Audio Precision sets new standards

Audio Precision has unveiled what it describes as ‘the finest audio analyser to date’. The APx555 is the culmination of 30 years’ work from the manufacturer and builds on the functionality and usability of the SYS-2700 series and the APx family.

In terms of functionality, the APx555 outperforms the SYS-2700 series. With a typical residual THD+N of -120dB (conservatively specified at -117dB), the two analogue channels of the APx555 boast what is described as ‘the lowest noise and distortion of any audio analyser ever made’. This performance is coupled with 1MHz bandwidth (mono) and an FFT resolution of 1.2 million points. The generator is reportedly capable of producing low distortion sine wave signals up to 204kHz, at high-level amplitudes up to 26Vrms.

Leveraging the modular architecture and software of the APx family, the APx555, according to the manufacturer,  delivers ‘improved measurement accuracy, speed, flexibility, automation and ease-of-use for developers of audio components, equipment and systems’.

This is in part due to the new APx500 v4.0 software, which provides a multi-mode user interface for the entire APx family of analysers. The software allows switching between Sequence Mode – the menu of measurements with which APx users worldwide are familiar – and Bench Mode,  a SYS-2700 series-inspired approach that delivers real-time feedback of any selected parameters, including waveform scope, FFT spectrum, levels, frequency, and THD+N. Engineers may choose the mode that best suits their needs with a click of a mouse button.

Regarding digital I/O, AES3 and S/PDIF are standard to the APx555, with the instrument also supporting the entire range of APx options, allowing native connectivity and analysis of audio via Bluetooth, HDMI, Digital Serial (I2S, TDM) and PDM (1-bit oversampled) formats.

The APx555 provides a full range of AES3 and S/PDIF digital output impairments, including jitter generation and analysis. A new Advanced Master Clock handles input and output clock signals to synchronise the APx555 with external equipment.

Shipping: TBC
Web: www.ap.com