Audio Precision’s APx555 B Series analyzer enters its second-generation with improved sine generator frequency stability, lower system residual distortion, single-ended, balanced analog output, and an optional ADC test mode that provides VBias, a common mode DC Bias. Enhancements to the analog high-performance sine generator will appeal to developers of high-performance audio devices such as compressors, limiters, amplifiers, codecs and digital signal processors.
The enhanced analog generator (EAG)—standard with B Series APx555 analyzers and available as an upgrade for Legacy APx555 systems—provides several improvements in its low‑distortion sine generator and high-precision sine analyzer, including improved sine generator frequency stability with an accuracy of <30 ppm. The system can now also generate low-distortion analog sine burst signals from 5 Hz to 100 kHz and allows users to independently invert the signal polarity of balanced channel outputs. Finally, the B Series APx555 has lower system residual distortion, with THD+N improvement above 50 kHz (−2 dB) and THD improvement above 5 kHz (varying from −2 to −5 dB).
ADC Test Mode Option
The ADC Test Mode option can generate balanced analog audio signals mixed with a calibrated common mode DC offset voltage. This feature is useful in testing devices that operate on a single supply voltage and require inputs with a DC bias voltage, such as audio codecs and ADC chips in mobile products. The ADC Test Mode also includes programmable voltage limits to prevent overvoltage damage to the device being tested. This option is included when a Legacy APx555 analyzer receives an EAG upgrade.
With the introduction of the B Series APx audio analyzers, two previous generations of Audio Precision analyzers—the Legacy APx Series and the 2700 Series analyzers—are now in “Limited Supply” and this announcement serves as the formal end-of-life announcement for both instrument families. Orders for Legacy APx analyzers will be accepted until June 2019. Orders for 2700 Series analyzers will be accepted until December 2019.
Pricing for B Series APx audio analyzers is the same as their Legacy APx counterparts. This includes the B Series APx555 with its enhanced analog generator (EAG). The EAG factory upgrade for Legacy APx555 analyzers retails for US$6,000 and includes version 5.0 software for upgrades ordered by June 28, 2019. The ADC Test Mode option is listed at $3,000. For more information, visit Audio Precision.