Audio Testing Keeps Manufacturers Honest

Audio analyzers such as the Audio Precision APx555 are fantastic instruments for audio testing, but can rarely operate alone. For example, testing of audio power amplifiers and headphone amplifiers often require dummy loads with significant power handling abilities. In addition, adding a reactive (capacitive or inductive) element to the load can assist in the assessment of amplifier stability. 

I use all the products below in my own audio test & measurement setups, including for measurements of SINAD, distortion, and frequency response.

Headphone Dummy Load

The Headphone Dummy Load is an 8 W dummy load that offers load impedances from 12 Ω to 600 Ω with parallel capacitance from 100 pF to 10 nF. It is intended for testing headphone amplifiers and preamplifiers. Its control port interfaces with the AUX port on the APx500 audio analyzers, which allows the Audio Precision APx500 to set the load impedance in automated testing. The Headphone Dummy Load can also be used stand-alone with the load impedance selected directly on the front panel.