NTI Audio TalkBox Operating Manual

Release 2.17.01 / Jun 2017 All information subject to change without notice. © All rights reserved. ® Minirator is a registered trademark of NTi Audio. ™ XL2, EXEL and TalkBox are trademarks of NTi Audio. Made in Switzerland Contact NTi Audio at Headquarter +423 239 6060 [email protected] Americas +1 503 684 7050 [email protected] China +86 512 6802 0075 [email protected] Czech +420 2209 99992 [email protected] Germany +49 201 6470 1900 [email protected] Japan +81 3 3634 6110 [email protected] South Korea +82 2 6404 4978 [email protected] United Kingdom +44 1438 870632 [email protected] www.nti-audio.com NTi Audio AG Im alten Riet 102, 9494 Schaan Liechtenstein, Europe is an ISO 9001:2008 certified company.

2. Overview .............................................................................................................5 General .............................................................................................................6 NTi Audio TalkBox Controls ...............................................................................7 Side & Rear Panel ........................................................................................... 13 3. How to use the NTi Audio TalkBox ..................................................................14 Procedure ....................................................................................................... 14 Output Level ................................................................................................... 14 Lombard Effect ............................................................................................... 15 CF-Card ........................................................................................................... 16 My Own Files ................................................................................................. 17 4. Battery Operation ............................................................................................18 5. Related Products ..............................................................................................19 6. Further Information ..........................................................................................20 Registration .....................................................................................................20 Warranty Conditions .......................................................................................21 Service and Repairs ........................................................................................21 Warnings .........................................................................................................22 Calibration Certificate ......................................................................................22 CE Declaration of Conformity .........................................................................23 7. Technical Data TalkBox .....................................................................................24

suited as test signal source for speech intelligibility measurements. This product pro- vides, 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. We are convinced you will enjoy using it! This manual describes the NTi Audio TalkBox operation and functions in detail. Fur- ther application information can be found on the web site. The NTi Audio TalkBox product package includes the following items: NTi Audio TalkBox •� Protection Cover mounted with NTi Audio lanyard •� CF-Card with test signals & individual calibration data •� Mains Power Supply & Power Cord •� Carrying Pouch •� User Manual •�

test source signal into closed sound reinforcement systems. It presents the stan- dardized voice-like acoustical signal emission simulating a human talker according to IEC 60268-16 at standardized levels. NTi Audio TalkBox

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. Each TalkBox is individually equal- ized and calibrated and has an excellent frequency response accuracy of +/- 1 dB over the relevant frequency range. The radiation characteristic complies with the ITU-T P.51 in wide ranges. The perfect frequency response and the precisely correct playback sampling rate are specifically important to minimize systematic errors when performing STIPA measurements. Speaker The IEC60268-16 standard specifies a sound pressure level for a speaker simulator of 60 dBA in 1 meter distance. The NTi Audio TalkBox levels are calibrated to comply with this standard. To avoid operating failures the TalkBox has no volume control. Mic Stand Mount The exact positioning the NTi Audio TalkBox in front of a microphone (at the place where a real human speaker would be) is easy using a conventional mic stand. A universal mic stand mount is available at the bottom of the box.

THIS DRAWING IS THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF NTI AG - WITHOUT THEIR WRITTEN CONSENT IT IS NOT PERMITTED TO BE COPIED OR GIVEN T 1 2 3 Scale: 1 : 1 Weight: Tolerance: +-0.1mm Alle Masse in mm Oberfläche: Schwarz eloxiert Material: Alu 1,5mm, zum eleoxieren ge Output Mode Mute LineOut Select Track CF Card Play Clip Line In Line Out Output Mode Selector Power LED Line Out Line In CF Card Play LED Clip LED Select Track Switch NTI Audio TalkBox Controls Output Mode Selector The output selector switch offers the following three modes: THIS DRAWING IS THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF NTI AG - WITHOUT THEIR WRITTEN CONSENT IT IS NOT PERMITTED TO BE COPIED OR GIVEN TO THIR 2 3 Scale: 1 : 1 Weight: Tolerance: +-0.1mm Alle Masse in mm Oberfläche: Schwarz eloxiert Material: Alu 1,5mm, zum eleoxieren geeigne Output Mode Mute LineOut Select Track CF Card Play Clip Line In Line Out The audio signal is available at the speaker and the Line Out. 2 3 THIS DRAWING IS THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF NTI AG - WITHOUT THEIR WRITTEN CONSENT IT IS NOT PERMITTED TO BE COPIED OR GIVEN TO THIRD PARTIE Scale: 1 : 1 Weight: Tolerance: +-0.1mm Alle Masse in mm Oberfläche: Schwarz eloxiert Material: Alu 1,5mm, zum eleoxieren geeignet Output Mode Mute LineOut Select Track CF Card Play Clip Line In Line Out The audio signal is muted (no signal at Line Out and speaker). 2 Desig Drawn 3 Output Mode Mute LineOut Select Track CF Card Play Clip Line In Line Out The audio signal is available at the Line Out. The speaker amplifier is muted.

fast flashing The power up sequence is in process (about 10 seconds) continuously on The TalkBox is powered on and ready for operation. slow flashing The outputs are muted by the Output Mode Selector or •� the External Mute Input •�

nals 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. Besides the STIPA test signal the CF-Card contains the following additional wave forms: CF-Card Track List: 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

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.wav”, whereby “anyName” may describe the content of the wav-file for example “1_STIPA.wav”. The maximum length of the filename is 8 digits, e.g. “xxxxxxxx.wav”. Calibration data The CF-Card keeps additionally the individual calibration data of the NTi Audio TalkBox. The file is named “xxx.cal”. The CF-Card is labeled with the serial number of the corresponding TalkBox, so the CF-Card and the NTi Audio TalkBox do have the same serial number, guaranteeing accurate and calibrated operation. The serial number on the CF-Card must match with the serial num- ber of the NTi Audio TalkBox, otherwise the acoustical parameters of the TalkBox are out of specifications.

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.cal” is not found on the card •� The selected audio file is not available, damaged or of wrong •� format Select Track Switch This switch allows the following selections: “0” This position selects the input signal from the input connector “Line In” to the speaker. “1” - “F” These positions select the individually stored audio tracks from the CF-Card in hex-order form (1, ... , 9, A, B, C, D, E, F). Clip LED The red Clip LED is activated when the Line In mode is selected (= Select Track switch set to “0”). Reduce the input level when the Clip LED flash- es.

The Line In mode (Select Track switch = “0”) enables to play an external audio sig- nal 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 be- tween the Line-In and the acoustical output. Consequently and in order to guaran- tee synchronicity between the acoustical output and the line-output for delay time measurements the latter is also delayed by 59 ms. Line Out Using the balanced line out, the TalkBox operates as a signal generator. The stored signal of the CF-Card or any connected signal from the Line In connector is directly send to the Line Out connector (not equalized).

NTi Audio TalkBox Side & Rear Panel External Mute Input NTi Audio TalkBox Label Serial Number DC In NTI TalkBox S/No.: TNN039 Swiss Made Select Track "0" for Line Input DC in 10-18V External Mute 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. Clos- ing an external switch connected with this 3.5mm jack connector (connecting tip & ring) will mute the audio signal equally to the output selector switch in mute posi- tion. This feature is of great help e.g. at STIPA measurements in large buildings.

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. Procedure Position the NTi Audio TalkBox at the typical speaker position in front of the •� speaker’s microphone. Connect the external power supply. After approx. 10 seconds the startup process •� is completed and the NTi Audio TalkBox is ready for operation. Selected the required track number with the Track Selection Switch. •� Output Mode: Set the selector switch to •� Speaker for acoustical output •� LineOut for electrical output signal or •� Stop the signal using the Mute position. •� Output Level The output level of the provided standard STIPA test signals is 60 dBA @ 1 m dis- tance to the speaker. Additionally further test signals at other levels are provided, please see the CF-Card Track List for details.

phone 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 in- crease of 10 dBA as subjective double sound pressure level. To verify the PA system operating in good order at this physical effect, the following shall be carried out: Follow the prior described measurement procedure, using the STIPA test •� signal with 60 dBA @ 1m. Select the STIPA test signal with 70 dBA @ 1m and verify the operation of the •� PA system; no clipping shall occur.

Cards 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. •� Insert the term: format z: /fs:FAT32 /a:512 /x •� The CF-Card is formatted to FAT32 with 512 byte cluster size and can now be •� used with the NTi Audio TalkBox. Format CF-Card

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 specifica- tions. File format of audio signals *.wav file •� Sample rate: 44100 Hz •� Mono •� 16 Bit •� PCM linear quantization •� File name format The first character of the wav-file name matches the output selector switch posi- tion. So the audio files names are e.g. “nr_anyName.wav”, whereby “nr” is the Talk- Box selection switch position and “anyName” describes the content of the wav-file for example “9_myfile1.wav” or “A_myfile2.wav” - “F_myfile3.wav”. The maximum length of the filename (=anyName) are 8 digits. Level The test signal level shall be physically tested by using an NTi Audio Acoustic Ana- lyzer and the source data adjusted to requirements. Length The minimum length of your wave file is 100ms.

The TalkBox may be operated with a battery pack (non NTi Audio product) for mains power independent operation. Use of a battery pack Connect the DC output of the battery pack with the DC input of the TalkBox. As soon as the connection is established, the NTi Audio TalkBox starts running. For storage or when not used for a longer period of time, please disconnect the battery cable preventing the complete discharging of the battery. Recommended battery packs The following in Europe available battery pack has been verified and approved: XTPower XT-16000QC2 PowerBank •� Example A battery with 39 Watt hours offers the following typical running time Idle mode: Standby, Electrical output: 15 hours STIPA: Output on (60dBSPL) 12 hours STIPA Lombard: Output on (70dBSPL) 7 hours

XL2 Audio and Acoustic Analyzer The XL2 analyzer forms the unique combination of a state-of-the-art Sound Level Meter, a com- prehensive Acoustical Analyzer as well as a pow- erful Audio Analyzer. The wide range of function- alities are tailored for challenging applications in Installations, Live Sound, Studio, Broadcast and Environmental Noise measurements. Measurement microphones are available for acoustical measurements. The microphones are 48V phantom powered and include an electron- ic data sheet. The Automated Sensor Detection (ASD) of the XL2 Analyzer automatically reads this data, i.e. the microphone model and cali- bration data. This promotes faster setup and en- sures accurate measurements. STIPA Measurement Option for XL2 The STIPA analyzer option allows the reliable measurement of the speech transmission index according to the latest IEC standards within 15 sec. Besides the single value STI or CIS test re- sult, a detailed view of the modulation indices and individual band level results is provided.

Registration Register your instruments at My NTi Audio and benefit from the following pos- sibilities: 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 “https://my.nti-audio.com”. •� You are prompted to login or create your My NTi Audio account. •� The web page “My NTi Audio Products” opens. •� Select the product type and enter the serial number. •� Confirm with “Register”. •� Now your product is listed in the table “My Products“. •�

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. Limitations These guarantee provisions do not cover damage caused by accidents, transporta- tion, incorrect use, carelessness, non-original accessories, the loss of parts, opera- tion with non-specified input voltages, adapter types or incorrectly inserted batter- ies. NTi Audio accepts no responsibility for subsequent damage of any kind. The warranty will be voided by carrying out repairs or services by third parties who are not part of an approved NTi Audio Service Centre. Statutory Rights Consumers may have legal (statutory) rights under applicable national laws relat- ing to the sale of consumer products. This warranty does not affect your statutory rights. You may assert any legal rights you have at your sole discretion. Service and Repairs If your product is not functioning correctly or is damaged, please contact the local NTi Audio partner for assistance. If the product needs to be returned for service, kindly follow the service guidelines at www.nti-audio.com/service.

notes listed below: Remove the transport protection cover prior using the TalkBox. •� The NTi Audio TalkBox includes a high precision electromechanical transduc- •� er 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 environ- ments. Read this manual thoroughly prior using this product. •� Use the product for the intended purpose only. •� •� Do not disassemble the product. •� Never use the product in a damp environment. Calibration Certificate Your NTi Audio instrument has been carefully tested during production and cor- responds to the specifications listed in “Technical Data”. Calibration certificates for new products are optional. NTi Audio recommends annual calibration of the products after the pur- chase. The calibration provides documented and traceable measurement ac- curacy and confirms that your NTi Audio product meets or exceeds the published specifications. The calibration and adjustment procedures fol- low the documentation and traceability requirements of the standard EN ISO / IEC 17025. For calibrations kindly follow the service guidelines at www.nti-audio.com/service.

CE / FCC Compliance Statement We, the manufacturer NTi Audio AG, Im alten Riet 102, 9494 Schaan, Liechtenstein, do hereby declare that the product “NTi Audio TalkBox”, released in 2005, conforms to the following standards: EMC: 2004/108/EG •� Harmonized standards: EN 61326-1 •� Explosive atmospheres (ATEX): 94/9/EG •� Directive 2011/65/EC on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substanc- •� es in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS). Directive 2002/96/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). •� This declaration becomes void in case of any changes on the product without writ- ten authorization by NTi Audio. Date: 15. September 2014 Signature: Position of signatory: Technical Director

Waveforms • Up to 15 different signals • Waveforms can be added / changed by the user • Factory signal set NTi Audio STIPA Test Signal, 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. 645) Internal delay from XLR input to speaker: 59 ms • CF-Card • 256 MB included, FAT32 formatted, NTi Audio # 600 000 087 Wav-file format: 16 Bit, 44.1 kHz mono • Acoustical Flatness STIPA�band�levels�(in�axis):� •�typ�<�+/-�0.5�dB�@�24°C � � � � •�typ�<�+/-�1.0�dB�@�10°C�-�30°C Acoustical Output Level • STIPA: 60 dBA SPL @ 1 m +/- 0.5 dB, acc. to IEC60268-16 • STIPA�band�sensitivity�gradient:��-�0.07dB�/�°C�(average) Others see track list in user manual • Power Supply • 10 - 17 VDC, 10 Watt External switching power supply included (110 V .. 240 V) • External Mute Jack 3.5 mm (1/8“), tip & ring •� Floating switch required •� Mounting Mic Stand 5/8” with Adapter to 3/8” Dimensions (LxWxH) 150 x 150 x 175 mm (5.9 x 5.9 x 6.9 inch) Weight 3.5 kg Operating Temperature 0°�to�+45°�C�(32°�to�113°�F) Protection Rating IP51 Included Accessories Mains Power Adapter, 256 MB CF Card and Soft Carrying Case

60 dBSPL @ 1 m = 66 dBSPL @ 0.5 m • 10 kHz 67 66 65 64 63 62 61 60 68 69 70 100 Hz 1 kHz 10 Hz Frequency Sound Pressure Level dBSPL @ 0.5m +/-1 dB Tolerance

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