Minilyzer ML1 User Manual
NTI CONTACT TABLE OF CONTENTS Headquarter: 1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................... 1-01 Subsidiary: NTI AG Im alten Riet 102 FL- 9494 Schaan Liechtenstein, Europe Tel +423 - 239 6060 Fax +423 - 239 6089 E-mail info@nt-instruments.com Home www.nt-instruments.com NTI (Montreal) 3520 Griffith Street St. Laurent Quebec H4T 1A7 Canada Tel +1 - 514 - 344 5220 Toll free +1 - 800 - 661 6388 Fax +1 - 514 - 344 5221 E-mail canada@nt-instruments.com 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.
Introduction 1. INTRODUCTION Congratulations and thank you for buying NTI’s Minilyzer ML1, a product specially suited for professional audio applications. The Minilyzer offers advanced analysis functions, expected only in much larger and more expensive systems. We are convinced you will enjoy using it! NTI products are manufactured in compliance with the highest quality standards and marked with the CE sign.
Introduction 1.3 Warnings In order to avoid any problems during the operation of the instrument, follow the rules listed below: • Read this manual thoroughly before you operate the instrument for the first time. • Use the instrument for the intended purpose only. • Never connect the instrument to a high voltage output such as a power amplifier, mains power plug, etc. • Do not disassemble the instrument. • Never use the instrument in a damp environment.
Introduction 1.5 Basic Operation Battery Replacement 2. After unpacking, insert three (3) pcs. 1.5 V alkaline batteries, type AA, LR6, AM3 into the ML1 battery compartment as shown in Fig 1 and Fig 2. The typical life-time for a set of alkaline batteries is 16 hours. Fig 1 Open Battery Compartment BASIC OPERATION Despite the wide range of available measurement functions and optional setups, the operation of the Minilyzer is almost self-explanatory.
Basic Operation 2.1 Power ON/OFF - Backlight The yellow, oval-shaped key on the right hand side has the following functions: • Device on, press and hold it for at least one second to turn the unit on. • Backlight, press it shortly to activate the backlight. • Device off, press and hold it for at least two second to turn the unit off. The Minilyzer will start up in the same mode (e.g. measurement function) and with the same settings as it was switched off the last time.
Basic Operation 2.5 Menu Bar Basic Operation b. Selection of Filters The menu bar, located at the top of the LCD, allows the user to select the measurement function, to activate a filter or to enter the setup screen. The field on the right hand side displays the battery voltage status of the unit. To make any selection move the cursor to one of the menu bar fields and press the enter key. a.
Basic Operation c. Basic Operation Setup The setup screen allows to customize basic settings of the Minilyzer ML1 by the following procedure: • Move the cursor to the corresponding field and press enter • Select the required status by using the arrow keys • Press the enter key to confirm Fig 7 Multiple User Startup Screen NOTE Fig 6 Setup Screen AUTO POWER OFF defines the time after the ML1 is switched OFF automatically after the last key-press.
Basic Operation 2.6 Inputs and Monitor Output On top of the ML1, three connectors as well as the internal microphone are located (Fig 9): • The XLR and RCA inputs allow to feed a signal to the ML1. • A 3.5 mm (1/8“) jack monitor output allows the connection of a headphone. Thus, the user may hear the input signal. • The internal microphone provides the possibility to test the polarity of an acoustical signal if the NTI’s Minirator MR1 polarity check signal is played back.
Measurement Functions actual range or the up/down keys to increase or decrease the range (sensitivity) of the bargraph scale. • Press enter to confirm your setting. Measurement Functions 3.3 Sound Pressure Level Display Filter: see 2.4. Display Mode In the LEVEL SPL mode the Minilyzer measures the integrated-averaging level over time, the actual, minimum and maximum sound pressure level. NOTES NOTES 3.2 • For balanced input levels higher than +20 dBu, the ML1 Adapter -20dB may be applied.
Measurement Functions Measurement Functions Sound Pressure Level: The equivalent continuous sound pressure level (also time-averaged sound level) is indicated in dBLeq, dBLAeq , dBLCeq, depending on the selected filter in the filter menu. Bargraph: The bargraph provides an analog display of the actual sound pressure level.
Measurement Functions b. Calibration Panel The Minilyzer ML1 enables the calibration of microphones, such as the MiniSPL. detailed calibration problem. • The new sensitivity is calculated by the Minilyzer and shown below USING EXT. REF.: in mV/Pa. • Press the ESC button to exit the calibration mode and return to the LEVEL SPL screen. • Check the calibration by applying the reference signal again to the attached microphone.
Measurement Functions 3.4 THD+N Measurement Functions 3.5 In this mode the Minilyzer measures the THD+N (Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise). ML1 provides vu + PPM (Peak Program Meter) measurement results, following IEC60268. Fig 16 THD+N Meter Panel The measurement is carried out in the band from 10 Hz - 20 kHz, expressed in dB or in %. Simultaneously, the LCD shows the actual RMS input level below the THD+N result.
Measurement Functions Measurement Functions The following examples explain the correlation between the reference level and the reference indicator. 3.6 Example 1 Given vu-meter reference level set to +4 dBu Input signal = steady-state sine wave of +4 dBu In combination with the Minirator MR1, the Minilyzer provides a powerful feature to detect the polarity of the signal at the output of a device.
Measurement Functions 3.7 Signal Balance Error The signal balance error reflects the deviation from the perfect balance status. No signal balance error indicates that the absolute levels at XLRpin 2 and pin 3 relative to pin 1 (ground) are identical and opposite in polarity. Measurement Functions 3.
Measurement Functions • Arm the sweep recording process by moving the cursor to the REC field and press the enter key. Make sure that the signal generator is at its lowest sweep frequency when the recording process is starting. • The unit detects the start tone (315 Hz or 1 kHz) of an external sweep and as soon the frequency changes the recording is automatically started. This status is indicated by the flashing REC field.
Measurement Functions Measurement Functions 3.9 A dialog box will open (Fig 22) on the graph, where the sweep duration (min. 60 sec max. battery lifetime) and the recording interval (≥ 1 sec) have to be entered. Please note that the number of samples must be between 60 - 1600. 1/3rd Octave RMS The 1/3rd OCTAVE RMS screen shows the signal frequency spectrum of the line-in signal, divided into 31 bands.
Measurement Functions Measurement Functions Zoom (Y-Axis): The scaling of the spectrum’s Y-axis (sensitivity) is fixed and may be adjusted manually. • Select the zoom (Y-axis) field and press the enter key. • Use the up/down keys to scroll the displayed level along the Yaxis and the left/right keys zoom out/in the Y-axis, e.g. alter the resolution of the division. To enter the 1/3rd OCTAVE SPL mode (Fig 24), select 1/3rd OCT. -> SPL in the measurement functions submenu.
Measurement Functions 3.11 Scope 4. TROUBLESHOOTING To activate the SCOPE mode, select the entry SCOPE in the measurement functions menu. 4.1 System Break Down • Switch the device off. • Reset the ML1 to the default status by pressing the ESC button and switching the Minilyzer on simultaneously. • Release the ESC button. • The below screenshot, Fig 26, shall appear on the display, stating on the bottom line LOADING DEFAULT SETUP. • Verify the correct operation.
Accessories 5. 5.1 Accessories 5.3 ACCESSORIES The soft pouch protects your Minstrument against shocks, dust and water. With its convenient belt-clip you can keep your Minstrument close to you even when you need both hands for other tasks. MiniSPL The MiniSPL is the perfect accessory for acoustical measurements. Together with the Minilyzer ML1 a comprehensive integrating sound level meter is formed.
Technical Specification 6. 6.1 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION Technical Data General Functions Measurements - Frequency - Level-RMS, Level-Relative - THD+N - vu+PPM - Polarity Test - Signal Balance Error - Sweep, Frequency Sweep, Time Sweep - 1/3rd Octave Spectrum - Scope Frequency Range Resolution Accuracy 10 Hz to 20 kHz 4 digits < ± 0.1 % Level Units Resolution Accuracy Bandwidth Flatness dBu, dBV, VRMS 3 digits (dB-scale) or 4 digits (V-scale) ± 0.5 % @ 1 kHz 20 Hz to 20 kHz ± 0.
Technical Specification 6.2 Technical Data Acoustic Functions (firmware 2.
Quick Guide Minilyzer ML1 % On / Off (2 sec) Measurement Function Menu: LEVEL RMS REL SPL THD+N VU+PPM TYPE I TYPE IIA NORDIC POLARITY BALANCE SWEEP FREQUENCY TIME 1/3rd OCTAVE RMS SPL SCOPE
