Digilyzer DL1 User Manual
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Index: 1. Introduction 4 2. Overview 8 CE Declaration of Conformity Registration International Warranty and Repair Warnings Test & Calibration Certificate Scope of Delivery Functions Monitoring Connectors Battery Replacement 4 5 6 7 7 7 9 10 13 14 3. First Steps 15 4. Basic Operation 18 5. Measurement Functions 27 6. Troubleshooting 50 7. Accessories 51 8. Appendix 53 9.
Introduction 1. Introduction Congratulations and thank you for buying NTi Audio’s Digilyzer DL1, a product specially suited for professional audio applications. The Digilyzer offers advanced analysis functions, expected only in much larger and more expensive systems. We are convinced you will enjoy using it! NTi Audio products are manufactured in compliance with the highest quality standards and marked with the CE sign.
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Introduction International Warranty and Repair International Warranty NTi Audio guarantees the Digilyzer DL1 and its components against defects in material or workmanship for a period of one year from the date of original purchase, and agrees to repair or to replace at its discretion any defective unit at no cost for either parts or labor during this period.
Introduction Warnings In order to avoid any problems during the operation of the instrument, follow the rules listed below: • Use the instrument for the intended purpose only. • Never connect the instrument to a high voltage output such as a power amplifier, mains power, etc. • Do not disassemble the instrument. • Never use the instrument in a damp environment. • Remove the batteries as soon as they are flat or if the instrument is not intended to be used for a longer period of time.
Overview 2. Overview The Digilyzer is a sophisticated tool used to analyze digital audio signals. It is designed for easy and quick maintenance and debugging of digital audio equipment and installations. Therefore, the Digilyzer observes the signals from many points of view simultaneously. An accurate overview of the actual signal condition is displayed on a large LCD and hidden errors are visualized (e.g. consistency check).
Overview Functions The Digilyzer features many useful measurement functions which are accessible through a menu bar. Fig 2-02, Measurement functions Easy operation The Digilyzer has an easy to use menu driven user interface. Changing of the settings takes place at the displayed values – there is no complex setup screen. The base element for operational functions is the cursor (inverted area) which can be navigated through the various screens by using the cursor keys.
Overview Unit selected with cursor to change setting Fig 2-04, Changing settings Monitoring When it comes to digital audio, one of the major problems is, that humans do not have digital ears and thus can not listen to the incoming embedded audio signal. The Digilyzer offers a wide range of functionality to make digital audio audible. What you hear is what you measure • Functions with measurement of both channels (e.g. A+B), the output of the speaker is a mix of the two channel signals.
Overview • Some functions, e.g. SCOPE, are one channel functions only. You only hear the channel which is displayed on the screen. Channel B selected Fig 2-06, Channel B selected Digital versus analog Installations with digital and analog audio lines often cause headache and struggles. In reality some analog line maybe connected and the Digilyzer can not lock to the (non digital) signal. Therefore, the Digilyzer has the ability of analog monitoring.
Overview Debugging or listening? The built-in speaker on the rear side gives the acoustical response of the measured signal – everywhere and any time – without the need of a headphone. For the users convenience a good headphone may be connected for listening in superior quality (up to 24 bit / 96 kHz). The headphone output may be used as D/A converter, e.g. some recording with a minidisc-player is requested but no analog output is available.
Overview Connectors The Digilyzer includes the following connectors: AES3, 110 Ohm terminated S/PDIF, 75 Ohm terminated Headphone output TOS-Link / ADAT Fig 2-09, Inputs and outputs of DL1 NOTES • For AES3, 75 Ohm, signals (BNC connector) use the attached Chinch-BNC adapter. • Insert a jack into the headphone output to switch of the analog monitoring with the internal speaker (e.g. during a live act). Rubber Cushions The original packaging of the Digilyzer includes a pair of rubber cushions.
Overview Battery Replacement Insert three pieces of 1.5 V alkaline batteries, type AA, LR6, AM3 into the Digilyzer battery compartment, as shown below. Rubber cushion Speaker 1. Press 1. Press 2. Pull Fig 2-10, Open battery compartment NOTE Fig 2-11, Inserted batteries • The use of rechargeable NiCd- or NiMH-batteries causes shorter battery lifetime than specified. • Do not insert batteries of different types. • Note the correct polarities of the inserted batteries.
First Steps 3. First Steps This chapter is a quick guide explaining how to make the first measurements with the Digilyzer. The example assumes an S/PDIF signal as input (e.g. a CD player with S/PDIF output playing a music CD). 1. Insert batteries 2 2. Connect the S/PDIF signal to the RCA input. 3. Reset the Digilyzer to default state by holding down the ESC key and simultaneously pressing the ON button for about two seconds. 3 Fig 3-01, Digilyzer 4.
First Steps 5. Decrease the volume Press and hold the ESC- and left cursor key simultaneously. T h i s c a u s e s t h e Fast Access Setup screen to be displayed and the volume to decrease. Decrease/increase volume hot-keys 6. Measure the accuracy of the sampling rate 5. Volume indication Fig 3-03, Volume setting The accuracy is measured in ppm, so the unit of the sampling frequency has to be changed as follows: - Move the cursor to the unit “Hz”. 6 - Press the enter key to select.
First Steps 8. Change auto power off time 8 - Move the cursor to SET on the menu line and press the enter key. - Select AUTO POWER OFF with the cursor keys and press the enter key. - Set the time to 60 MIN with the cursor keys. - Confirm the setting with the enter key. - Press ESC to leave the SETUP screen. Fig 3-06, Auto power off setting 9. Backlight / power off - Press the On/Off key shortly to energize the backlight. - The backlight remains active according to the setting in the SETUP menu.
Basic Operation 4. Basic Operation The operation of the Digilyzer is almost self-explanatory, despite the wide range of available measurement functions. Speaker at the rear-side Escape button Power On/OffBacklight Enter / Cursor keys Fig 4-01, Control elements The LCD is divided into the menu bar on top and the results displayed below, showing various information about the current status.
Basic Operation Menu Bar The menu bar allows the user to select the Measurement function Input source Input format Setup screen Fig 4-02, Menu bar Fig 4-03, Measurement function menu Fig 4-04, Input source menu 19 Battery status, (indication only)
Basic Operation Any of the following formats may be selected • • • • • AES3 S/PD - abbreviation for S/PDIF TOSL - abbreviation for TOS-LINK ADAT - ADAT format via the TOS-Link input 1C2f - abbreviation of the single channel double sampling frequency mode, see details to this mode in the appendix. Fig 4-05, Format menu Selection of Input Channel Corresponding to the selected input source the available input channels may be selected. The individual measurement result of each channel is displayed.
Basic Operation Setup Screen The setup screen allows to customize basic settings of the Digilyzer. Fig 4-07, Setup screen AUTO POWER OFF defines the time of the automatically switch off after the last key-press. AUTO LIGHT OFF defines how long the backlight stays on after being activated. PPM OVER THRESH defines the number of full scale values, causing a clipping indication at the ppm meter. MULTIPLE SETUP allows four users to store their individual settings.
Basic Operation Fast Access Setup Some key combinations allow fast access to the most frequently used settings. Pressing a hot key combination shows the FAST ACCESS SETUP screen and changes the value. If you don’t remember the key combinations just press ESC for two seconds and the Fast Access Setup is displayed.
Basic Operation Display Basics Debugging and analyzing digital audio signals need a few explanation to be best visualized at the same time.
Basic Operation Carrier Information Carrier frequency Carrier level Error indicator box Fig 4-11, Carrier information Carrier frequency displays the measured frequency in • Hz • ppm, deviation to the next standard frequency Carrier level indicates the measured carrier level in Vpp. Levels higher than 5.0 Vpp are indicated as >5 Vpp. Application hint: The carrier level is a robust first approximation of signal quality.
Basic Operation Following errors are analyzed/visualized in the error indicator box: • Lock / unlock • Validity bit • Confidence bit (the received data eye pattern opening is less than half of a bit period, indicating a poor link not meeting specs) • Bi-phase mark coding error • Parity error • Carrier level below specification (for AES3 and S/PDIF input) NOTE The lock/unlock state is the only available error in the ADAT format.
Basic Operation Emphasis The Digilyzer does not de-emphase any pre-emphased signals. In case the incoming signal is marked as pre-emphased in the channel status, the Digilyzer indicates this with PRE-EMPH displayed below the PPM meter (at all measurement functions with display space available). Indication Fig 4-13, Emphasis Quick Status Information In the measurement functions BIT STAT.
Measurement Functions 5. Measurement Functions Channel Status Digital audio signals (formats AES3 and S/PDIF) have additional information called channel status, encoded in the signal bit stream. The Digilyzer directly translates the contents of the status bits and displays the results on the channel status screen, thus enabling the user to directly read the meanings. The proper interpretation of the status bits is carried out automatically by the Digilyzer.
Measurement Functions Professional Format Page number Status memory Format Data coding Fs locked Sampling frequ.
Measurement Functions Page number Column number Row number Fig 5-03, Channel status professional, page 3 On the third page the complete status information is displayed as hex code. The content of each status byte is shown as two digits in hex code. The status information contains 24 bytes. These are displayed within three rows and eight columns. The individual row- and column numbers shall be added together to read the information containing in the corresponding byte number. e.g.
Measurement Functions Consumer Format Page number Status memory Format Data coding Sampling frequ. Clock accuracy Channel mode signal emphasis Source number Channel number Word length Fig 5-04, Channel status consumer, page 1 Page number Category code Copy protection Original fs Fig 5-05, Channel status consumer, page 2 On page two are the fairly complex category tables, providing simple device statements, such as e.g.
Measurement Functions Consistency Check The consistency check is constantly running as a background task. It compares the carrier information with the status information. E.g. the sampling frequency claims to be 44.1 kHz but in reality is 48.0 kHz. Such errors are immediately displayed via a flashing square around the individual status information. Measured sampling frequency Wrong sample frequ.
Measurement Functions Channel Status Comparison Both channels of an AES3 or S/PDIF signal have their individual channel status information. In 99% of all applications the content is identical. In case of any difference the small square indicators in front of each label would turn into triangles and constantly toggle.
Measurement Functions Bit Statistic The bit statistic function visualizes the state of all bits in the digital audio signal. VUCP data Actual word length Audio data, channel A, channel B Auxiliary bits Fig 5-10, Bit statistic panel The display allows you to see quickly which bits of the audio data are permanently low (0), high (1) or changing (indicated via the up/down arrow symbol). Actual word length: The actually measured resolution is displayed.
Measurement Functions Audio data: The two lines represent the 20 bit audio word for both channels. • LSB on the left side, least significant bit • MSB on the right side, most significant bit The right bits always have to be active. In case some of the left bits are constantly 0, the resolution of the audio signal is obviously less than the maximum of 24 bits (including the aux. bits). The number of arrows from right to left may be counted to find the actual word length or binary resolution.
Measurement Functions Logger The event logger records any irregularity of the digital signals. Besides the common expectations events such as change of sampling frequency, word length, consistency check results and many more are covered. What is an event? Events are changes or irregularities of the input signal.
Measurement Functions • Select the REC field, press enter and the RECORD window is displayed. • Select the recording interval of the recording. The max. recording length is defined by this resolution. The Digilyzer has the capability to store data of 500 recording intervals. A higher recording interval is causing a shorter maximum recording length. • Select and confirm GO! to start the logger function. The recording setup window disappears and the REC field is flashing.
Measurement Functions Displaying events The display of the event logger is split into three areas: Basic setting Event list Logger info line Fig 5-22, Detailed info of records Event list: After the cursor is navigated to the event list, it can be scrolled with the up/down key. In this mode the data can be zoomed by using the left and right arrow keys. Press ESC to quit the event list.
Measurement Functions Masking events For a better overview some events can be hidden from the logging display (e.g. the audio signal clips very often or the channel status changes permanently because of time code). Therefore, the Digilyzer offers you the possibility to select which events you want to see or hide. Select the field MASK to enter to the LOGGER DISPLAY MASK screen.
Measurement Functions VU+PPM The Digilyzer offers a combined VU and PPM meter for two channels (stereo). This combination enables a quick and accurate overview on the momentary peak level and RMS value (power of the signal, which tends to be an indication for the volume). Numerical peak hold Channel A Over indicator Channel B Peak hold for PPM VU meter (thick bar) PPM meter (thin bar) Fig 5-30, VU+PPM panel Numerical peak hold indicates the all-time max.
Measurement Functions Application hint: Broadcast levels are limited to a maximum output peak level. This is in order to not to overload the transmission lines and to avoid unpleasant and audible distortions. During tuning through the radio stations it is clearly noticeable, that some channels are much louder than others; purposely to increase awareness! This is accomplished by using compressors and other dynamic signal processing devices.
Measurement Functions Level Measurement The Level menu features three different measurement selections to choose from: • Level peak • Level RMS • Level sweep Fig 5-40, Level selection menu Level peak measurements indicate – thought digitally – the maximum number (value) of the input signal. Level RMS measures the power of the signal. The RMS functions of the Digilyzer such as Level RMS, sweep and THD+N are available as single channel functions only. Level sweep, based on RMS measurement.
Measurement Functions Level Peak The Level peak function displays the actual peak value of the incoming digital audio signal. The digital peak level measurement provides information about the peak-to-peak signal level, compared to the full scale of the converter. The result is displayed simultaneously for both channels in numerical letters and in analog form, indicated in a bargraph.
Measurement Functions Level RMS The analog Level RMS function measures the RMS level of the digital input signal. Since the Digilyzer has no information about the reference voltage, such as the • value to digitize the analog signal • value to convert the digital signal into the analog domain The RMS values are displayed as relative numbers compared to a sine wave signal with 0 dBF (peak value).
Measurement Functions Display mode: Giving a better readability the display mode determines the rapidity of following up the input signal changes. The available modes are: • SLOW 3 seconds averaging • NRM 1 seconds averaging • FAST no averaging If averaging is active, measurements are smoothed in an exponential way (exponential time constant) before being displayed.
Measurement Functions Level Sweep The Digilyzer supports a RMS based frequency sweep. This function can be applied to measure the frequency response of devices. During a frequency sweep, the Digilyzer records the Level RMS of every input signal, that has a stable frequency and level, provided that the frequency is higher than the one of the previous sample (otherwise the sample will be neglected).
Measurement Functions • The sweep recording will be stopped when as soon as an input signal with a lower frequency occurs or manually by the enter key pressed again (cursor on the flashing REC field). • In order to analyze the sampled curve more detailed activate the arrow mode by placing the cursor to the corresponding symbol. Press the enter key and move the arrow to the sample(s) of interest by using the left / right keys.
Measurement Functions THD+N The THD+N function (Total Harmonic Distortion+Noise) calculates the deviation of the input signal from an ideal sine wave. This measurement is most important to check and qualify analog/digital converters. THD+N result Full scale indication Display mode Filter Fundamental frequency Level RMS Fig 5-50, THD + N screen The Digilyzer is able to calculate THD+N values down to –100dB (0.001%). For better THD+N values “< -100 dB“ (< 0.001%) are displayed.
Measurement Functions Display mode: Giving a better readability the display mode determines the rapidity of following up the input signal changes. The available modes are: • SLOW 3 sec. averaging • NRM 1 sec. averaging • FAST no averaging If averaging is active measurements are smoothed in an exponential way (exponential time constant) before being displayed. Application hints: • Whenever one sample reaches full scale, slight clipping of the signal is possible so the THD+N value may degrade.
Measurement Functions Scope The scope shows the waveform of the input signal. It measures the • dominating fundamental frequency • momentary peak level and adjusts the X and Y-axis scaling automatically. Pause Y-Axis scale Actual level peak Fundamental frequency X-Axis scale Fig 5-60, Scope screen Y-Axis scale: Automatic scaling from 25%/div to 0.1ppm/div (allowing to see the LSB of a 24 bit signal). Actual level peak: Since it is sometimes difficult to get a feeling for values of e.g. 0.
Troubleshooting 6. Troubleshooting In case the Digilyzer is malfunctioning the software may be reset to factory set up as described below. System Break Down • Switch off the device. • Reset the Digilyzer to the default status by pressing the ESC button and switching on the Digilyzer simultaneously. • Release the ESC button. • The below screenshot will appear on the display stating on the bottom line LOADING DEFAULT SETUP. • Verify the correct operation.
Accessories 7. Accessories MiniLINK MiniLINK allows documentation and data acquisition of all DL1 functions in conjunction with the easy to use MiniLINK PC software. MiniLINK is an upgradeable kit for all existing and new Minilyzers. It consists of a small plug-in USB interface board that can be easily installed without any tools.
Accessories Pouch The soft pouch protects the Digilyzer against shocks, dust and water. With its convenient belt-clip you can keep it close to you even when you need both hands for other tasks.
Appendix 8. Appendix 1C2f Format The AES3 standard includes the following two options for 96 kHz sample rate operation: • To double the frame rate from the previous 48 kHz to 96 kHz (not possible for older equipment). This is the normal operation of the Digilyzer. • Using the two sub-frames (two channels) of a 48 kHz frame rate AES3 signal to carry consecutive samples of a mono signal resulting in a 96 kHz sample rate stream.
Appendix NOTE • The second channel (e.g. B) is invalid in the 1C2f mode. This is indicated in the measurement functions like LEVEL PEAK as “—“ or with a very small value. • The 1C2f format is displayed as part of the channel status menu in the professional format. At many applications this information is not configured in the channel status details of the digital audio signal. • The 1C2f mode is part of the consistency check.
Appendix Logger Event Coding The following chart lists all details to the Digilyzer Logger event coding. The remark column states: • Any format not applicable (n.a.) for the individual events • Maximum amount of events indicated per second (rec./s) or “sample“ (= each sample is counted) DL1 event description remark Carrier based events CR UNLOCK CR LOCK Digilyzer is not able to lock to the input. 10 rec./s CR FS TO HIGH Sample frequency in 1C2f mode is to high. 10 rec.
Appendix DL1 event description remark FR PARITY Parity error. The parity of the received n.a. ADAT signals is not correct (problems on the 10 rec./s transmission line). FR BLOCKCRCC CRCC Error. The CRCC of the n.a. ADAT channel status information is incorrect 10 rec./s (problems on the transmission line). Audio signal based events AU OVERLOAD A clipping in the audio signal is detected. The clipping detector is configured in the Digilyzer setup screen.
Appendix DL1 event description remark CS WORDLEN The signalized word length in the n.a. channel status has changed. ADAT, 10 rec./s CS CHA<>CHB The status of channel A is not equal to the channel status of channel B. n.a. ADAT, 10 rec./s CS OTHER n.a. ADAT, 10 rec./s Other bits than those mentioned in this table changed in the channel status. Consistency check based events IC FREQUENCY The sampling frequency indicated in the channel status is not equal to the measured sampling frequency. n.a.
Appendix Professional Format Coding Overview of codings and abbrevations used for the professional channel status display (MSB left). Byte 0 1 Bit Bit-info Digilyzer Channel status Quick view Explanation 0 Use of channel status 0 CONSUMER 1 PROFESSNAL 1 Data coding 0 LINEAR PCM 1 NO LIN PCM Linear PCM samples No lin. PCM samples 2-4 Audio signal emphasis 000 EMPH NO ID 001 RES.EMPHAS 010 RES.EMPHAS 011 RES.EMPHAS 100 NO EMPHAS. 101 RES.
Appendix Byte Bit 1 2 0-3 Bit-info 1011 1100 1101 1110 1111 Digilyzer Channel status Quick view CH MOD RES CH MOD RES CH MOD RES CH MOD RES see byte 3 ----------------- Explanation Reserved Reserved Reserved Reserved 4-7 Userbits management 0000 UDAT NO ID 0001 UDAT 192 B 0010 UDAT AES18 0011 UDAT USRDF 0100 UDAT 60958 others UDAT RSRVD No user information 192 bit block structure AES18 standard User defined Conforms to IEC Reserved 0-2 Use of auxiliary sample bits 000 AUX NO DEF 001 AUX 24BIT 0
Appendix Byte Bit Bit-info 3 0-2 Channel identification 000 MCMD0 CH 001 MCMD? CH 010 MCMD2 CH 011 MCMD? CH 100 MCMD1 CH 101 MCMD? CH 110 MCMD3 CH 111 MCUSR CH 4 0-1 Digital audio reference signal 00 NO REF SIG 01 GRAD 1 REF 10 GRAD 2 REF 11 REFS RSRVD 3-6 Extended sampling frequency 0000 FS NO ID FS_NOID 0001 FS RESERVD FS_RSVD 0010 FS RESERVD FS_RSVD 0011 FS RESERVD FS_RSVD 0100 fs=96kHz 96.0kHz 0101 fs=88.2kHz 88.2kHz 0110 FS RESERVD FS_RSVD 0111 FS RESERVD FS_RSVD 1000 fs=24kHz 24.
Appendix Consumer Format Coding Overview of codings and abbrevations used for the consumer channel status display (MSB left). Byte 0 Bit Bit-info Digilyzer Explanation Channel status Quick view 0 Use of channel status 0 CONSUMER 1 PROFESSNAL 1 Data coding 0 LINEAR PCM 1 NO LIN PCM 2 Copyright 0 1 3-5 Emphasis 000 100 others CON PRO Consumer format Professional format Linear PCM samples No lin. PCM samples COPYRIGHT ASSERTED NO COPYRIGHT ASSERTED 2-CHANNEL NO EMPHAS.
Appendix Byte Bit Bit-info 3 0-3 3 4-5 Clock accuracy 00 ACC:LVL2 +-1000PPM 01 ACC:LVL3 VARIPITCH 10 ACC:LVL1 +/- 50PPM 11 ACC:RSRVD --------- 4 1-3 Word length 000 WLEN NO ID 001 WLEN 23BIT 010 WLEN 22BIT 011 WLEN 21BIT 100 WLEN 20BIT 101 WLEN 24BIT 110 WLEN RSRVD 111 WLEN RSRVD 0110 0100 0101 0111 1100 1000 others 000 001 010 011 100 101 110 111 4 4-7 Digilyzer Explanation Channel status Quick view FS=24.0kHz FS=48.0kHz FS=96.0kHz FS=192kHz FS=32.
Appendix Byte Bit 4 4-7 Bit-info Digilyzer Explanation Channel status Quick view Original sampling frequency 0111 ORIGNAL FS RESVD_7 0110 ORIGNAL FS=8.0kHz 0101 ORIGNAL FS=11025Hz 0100 ORIGNAL FS=12.0kHz 0011 ORIGNAL FS=32.0kHz 0010 ORIGNAL FS RESVD_2 0001 ORIGNAL FS=16.
Technical Specification 9. Technical Specification Frame Consumer / Professional, up to 24 bit, Sampling frequency fs = 32 – 96 kHz, Also supports: Interleaved 96 kHz mode on all inputs (single channel double sampling frequency modes) Measurements Signal Level-FS, level-RMS, signal frequency, THD+N, event logger, frequency sweep, PPM, scope, overload detection, Full-Scale detection Carrier Sampling frequency (accuracy ±2.
Dimensions (L x W x H) 163 x 86 x 42 mm (6.4“ x 3.38“ x 1.63“) Weight 300 g (10.5 oz) incl. batteries Temperature 0° to +45° C (32° to 113° F) Humidity < 90 % R.H.
Quick Guide Digilyzer Escape On / Off (2 sec) Enter / Cursor keys Measurement Function Menu: CHANNEL STATUS BIT STATISTIC PAGE 1 PAGE 2 PAGE 3 LOGGER LEVEL THD + N SCOPE PEAK REL SWEEP MI 5/06 E 500 TH 04.
