05dB) Pink Filter, 10Hz-40kHz
• 8-Pole programmable filter array configurable for Lowpass, Highpass, Bandpass, Bandstop
• Filter array can be inserted in output path for bandwidth limited noise generation
• Extensive 4th Order Highpass Bandwidth Limiting Filters: 10Hz, 20Hz, 22.4Hz, 400Hz
• Extensive 4th Order Lowpass Bandwidth Limiting Filters: 20KHz, 22.4KHz, 30KHz, 80KHz
• Extensive Weighting Filters: ANSI-A, ANSI-B, ANSI-C, ANSI-D, ITU-R-ARM, ITU-R-468
• Triple Multi Function Inputs: Balanced, LVP Interface, +48V Phantom Power
• Wide Dynamic Range of 140dB, input noise floor -120dBm, max signal input +40dBm (77Vrms)
• Triple Monitor outputs and External Generator Input
• Windows Application software with USB driver
• Multiplexed measurements for single pass multiple curves
• OpenGL 3D graphics visualization of polar x/y/z spatial 3D data
• Support and extension of all previous LMS™ capabilities and hardware/software features
• Additional software and macro QC features, including multiple LT360 Turntable support
• Digital Interface Control, 16 lines I/O on DB25M for control of relays, servos, etc.
• Onboard Flash Memory storage of all calibration data with traceable calibration
• Power Supply: 12VDC/2A, Universal 100-260VAC adapter IEC-320-C8, Car +12V, Battery +12V
• Chassis: Height 1.7, Width 6.6, Length 10.5 Inches, 3.2 lbs. (43 x 168 x 267 mm)

Accurate Measurement of Signals with High Noise

There is a fundamental difference between obtaining accurate measurements in either low noise or high noise systems. Instrumentation designed for measurements where noise is assumed to be small, often perform poorly in high noise situations. Electroacoustic measurements often involve high background noise and/or distortion which can create specific problems for many types of instrumentation.

For example, common measurements on most electrical audio equipment easily achieve 100dB signal-to-noise ratios (SNR). However, acoustic measurements are often performed where the signal level is perhaps 90dBspl and the background noise level is 60dBspl. This is an SNR of only 30dB, and presents vastly different problems for instrumentation than measuring a system with 100dB SNR.

The architecture of the LX500™ was specifically created for accurate signal measurement in high noise systems where background noise is substantially large and SNR is low. For example, the Phase detector in the LX500™ was designed based on SNR values of merely 10dB, yet producing only 0.4 degrees phase error. The background noise is effectively averaged out. Conversely, many other phase meters produce wildly erratic and grossly inaccurate results when signals contain even modest amounts of noise.

The LX500™ features narrow band highly selective filtering in order to measure harmonic distortion. Large amounts of background noise are therefore eliminated. The advanced programmable filters in the LX500™ utilize 8 pole 1/12 octave Bandpass filters to isolate each harmonic, producing 113dB of attenuation in one octave. Thus enabling individual harmonic distortion measurements down to 0.0003% residual.