OPERATING MANUAL NTi Audio TalkBox
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1. Introduction Congratulations and thank you for buying NTi Audio’s TalkBox, a product specially suited as test signal source for speech intelligibility measurements. This product provides, in combination with an NTi Audio Acoustic Analyzer, the all-in-one solution for fast and comprehensive STIPA testing of a complete public announcement system. Additionally, various other test signals are supported for further test applications.
2. Overview NTi Audio TalkBox greatly simplifies the acoustical feed of the STIPA intelligibility test source signal into closed sound reinforcement systems. It presents the standardized voice-like acoustical signal emission simulating a human talker according to IEC 60268-16, combined with a TNO certified speech intelligibility signal at standardized levels.
General NTi Audio TalkBox features human head-like dimensions. A build-in combination of solid state generator and DSP ensures highest playback accuracy and lowest sample frequency deviations with minimized jitter effects. The internal precision loudspeaker is individually calibrated to achieve a very flat frequency response in the typical frequency range of the human voice.
2 3 NTi Audio TalkBox Controls Output Mode Selector CF Card Output Mode Mute LineOut Power LED Line In Line Out Line In CF Card Select Track Play Line Out Clip Select Track Switch Play LED Clip LED NTI Audio TalkBox Controls Alle Masse in mm 1 Tolerance: +-0.
Power LED The red Power LED indicates the following: fast flashing continuously on slow flashing 8 The power up sequence is in process (about 10 seconds) The TalkBox is powered on and ready for operation.
CF-Card The supplied CF-Card needs to be pushed into the provided slot. Up to 15 test signals can be stored on the CF-Card. The size of the test signals is as big as required for the looped operation. The selected signal is further processed and seamlessly looped by the built in DSP. The CF-Card is FAT32 formatted and can be read/written by any PC/MAC with CF-Card reader. The TalkBox repeats the selected audio track as long as mains power is connected.
Any hot swap of the CF-Card is not supported. In case the CF-Card has been removed during operation it shall be returned and the mains power shortly disconnected to initiate the operation again. File format of audio signals • *.wav file • Sample rate: 44100 Hz • Mono • 16 Bit • PCM linear quantization File name format The first character of wav-file name matches the output selector switch position. So the audio files names are e.g. “1anyName.wav” or “8anyName.
Play LED The green Play LED indicates the following: continuously on • The audio signal is replayed • At Line In mode (= Select Track switch set to “0” ) and input signal > -30 dBu flashing Error indication, which might be caused by • The CF-Card is not plugged in or damaged • The file “serialnumber_xxx.
Line In XLR input connector for external audio signals. The Line In mode (Select Track switch = “0”) enables to play an external audio signal with the NTi Audio TalkBox. In the Line In mode the Play LED indicates an input signal > -30 dBu and the Clip LED is activated at input signals > +15 dBu. The DSP based equalization introduces a signal propagation delay of 59 ms between the Line-In and the acoustical output.
Side & Rear Panel External Mute Input NTi Audio TalkBox Label External Mute DC in 10-18V DC In Swiss Made NTI TalkBox S/No.: TNN039 Select Track "0" for Line Input Serial Number NTi Audio TalkBox Side & Rear Panel External Mute Input The External Mute Input provides the possibility to mute the NTi Audio TalkBox from a remote position, such as by using a mobile phone or radio control devices. Closing an external switch connected with this 3.
3. How to use the NTi Audio TalkBox Using the NTi Audio TalkBox as acoustical test source for STIPA measurements provides two major advantages: • Extended test coverage • Easy to handle test signal injection The human head sized NTi Audio TalkBox replaces and simulates a real speaker when measuring speech intelligibility. Such a setup considers the entire signal path including the used microphone, the acoustical characteristics of the speaker’s cabin and existing background noise.
Lombard Effect At increasing environmental noise the human persons speaking into the microphone at PA systems gradually increase the sound pressure level of their speech. The standardized speaking level is 60 dBA. Our ears recognize a speaking level increase of 10 dBA as subjective double sound pressure level.
CF-Card We recommend to use original CF-Cards, NTi Audio # 600 000 087, only. Other CFCards may not be compatible with the NTi Audio TalkBox, thus e.g. wav-files are not replayed. For operation the calibration file xxx.cal has to be copied on a new CF-Card. You may format the CF-Card as follows: • Connect the CF-Card to the PC, the card is recognized e.g. as letter “z”. • Select “Run…” from the Windows Start menu, see picture below.
My Own Files You can load your own audio files onto the CF-Card and replay with the NTi Audio TalkBox. Kindly observe the following details: Do not delete the calibration data file labeled “xxx.cal“! The NTi Audio TalkBox requires the calibration data to meet the product specifications. A back up copy of the calibration data is on the NTi Audio TalkBox CD enclosed, containing the original data of the CF-Card. File format of audio signals • *.
4. Battery Option (NTi Audio # 600 000 086) Description For enabling mains power independent operation, a rechargeable Li-Ion Battery pack is available for the TalkBox. Its size has been optimized to perfectly fit to the side of the TalkBox. The battery comes complete with all the connectors, adaptors and works perfectly with the TalkBox power supply for charging. An integrated charge indicator shows the remaining energy in the battery.
nector of the Battery pack. The connectors are compatible. The red charge LED will light up during the charge process. Once the battery is full the red LED will go off and the rightmost green (Full) LED will go on. The DC output of the battery pack is disabled during the charge process and thus not usable. Use of the battery Connect the DC output of the battery pack with the DC input of the TalkBox using the provided connection cable and the G/G4 adaptor.
5. Related Products XL2 Audio and Acoustic Analyzer The XL2 analyzer forms the unique combination of a state-of-the-art Sound Level Meter, a comprehensive Acoustical Analyzer as well as a powerful Audio Analyzer. The wide range of functionalities are tailored for challenging applications in Installations, Live Sound, Studio, Broadcast and Environmental Noise measurements. Measurement microphones are available for acoustical measurements.
6. Further Information Registration Register your instruments at My NTi Audio and benefit from the following possibilities: • Free updates for your instruments • Activation of optional product functions • Premium access to downloads • Receive application and product news • Faster worldwide support • Tracing support in case of loss or theft • Calibration support How to Register • Open the web page “http://my.nti-audio.com”. • You are prompted to login or create your My NTi Audio account.
Warranty Conditions International warranty NTi Audio guarantees the function of its products and the individual components for a period of one year from the date of sale. During this period, defective products will either be repaired free of charge or replaced.
Warnings In order to avoid any problems during the operation of the instrument, follow the notes listed below: • Remove the transport protection cover prior using the TalkBox. • The NTi Audio TalkBox includes a high precision electromechanical transducer with open air gap. Dust could degrade the function of this transducer. Please take care to use and store the NTi Audio TalkBox only in clean environments. • Read this manual thoroughly prior using this product.
CE Declaration of Conformity We, the manufacturer NTi Audio AG Im alten Riet 102 9494 Schaan Liechtenstein, Europe hereby declare that the product “NTi Audio TalkBox”, released in 2005, conforms to the following standards: EMC-Directives: Harmonized Standards: 2004/108/EG EN 61326-1 This declaration becomes void in case of any changes on the product without written authorization by NTi Audio. Date: 15.
7. Technical Data TalkBox Waveforms ••Up to 15 different signals ••Waveforms can be added / changed by the user ••Factory signal set NTi Audio STIPA Test Signal (TNO verified), Reference Speech Signal, White Noise, Pink Noise, Delay Test Signal, Sine 1 kHz Line Out ••XLR, balanced 100 Ohm, unbalanced 50 Ohm ••Maximum output level: +18 dBu, 1 kHz file with 60 dB @ 1 meter: typically -11 dBu Line Input ••XLR, balanced 38 kOhm ••Max. input level: +18 dBu (acc. to EBU R68, ITU-R rec.
Typical Frequency Response Chart NTi Audio TalkBox: ••60 dBSPL @ 1 m = 66 dBSPL @ 0.5 m 70 Sound Pressure Level dBSPL @ 0.
You may stick this table onto your NTi Audio TalkBox: 1 STIPA (Standard) 60dBASPL @ 1m 2 Pink Noise 60dBASPL @ 1m 3 White Noise 60dBASPL @ 1m 4 Sine 1 kHz 60dBASPL @ 1m 5 Male Speaker (German) 60dBASPL @ 1m 6 Male Speaker (English) 60dBASPL @ 1m 7 Delay Test Chirp 8 9 A STIPA (Lombard) 70dBASPL @ 1m B Pink Noise 70dBASPL @ 1m C White Noise 70dBASPL @ 1m D Sine 1 kHz 70dBASPL @ 1m E Male Speaker (German) 70dBASPL @ 1m F Male Speaker (English) 70dBASPL @ 1m 27
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