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Have you been avoiding the plunge into the world of geek-dom? Neutrik has solved that problem once and for all by packing an arsenal
of the most essential and powerful measurement tools into an affordable user-friendly package called the "Minilyzer." The "street" price
at MCM $399. The ML1 is a handheld audio analyzer designed to be used at the moment an audio mystery appears — because we all know that when
the technician shows up the problem will be gone...
In addition to the primary capabilities of this powerful little box — detailed in the seven
major headings below — there are a handful
of "little things" that make the ML1 about as audio-friendly as a piece of test equipment can be. For example, most portable and affordable
test equipment is often unbalanced, a serious issue when trying to measure a balanced device under real-world conditions. The ML1 includes a balanced
XLR input as well as an unbalanced RCA input. Three AA batteries supply power, automatic turn-off time is adjustable and four user presets allow
the ML1 to boot into your favorite mode. There is even a headphone jack.
Of the Seven Functions, many are intermixed within the large, easy-to-read,
backlit LCD screen. For example, the LCD is large enough to display LEVEL in large bold characters while simultaneously including an analog-style
linear-meter at the bottom, a frequency counter in the upper left
corner, plus an inspired Input Balance indicator in the upper right corner. (See heading # 5.)
NOTE: Despite the piccolo footprint, la machina (the
ML1) is quite capable of getting you into trouble. Translation: It is just as easy to take a bad measurement as a good one. Please read the Sidebar:
The Ultimate Test, to learn how to compile real data.
1. LEVEL
The ML1 displays the RMS value of a sine wave test signal in milliVolts (mV), as well as the relative level in dBu and dBV, referenced to 0.775volts
and 1volt RMS, respectively. In addition, the ML1 has a RELATIVE mode for precise comparisons of two or more signals — Left and Right,
for example — with a signal-to-noise ratio as wide as 119dB!
NOTE: For years, technicians purchased the Fluke 8060A ($479 @ www.i-mcm.com) for
its ability to measure RMS volts and dBu / dBm. The Fluke doesn’t
do dBV, its noise floor bottoms out @-74 dBu (compared to -99dBu for the ML1) and it’s too old to have the DSP to do ALL the sexy things
that the ML1 can do. Because the Fluke is a Volt-Ohm-MilliAmp meter, however, it has no upper level limit — compared to the ML1’s 7.75volt
/ +20dBu ceiling. I would like to see this ceiling raised 10dB. 2. THD+N
When measuring Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N), the "+N" infers that Noise is included as part of the measurement process.
How can it not be? Unless pushing a device purposefully into the red, you hope that both distortion and any noises — hiss and hum — are
way down in the sub-basement of random electron movement. The only way to easily separate distortion from noise is to use the built-in 3rd Octave
analyzer. More details under 3rd Octave, heading #7.
Inside the ML1 is an A-to-D converter capable of 119 dB of dynamic resolution. The sample rate
limits bandwidth (frequency response) to 20kHz, as pointed out by Neutrik in the manual. This can potentially yield different (most likely lower)
readings relative to more sophisticated gear,
but only when in the LINEAR (flat response) mode. Analog test equipment is not bound to the sample rate. The Hewlett Packard Model 8903B Audio
Analyser, for example, has a 30kHz "window."
There are also built-in filters so that the measurement window can be "weighted" (bandwidth restricted) to include what is relevant to
the test. For example, the popular A-weighted filter (as per IEC 651) is often used because it reflects the ear’s sensitivity to noise. The
other filter options are C-Message (IEC 468-4), HP22 (high pass @ 22Hz), HP60 (high Pass @ 60Hz), HP400 (High Pass @ 400Hz) and a Voice-band filter.
These filters are available in the Level, THD+N and 3rd Octave modes.
NOTE: Searching the IEC on the web for specifications yielded
nothing, their search and destroy mechanism is about as useful as Microsoft Help and they want money for documentation I couldn’t find. If
you want an IEC clue, go to heading #6: Sweep.
Test
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Notes
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THD+N
dBu / % @ "x" level
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Signal-to-Noise
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EIN =
noise floor + gain
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Minirator MR1: 1kHz |
1 |
-78 / .013 @ +5.9 dBu
-71.5 / .026 @ -16.1 dBu
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GTC Tone Plug @ 98Hz |
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–26 / 4.663 |
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GTC Tone Plug @ 1kHz |
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–32 / 2.389 |
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Minilyzer ML1 dB |
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119 |
-98.5 dBu (noise floor) |
GR @ 24dB gain (1kHz)
GR @ 65dB gain (1kHz)
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2 |
-78 / .013 @ +20 dBu
-72 /.024 @ +20 dBu
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107.5 dB
109.1 dB
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91.3 + 24.2 = 115.5 dB
60.2 + 65.5 = 125.7 dB
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Altec @ 24 dB gain (1kHz)
Altec @ 65 dB gain (1kHz)
Front-end overdrive (1kHz)
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3 |
( a ) -60 / .09 @ 0 dBu
( b ) -51 / .28 @ 0 dBu
( c ) -30.6 / 2.96 @ 0dBu
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79 + 24.2 = 103.2 dB
53.5 + 63.4 = 116.9 dB
2kHz@-31dB, 3.15kHz@-51dB
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Panasonic SV-3700 DAT |
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-67 / .04 |
89 dB |
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Table-1: Measurements of preamps, oscillators and a DAT machine made with the Neutrik Minilyzer ML1. The oscillators — Neutrik’s Minirator
MR1 as well as the GTC Tone Plug — were respectively reviewed in the xx and the yy issues of Mix.
Notes:
- Using the Minirator’s built-in level control, two tests were purposely made at different levels NOT to reveal distortion but to show
how output amp noise contributes to the "+N" of THD+N. Using an external attenuator can minimize oscillator amplifier noise.
- Maximum input to the Minilyzer is +20dBu. Maximum output of the Great River preamp is +24 dBu. Signal to noise measurements were assisted" by
the Fluke 8060A
- The Altec 1566A preamp is "clean" up until 0dBu. Preamp overload (test "c’)
yielded the most "pure" 2nd harmonic distortion.
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TESTING MY WORLD
I used the ML1 to measure the THD of two oscillators — the GTC Tone Plug and the Neutrik MR1 — and two mic preamps — a Great
River transformer-less prototype and an Altec 1566 vacuum tube preamp. The Tone Plug is a handy "generator in an XLR plug" to be commended
for its size, not cleanliness. Check out Table-1 for the results. While the Minirator is respectable for it’s price range, to truly measure
the Great River’s performance, a better oscillator would be required. As you can see, there is almost no difference in the performance of
the MR-1 alone compared to its use with the Great River preamp. 3. VU+PPM
The ML1 emulates three metering standards: mechanical VU meters (referenced to +4dBu), Type-I and "Nordic" Peak Program Meters (PPM,
+6 dBu ref) and Type IIA PPM (+8dBu). The user can reconfigure all references. Both VU and PPM are simultaneously displayed. Each includes a numeric
Peak Hold indicator, plus there are two Integration Time options: Normal (Type-I and Nordic: 5ms. Type-IIa: 10ms). In FAST mode, the integration
time is 1 ms for all standards.
While observing the output of a Panasonic SV-3700 DAT, I immediately realized that the ML1 could use one additional
metering standard capable of being calibrated to digital audio’s 0dBfs maximum. For example, the SV-3700 has a –18dBfs nominal reference, the range should should
accommodate a "low" of –20 dBfs and a high of -10dBfs. Neutrik could probably turn VU+PPM into a stand-alone stereo product with
both analog and digital inputs (and a larger LCD screen). It would be a helpful mastering tool to see accurate peak information while maintaining
some consciousness of "Volume" as per the VU meter. The VU meter should not be solidly in the red while the PPM would be kissing 0dBfs.
4. POLARITY
The Polarity test requires both the MR1 and the ML1. The MR1 generates a pulse that is easily detected even after travelling through the air. Selecting
Polarity on the ML1 engages the input select option — a choice of either the XLR / RCA connectors or the built-in microphone. It works!
5. BALANCE
Quite unexpectedly, the very first "if only" feature I thought of was an "input balance" indicator — NOT of Left and
Right, as this is a MONO box — but of the incoming signals on pin2 and pin3. This feature is a reality on the ML1 putting this gizmo and
me on the right foot from the very beginning. A 6dB level problem in the analog world is not uncommon — active balanced outputs can become
damaged, or interrupted via dirty patch cord or bad cable — the ML1 will tell which pin isn’t doing its share of the work.
Note: The ML1 "loses" what little headroom it has if the signal is not precisely balanced. I noticed this when testing the SV-3700, whose
pin2 and pin3 outputs were particularly unmatched, reducing the max headroom in this case to +19.3 dBu.
6. SWEEP
Sweep has two options, the traditional RMS Level vs Frequency or Time vs any of the following: Level, THD+N or Frequency. Getting this mode to
function was most difficult and the manual was not perfectly clear (perhaps due to translation). I got results simply by copying the example
in the manual. Here, a picture was worth a thousand words. The best example would be to plot THD+N to show how distortion increases with increased
levels.
7. 3rd OCTAVE
The 3rd Octave analyzer can display the audible bandwidth from 20Hz to 20kHz in 31 bands. As mentioned, THD+N does not separate Distortion from
Noise. "Harmonic Distortion" is a lack of sonic cleanliness relative to the input signal. Some vacuum tube gear is famous for its pleasing
even-order (octave) harmonics. Input 1 kHz, for example, and push the device into its non-linear region (not hard clipping) and watch the — second
harmonic (2kHz) pop up as in Figure-1.
![Even order harmonics](/Sider/Produkter/Presse/Produkter/NTI_Minilyser/DPS_1.jpg) The cursor can be moved to each of the 31 bands to confirm both frequency and amplitude, the latter in both dB and %. An opamp
circuit in hard clipping will produce odd-order harmonics (square waves are made from these), the third harmonic to 1kHz is 3kHz. as in Figure-2.
See the Altec preamp specs in Table-1.
The ML1 will also reveal unrelated content such as hum (fundamental and harmonics), hiss (the curve will vary
with source topology, such as produced by amplifiers and analog tape recorders), plus the more common uses of spectrum analysis — the dreaded
and completely frightening process of room / monitor-speaker evaluation.
8. SCOPE
If you read my article on trouble-shooting bad capacitors using square waves, the "oscilloscope-like" waveform display is the icing on
the cake. Of course the perfect companion to the ML1 is the Minirator (the MR-1 is $139.95 @ www.i-mcm.com) reviewed in the ??? issue and featuring
both sine and square waves. As with most LCD scopes, the ML1 does not have amazing resolution, further hampered by the 20kHz bandwidth, which softens
square waves until 10kHz looks like a sine wave. That’s ok. About the cost of a cheap-but-real ‘scope alone, the ML1 is much more likely
to see active duty, adding credibility to the overused phrase "bang-for-the-buck."
GOOD DADA
Reviewing the ML1 was a good brain exercise, emphasizing the relative ease of making a bad measurement compared to the work involved to acquire
good data. That said, after reading this review, the people at Neutrik Test Instrumentsinformed me that an external 20dB attenuator is now available
as an optional accessory.
Note-1: This will "pad" the output of the Minirator MR1 — or any oscillator — so that noise measurements
would reflect the device under test and not the audio source. It can also pad the input of the Minilyzer ML1 to extend its useful input range.) Otherwise,
there
is only one flaw. The maximum input of the ML1 is +20dBu, which is not high enough and easily compromised if the signal balance is not perfect.
Note-2: Software updates are also available at the Neutrik Test Instruments web site.
The ML1 is small enough to be kept in a control room or clipped to a belt — for those technicians on the move who are also looking to start
a fashion trend. (PDAs might suddenly become less cool!) Consider how many times you’ve returned to the scene of an audio crime only to find
no suspects and no problem? Now you can whip out this nifty little "geek tri-corder" whenever a problem occurs. By creating the Minilyzer,
Neutrik Test Instruments have given more people the power to troubleshoot. The more you use it, the more you’ll understand that a little
science never hurt anyone.
This review was written for the December 2000 issue of MIX. In the holiday spirit, be a good geek so that you can order both an ML1 and an MR1
without guild while sitting on the Fat Guy’s Lap. (HINT: Don’t make any comments about the red suit or the funny smell coming from
the beard.) Then, look forward to a happy stocking hanging from your mantle bulging with "mini-toyz" on that magic day.
I had too much fun reviewing the ML1 and I'm not giving it back!
REVIEW SUMMARY
NTI has a complete line of "expensive" test equipment of the type used by manufacturers, designers and specification certifiers. I believe
in this "mini" series from NTI because they provide useful, affordable tools for users who might otherwise not purchase anything. In
my goal to make technology more tangible, these tools provide the "link" between an instructive article and the curious end-user.
If,
for example, I present an article on distortion, users can now do the same test, step by step with the same equipment. The satisfaction of either
confirming a suspicion and finding a problem or knowing that "all systems are go" is comforting. That said, analog audio is easy
to troubleshoot compared to digital audio. Learning how to troubleshoot a system and correctly use test equipment are value-added skills. That's
why I am looking forward to reviewing the Digilyzer which should be an equally useful aid to unraveling the mysteries of digitized audio.
SIDEBAR: The Ultimate Test
In carpentry, the motto "Measure twice, cut once" couldn’t be more applicable than to the art of acquiring good data. Measuring
NOMINAL level from a device is child’s play, but measuring signal at or into the noise floor is quite another. This is NOT a fault with the
ML1. I made several attempts until finally the results were consistent. You might not think much about "impedance," but when taking measurements,
both the source and the destination impedance must be addressed.
When measuring mic preamp performance at both minimum and maximum gain, the gain
structure between it and the sound source (an oscillator) become quite critical. You cannot simply turn down the LEVEL at the oscillator because,
in some cases, a buffer amplifier follows the Level control. The
oscillator’s output amplifier has plenty of noise when looking down the high-gain barrel of a mic preamp. The top of Table-1 proves that
reducing the level of the Minirator increases noise revealed in the THD+N measurement. Fortunately, the 3rd Octave analyzer helps to "see" the
various noises.
I fashioned a quickie attenuator between the oscillator and the preamp using a 1kohm pot across pin2 and pin3 of the female XLR. Pin3-f
was connected to pin3-m, while the wiper from the pot was connected to pin2-m. With the Great River preamp set to max gain, I adjusted the trim
pot so that preamp
output fell just under +20dBu (+19.9 dBu) keeping in mind the ML1’s inability to tolerate anything higher. I then checked the attenuator
output (-45.7 dBu) and calculated the gain to be 65.4dB.
Once the gain was determined / confirmed, I removed the generator and attenuator and connected
a source impedance that represented the average mic. I chose 150 ohms because it was used to create the preamp’s published specs. To calculate
Equivalent Input Noise (EIN) = the noise floor + the gain setting. An older style signal-to-noise ratio (SN) measurement was also made. SN = the
max output before clipping + the noise floor.
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