Product Spotlight: Black Box range from BCD Audio

Accessible Audio Measurement and Quality Control using the Black Box range from BCD Audio.
By Mike Law, MD of BCD Audio, Slough
The BCD Audio black box range includes three units intended for Digital Audio measurement. Primarily intended for use at installation time, they are also useful in checking out the audio side of a TV installation.
The DTG-1 is a portable, hand-held device which produces a variety of standard tones and BBC/EBU GLITs in AES-EBU format. It is indispensable for testing AES-EBU systems within an installation, laboratory or service department. The unit is optimised for use with 48 KHz sample rates, and can be locked to external Wordclock. The unit is DC powered, with an internal battery, for easy use in the field.
The Jitterbug is optimised to measure and test AES3 signals from an installation point of view. The signal carrier frequency and peak-jitter, normal and common-mode voltage levels, and uniquely the termination impedance are measurable. Balanced 110R and unbalanced 75R audio circuits can be checked out. Front panel push-buttons decide the test mode, and the little LED alphanumeric display shows the result.
The audio signal is passed to a small internal loudspeaker and mini jack for headphones. An error log mode allows the unit to be left testing a signal and freezes when an error is found. The unit also measures Wordclock level, frequency and jitter. The unit is perfectly usable standalone, but can be connected to a PC, where more information can be displayed.
The Humbug can produce a wide range of signal levels and test frequencies, and is complementary to the Jitterbug. It generates AES3 on XLR at 48 KHz or 96 KHz, with optional DARS and wordclock reference. Switches adjust the audio level and frequency, mute left and right, Vflag and phase check signal with front panel display. The unit is runnable stand-alone with front panel display, but is also controllable from a PC. Sweeps, test sequences and specific channel status information can be generated using the PC software.
Contact: BCD Audio Ltd
Mike Law tel: +44 (0) 1753 579524
Purchase from on-line store at www.bcd-audio.co.uk