Download Test WAV Files optimized for the IPOD
By Pat Brown
This article gives you an opportunity to download Test WAV Files that are optimized for the IPOD.
More and more audio people are exploiting the convenience of portable audio players as a means of testing sound systems. These things have become ridiculously cheap and powerful in recent months, which is one reason that we no longer offer the Syn-Aud-Con Test CD for Sound Reinforcement Systems. The Apple Ipod™ is a favorite since it provides WAV file support in addition to other formats.
In light of this I thought our readers might find it useful to have some audio test files that are optimized for Ipod playback. These are original files that can be used without permission or royalty issues – the caveat is that you must download and use them at your own risk.
- 400Hz Sine.wav – for use in setting system gain structure. The frequency was selected to be optimal for use with piezo tweeters to detect clipping.
- Pink Noise.wav – generic pink noise (60s length) for use in general system tuning.
- Polarity Pulses.wav – for use with most polarity testers. The duty cycle is long enough to allow these to also be used for echo detection in rooms.
- Meter Test Sine/PN.wav – a 400Hz sine wave and a pink noise segment of the same RMS voltage. This can be used to determine whether meters on audio products are volume indicators or peak program. The article What Kind of Meter? Syn-Aud-Con Newsletter Vol. 34 No. 2 gives the details.
- Lecture.wav – The speech track from the Syn-Aud- Con Test CD of John Royer described in Syn-Aud-Con Newsletter Vol. 34 No. 1.
- Counting 1-50.wav – The speech track from the Syn-Aud-Con Test CD of John Royer described in Syn- Aud-Con Newsletter Vol. 34 No. 2.
Ipod Import
All files can be imported into your Ipod using Itunes™. Just add them to your library and update the Ipod. They should reside on the Ipod in their native WAV file format. I created a playlist specifically for these files named “1_Test Waves.” The “1_” prefix puts it at the top of the playlists, making it easy to find. Of course, the Ipod can be set to repeat any of the tracks continuously.
Interface
I suggest using the line inputs of the mixing console to prevent phantom power from reaching your Ipod. If mic input connection is required then an appropriate interface box should be used. We hope you find these tracks useful.
We are open to suggestions for other files to add to the Ipod Audio library. pb