Speaker Pop is an iPhone app that tests a speaker for correct polarity (sometimes called "phase").
NOTE: If you plan to purchase iProMic or iAudioInterface, you should instead download AudioTools and buy this app as an in-app purchase.
See our new demo video of this module. This video was recorded in the simulator, and shows the module running within AudioTools.
To use Speaker Pop, you need to send our proprietary test signal to your speaker. Then, holding the iPhone near the speaker, the polarity is read using the internal microphone (located on the bottom of the phone). Speaker Pop generates the signal, band as long as you use a stereo tip-ring-sleeve 1/8" audio cable, and not a 3-ring cable, the iPhone internal microphone is not bypassed.
Also, you can burn the test signal to a CD. The test signal can be generated when running Speaker Pop, just turn on the Output Signal switch, plug an 1/8" stereo cable into the headphone jack, and plug the other end into a Mac running Garage Band, capture the signal, and burn a CD. Or, just right-click this link to download the test signal, as an AIF file, and burn that to a CD.
Then, play the test signal through the speaker and read the result. Check the signal strength meter to make sure that you are within the working range -- anywhere above "low" and below "high" should work fine.
Speaker Pop Main Screen
Here is the main Speaker Pop screen:
The algorithm used for testing speaker polarity is quite advanced, and is designed to prevent false triggers and bad readings. It will work with any type of speaker, small or large, and will work quite well at a distance, as long as the test signal is strong enough. We have included 3 filters, so that you can precisely target the speaker that you are testing. In Woofer mode, a 63Hz octave band filter is activated, so that you know that you are testing a woofer or sub-woofer. In Midrange mode, a 500Hz octave band filter is used, and in Tweeter mode, a 4kHz octave band filter is used. Select the mode that matches your speaker. If you are unsure of which to use, select Midrange.
Signal Files to Download
You can right click these links to download the proprietary Speaker Pop Signal file in AIFF, WAV, or AC3 format. Burn the AIFF or WAV file to a CD, or you can use the AC3 format file as the soundtrack on a DVD to make a home theater test DVD. Note that iDVD does not support AC3 files, so you would have to use a program like DVD Studio Pro to burn the DVD. We have heard that some versions of toast will burn this signal to a DVD.
We will be making home theater test DVDs available soon. When you play the DVD, the Speaker Pop Signal is sent to all 5 speakers and the subwoofer. Just bring the iPhone near the speaker you want to test (6" to 2' will usually work well) and read the results.
Airport Express and Apple TV
You send the stereo file to either the AE or ATV directly. Just import the stereo signal file into iTunes and play it. But, note that every Airport Express that we have tested or have feedback from inverts the signal! So, you have two choices: if you want the polarity to be correct for other inputs, such as a CD player, adjust all the speakers to read '-', or reverse the wiring on all of your speakers, if you normally only use the AE.
You can send the AC3 file through the Apple TV if you install this codec into Quicktime on your Mac:http://www.pure-mac.com/downloads/a52codecdl.html
Support
We always want feedback, so to send us a message go to our Support Form.
Audio Test Equipment
If you are looking for more advanced audio and acoustics test equipment, check the the SoundPro line at www.Sencore.com