Audio analysers
Audio analysers measure the quality, fidelity and linearity of analogue and digital audio signals. They assess the main performance parameters: total harmonic distortion (THD+N), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), frequency response, crosstalk and RMS level. In R&D, they are used to characterise amplifiers, DAC/ADC converters, microphones, loudspeakers and audio interfaces. In production, they guarantee equipment compliance with AES17, IEC 60268 and ITU-R BS.1116 standards. Modern models cover a bandwidth of 10 Hz to 100 kHz, with a dynamic range in excess of 120 dB and distortion of less than 0.0005 %. Some incorporate a sine, square or multitone signal generator, as well as an FFT function for frequency analysis. USB, LAN and AES/EBU interfaces enable remote control and metrological traceability. Compact or rack-mounted, audio analysers can be integrated into automated test lines and acoustic laboratories.
The audio analyser is a reference device for measuring the precision, transparency and performance of audio systems.
concrete questions about Audio Analysers
01
What is the purpose of an audio analyser?An audio analyser measures and characterises audio signals: level, frequency, distortion, noise, frequency response, signal-to-noise ratio or dynamic behaviour. It validates the quality of audio equipment, an analogue circuit, a transducer or a recording chain.
02
What's the difference with a simple oscilloscope or multimeter?The oscilloscope displays waveforms, and the multimeter provides global values.
03
What are the typical uses in laboratories and production?Amplifier quality control, headphone and loudspeaker testing, audio circuit validation, distortion measurement, digital audio interface characterisation, microphone calibration, audio product development and performance verification in professional environments.
04
What technical criteria should you check before choosing an audio analyser?Dynamic range, minimum measurable distortion (THD/THD+N), bandwidth, FFT functions, weighting filters (A, C, etc.), accuracy of integrated generators, analogue and digital inputs/outputs, time stability and automated test capabilities.
05
Why is harmonic distortion a key indicator?THD+N reveals the true fidelity of an audio system. Low distortion indicates that the equipment reproduces the signal without significant alteration. This indicator is central to validating amplifiers, converters, transducers and processing chains.
