Berkeley, Calif.-based Meyer Sound Laboratories and Liechtenstein-based NTi Audio AG have announced a new cinema meter option for NTi’s XL2 handheld audio and acoustics analyzer.
Developed through a collaborative effort by the two companies, the Meyer Sound cinema meter option and test script allows cinema sound technicians to calibrate loudspeaker systems efficiently and to an extremely high degree of precision—beyond what is recommended by basic SMPTE standards—using a small, easy-to-use handheld device.
The cinema meter was initially created to extend the capabilities of the XL2 analyzer to facilitate efficient and accurate alignment of Meyer Sound EXP™ cinema systems, which are inherently capable of highly linear performance with exceptionally flat phase and amplitude response. The cinema meter option comprises a software package which includes a MeyerSound test script that can be used for tuning any cinema system. Test signals can be sourced through storage in the cinema system or from the NTi MR-PRO generator.
“A fundamental goal of EXP cinema audio is to achieve near perfect linearity,” notes John Meyer, CEO of Meyer Sound. “Final calibration is critical in realizing that goal, and with the Meyer Sound XL2 cinema option, technicians now have a compact and cost-effective tool for making the extremely precise adjustments required.”
The cinema meter project reflects Meyer Sound’s commitment to leadership in all aspects of cinema sound technology. It also marks its first outside collaboration on a test and measurement product; the company’s renowned SIM® audio analyzer was developed entirely in-house.
“NTi Audio is extremely pleased to have this opportunity to work with Meyer Sound,” says Tom Mintner, president of NTI Americas. “The confidence Meyer Sound places in the XL2 is deeply appreciated, and underscores NTi’s position as the recognized world leader in handheld audio test instruments.”
The Meyer Sound cinema meter development was facilitated by Mintner along with Thomas Hupp and Philipp Schwizer on behalf of NTi Audio, with performance specifications and test routines developed by the Meyer Sound engineering department.
To begin shipping in July 2012, the Meyer Sound cinema meter option will be available through NTi Audio’s worldwide sales channels either with the purchase of a new XL2 or as an upgrade to an existing unit. It will also be available through Meyer Sound EXP distribution channels.
