I am sure this exists in a thread, web page, or book and I just cannot find it.
I am looking for a how to book or guide to audio equipment testing and procedure.
I have purchased several pieces of equipment I believe I need but not entirely sure how to apply them, or do so safely.
I have the following:
- Isolation Transformer
- Variac
- Signal generator
- Oscilloscope
- Two digital multimeters
- Health insurance
For example:
I just bought a 20+ year old amplifier.
When taking measurements of my subwoofer output in Dirac I noticed one sub was a couple DB lower output than the other. Identical cabinets, drivers, etc, and located within 2' of each other.
It would be nice to measure:
- Power output
- Distortion
- Line level gain prior to amp circuit
Basically see if there is anything OBVIOUSLY wrong with the amp?
I built a tube amp from a kit. I am very pleased with the results. It would be nice to measure everything to see if there are any audio issues my ears to not hearing; oscillations, noise, etc.
I imagine somebody out there has written a book or guide to this stuff.
What you can check, and how, if all you own is a:
1. Multi-meter.
2. Two multi-meters
3. All the above and a function generator.
4. All the above plus whatever else is a logical next step.
Something a hobbyist can follow and evolve as they continue to build our their test bench.
If a book, page, or guide exists I'd love to know about it.
I tried reaching out to a local antique radio group and ham group hoping I could get some mentor ship, this was prior to covid.
I am looking for a how to book or guide to audio equipment testing and procedure.
I have purchased several pieces of equipment I believe I need but not entirely sure how to apply them, or do so safely.
I have the following:
- Isolation Transformer
- Variac
- Signal generator
- Oscilloscope
- Two digital multimeters
- Health insurance
For example:
I just bought a 20+ year old amplifier.
When taking measurements of my subwoofer output in Dirac I noticed one sub was a couple DB lower output than the other. Identical cabinets, drivers, etc, and located within 2' of each other.
It would be nice to measure:
- Power output
- Distortion
- Line level gain prior to amp circuit
Basically see if there is anything OBVIOUSLY wrong with the amp?
I built a tube amp from a kit. I am very pleased with the results. It would be nice to measure everything to see if there are any audio issues my ears to not hearing; oscillations, noise, etc.
I imagine somebody out there has written a book or guide to this stuff.
What you can check, and how, if all you own is a:
1. Multi-meter.
2. Two multi-meters
3. All the above and a function generator.
4. All the above plus whatever else is a logical next step.
Something a hobbyist can follow and evolve as they continue to build our their test bench.
If a book, page, or guide exists I'd love to know about it.
I tried reaching out to a local antique radio group and ham group hoping I could get some mentor ship, this was prior to covid.
Go to ap.com, create a profile & login. Down load "The Audio Measurement Handbook" 1.6Mb
The book is also sometimes on the web or on Ebay
It is a good book.
Duke
The book is also sometimes on the web or on Ebay
It is a good book.
Duke
To measure an amplifier you need at least a dummy load 8R noninductive, rated at
more than the power needed. Preferably also 4R.
Are your DVMs both true rms? If not, you'll have to rely on the scope.
Also, many function generators have a poor HF square wave output even at 20kHz.
more than the power needed. Preferably also 4R.
Are your DVMs both true rms? If not, you'll have to rely on the scope.
Also, many function generators have a poor HF square wave output even at 20kHz.
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Rayma said:
I have two 8ohm and 2 4ohm dummy loads mounted to a large copper heatsink used for xeon processors. If I recall, they are 100w.
Rayma said:
I honestly do not know. I've had them both for 10+ years, long before I ever thought of building or measuring audio gear.