kev
valued member
Posts: 12 
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Post by kev on Jul 21, 2016 15:20:35 GMT
I am looking to get an O'scope & I see quite a few offerings that look appealing, but would like some advice about which to consider. I will only be using it for analog audio signals, so no high speed signal stuff. Just want something that will show an audio waveform so I can see the levels & maybe some test signals. I have Android & iOS devices & a spare laptop, so I can go with about anything. It would be nice to just use an app if possible. Like I mentioned, no critical measuring going on here, just want to be able to see analog signals. The range should be sufficient to cover low level signals (Line level) to power amp output. If I have to buy probes, that's OK if not too expensive. Anyway, just need to narrow the field. I don't have any that I have looked at specifically, but when I started looking I quickly got overwhelmed by the number of choices & options available.
Thanks,
kev
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solderdude
Administrator
measureutternutter
Posts: 4,886
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Post by solderdude on Jul 24, 2016 19:40:54 GMT
It depends on if you want to look at squarewaves, flanks and needle pulses as well or just want to look at sinewaves and to see if they are clipping or not. If you don't need to see squarewaves etc a simple soundcard that can reach 192k is already enough. Then you have 16 bit resolution, maybe even more. Squarewaves will show pre- and post ringing that may not be there in reality. An option here is the QA401 which is a soundcard disguised as a scope front end. At $ 430.- not really cheap. If you want to look at squarewaves and still want USB I use a Handyscope HS4 (TiePie) which is more expensive. There are also 'normal' scopes that are cheaper BUT most of them top out at 8 to 12 bits. For analysing audio and measurements >16 bits and >96kHz is essential. This makes the QA401 an interesting choice. |
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Post by modular on Dec 29, 2016 21:30:55 GMT
There are also 'normal' scopes that are cheaper BUT most of them top out at 8 to 12 bits. For analysing audio and measurements >16 bits and >96kHz is essential. Hey, can you explain a little more about this? I have an old Heath 4226 rated at 25Mhz that I got from my Father in Law that I'd like to use to check my inputs for clipping. Will it be able to take an RCA signal and allow to view the wave appropriately to check for clipping? Let me know if you would need more info or would prefer a PM. Thanks! |
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solderdude
Administrator
measureutternutter
Posts: 4,886
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Post by solderdude on Dec 30, 2016 10:49:15 GMT
Yes, Heathkit 4226 is an all analog scope.
Will show clipping perfectly.
You should even be able to check the outputs of power amps with it.
And both channels at the same time as well.
Could be handy to use RCA to BNC converters.
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Post by modular on Dec 31, 2016 21:57:12 GMT
Yes, Heathkit 4226 is an all analog scope. Will show clipping perfectly. You should even be able to check the outputs of power amps with it. And both channels at the same time as well. Could be handy to use RCA to BNC converters. Very cool. Thanks! I never thought to get RCA to BNC converters. I was going to pick up some RCA jacks from Frys electronics and just clip to them, but the converters would be a much easier and simple solution. Happy New Year! |
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