OPERATING MANUAL
NTi Audio TalkBox
3
Contact NTi Audio at
Headquarter +423 239 6060 info@nti-audio.com
Americas +1 503 684 7050 americas@nti-audio.com
China +86 512 6802 0075 china@nti-audio.com
Czech +420 2209 99992 czech@nti-audio.com
Japan +81 3 3634 6110 japan@nti-audio.com
South Korea +82 2 6404 4978 korea@nti-audio.com
www.nti-audio.com
NTi Audio is an ISO 9001:2008
certified company.
© NTi Audio AG
Release 1.15.7e / Apr 2013
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.
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Ma d e i n
Switzerland
Index:
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................4
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 Option ................................................................................................. 18
5. Related Products ..............................................................................................20
6. Further Information .......................................................................................... 21
Registration ..................................................................................................... 21
Warranty Conditions ....................................................................................... 22
Service and Repairs ........................................................................................ 22
Warnings ......................................................................................................... 23
Calibration Certificate ...................................................................................... 23
CE Declaration of Conformity ......................................................................... 24
7. Technical Data TalkBox ..................................................................................... 25
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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.
We are convinced you will enjoy using it!
This manual describes the NTi Audio TalkBox operation and functions in detail. Further 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•
CD “NTi Audio TalkBox”, backup copy of Memory Card•
Carrying Pouch•
User Manual•
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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.
NTi Audio TalkBox
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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. Each TalkBox is individually equalized 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.
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2
3
4
Output Mode
Mute LineOut
Select
Track
CF Card
Play Clip
Line In
Line Out
2
3
4
Output Mode
Mute LineOut
Select
Track
CF Card
Play Clip
Line In
Line Out
2
3
4
Mute LineOut
Select
Track
CF Card
Play Clip
Line In
Line Out
2
3
4
Select
Track
CF Card
Play Clip
Line In
Line Out
NTi Audio TalkBox Controls
Output Mode Selector
Power LED
NTI Audio TalkBox Controls
Play LED Clip LEDSelect Track Switch
Output Mode Selector
The output selector switch offers the following three modes:
The audio signal is available at the speaker and the Line Out.
The audio signal is muted (no signal at Line Out and speaker).
Line OutLine InCF Card
The audio signal is available at the Line Out. The speaker amplifier is
muted.
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Power LED
The red Power LED indicates the following:
fast
The power up sequence is in process (about 10 seconds)
flashing
continuously onThe TalkBox is powered on and ready for operation.
slow
flashing
The outputs are muted by
the Output Mode Selector or•
the External Mute Input•
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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. 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
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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.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 number of the NTi Audio TalkBox, otherwise the acoustical parameters of
the TalkBox are out of specifications.
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Play LED
The green Play LED indicates the following:
continuously
on
flashing Error indication, which might be caused by
Select Track Switch
This switch allows the following selections:
The audio signal is replayed•
At Line In mode (= Select Track switch set to “0” ) and input •
signal > -30 dBu
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
“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.
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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. Consequently and in order to guarantee 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).
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Side & Rear Panel
NTI TalkBox
S/No.: TNN039
Swiss
Made
Select Track "0"
for Line Input
DC in
10-18V
External
Mute
External Mute Input
NTi Audio TalkBox Label
DC
In
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 3.5mm jack connector (connecting dip &
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.
Power Supply
The TalkBox handles an input voltage range of 10-18 VDC. An external power supply
(for worldwide operation) is supplied as standard. The wide input voltage range allows the operation even from a battery pack.
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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.
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 start up 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 distance to the speaker. Additionally further test signals at other levels are provided,
please see the CF-Card Track List for details.
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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. 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.
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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.•
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
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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
*.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 position. So the audio files names are e.g. “nr_anyName.wav”, whereby “nr” is the TalkBox 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 Analyzer and the source data adjusted to requirements.
Length
The minimum length of your wave file is 100ms.
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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. Supplied Welcroe strips simplify the mounting of
the battery to the TalkBox. A fully charged battery drives
the TalkBox for more than 7 hours under worst case
conditions.
The battery pack contains Li-Ion batteries. Please recycle the bat-•
tery pack in accordance with local regulations.
Only charge the battery with the TalkBox power supply. Store the •
battery on a dry place.
Never attempt to connect the output of the battery to the output •
of an external device
Charge the battery
As the battery comes only partially
charged, please charge the battery for
min. 5 hours prior its first use. Connect
the TalkBox power supply to the IN con-
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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. 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.
To check the charge indication, press the black
charge test button and the three green LED will
indicate the charge level.
Technical data
Battery type: Li-Ion Battery
Input voltage: 12V - 24V DC, 1A max.
Output voltage: 9V, 2A max.
Capacity: 39 Watt hours nominal
Dimensions: 153 mm x 93 mm x 23mm (6” x 3.72” x 0.9”)
Weight: 400g (0.8lbs)
Running time with battery pack (typical)
Idle mode: Standby, Electrical output: 15 hours
STIPA: Output on (60dB
STIPA Lombard: Output on (70dB
) 12 hours
SPL
) 7 hours
SPL
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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. The microphones are
48V phantom powered and include an electronic data sheet. The Automated Sensor Detection
(ASD) of the XL2 Analyzer automatically reads
this data, i.e. the microphone model and calibration data. This promotes faster setup and ensures 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 result, a detailed view of
the modulation indices and individual band level
results is provided.
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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.•
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“.•
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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.
Limitations
These guarantee provisions do not cover damage caused by accidents, transportation, incorrect use, carelessness, non-original accessories, the loss of parts, operation with non-specified input voltages, adapter types or incorrectly inserted batteries. 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 relating 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.
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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 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 environments.
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 corresponds to the specifications listed in “Technical Data”. Calibration certificates for
new products are optional.
NTi Audio recommends annual calibration of the products after the purchase. The calibration provides documented and traceable measurement accuracy and confirms that your NTi Audio product meets or exceeds the
published specifications. The calibration and adjustment procedures follow 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.
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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: 2004/108/EG
Harmonized Standards: EN 61326-1
This declaration becomes void in case of any changes on the product without written authorization by NTi Audio.
Date: 15. September 2005
Signature:
Position of signatory: Technical Director
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7. Technical Data TalkBox
Waveforms Up to 15 different signals •
Line Out XLR, balanced 100 Ohm, unbalanced 50 Ohm •
Line Input XLR, balanced 38 kOhm •
CF-Card 256 MB included, FAT32 formatted, NTi Audio # 600 000 087 •
Acoustical Flatness STIPAbandlevels(inaxis): •typ<+/-0.5dB@24°C
Acoustical Output Level STIPA: 60 dBA • SPL @ 1 m +/- 0.5 dB, acc. to IEC60268-16
Power Supply 10 - 18 VDC, 10 Watt •
External Mute Jack 3.5 mm (1/8“), 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°to113°F)
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
Maximum output level: +18 dBu, •
1 kHz file with 60 dB @ 1 meter: typically -11 dBu
Max. input level: +18 dBu (acc. to EBU R68, ITU-R rec. 645) •
Internal delay from XLR input to speaker: 59 ms •
Wav-file format: 16 Bit, 44.1 kHz mono •
•typ<+/-1.0dB@10°C-30°C
STIPAbandsensitivitygradient:-0.07dB/°C(average) •
Others see track list in user manual •
External switching power supply included (110 V .. 240 V) •
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Typical Frequency Response Chart NTi Audio TalkBox:
60 dBSPL @ 1 m = 66 dBSPL @ 0.5 m •
70
69
68
67
66
65
64
63
62
Sound Pressure Level dBSPL @ 0.5m
61
60
100 Hz 1 kHz10 Hz
Frequency
+/-1 dB Tolerance
10 kHz
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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
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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
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E 500 dt 12.11
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