Products > Test Equipment
Audio generator for sine and square waves
blackdog:
Hi,
I use three systems to measure for the lower frequencies.
An audio Precision measurement set.
Siglent SDG 1032X
Qaunt Asylum 403
If you so want to start doing measurements on audio equipment and the THD is not super important then the Siglent SDG 1032X is the first thing you could buy.
The THD is a little under 0.1% and for most Audio measurements that is sufficient.
But more important in my eyes is the flawless pulse response of the Siglent SDG 1032X, there are no abbarations if you are terminated with 50 Ohm and you do not go higher than 1Vpp,
the square wave is then perfect.
This is what the square wave pulse looks like, no abberations!
This is a measurement also done with the Siglent SDG 10132X but measured with the Quant Asylum 403.
What was already pointed out by another forum user, this measurement instrument is better suited for distortion measurements and noise behavior.
The generator of the Quant Asylum also has a nice low distortion.
This picture shows the distortion of the SDG 1032X along with some random other signals always present with DDS generators like this Sigelent SDG 1032X.
This is a 1KHz Sine generator Loaded with 50 Ohm.
Now which is best for the topic starter, actually a Siglent SDG 1032X and a Quant Asylum :-)
It is better not to go any cheaper in terms of function generator than the Siglent SDG 1032X which I have had about four years of experience with now.
It is together on the measurement shelf with the SDG 2042X and also a Rigol DG4162.
But usually the first one that comes on to do measurements is the SDG 10132X, because I often need a clean pulse signal and if I stay below 1Vtt at 50 Ohm load I don't have to worry about my signal.
Above this signal level a small riple is visible just like with other function generators.
Also remember that with a function generator you can do much more than pushing a 1KHZ signal into and amplifier?
You can also tune radios with it, I test power transistors with it, the generator drives the base and with an external power supply and collector resistor I then do some basic measurements.
The function generator can also be used as a DC source, keep in mind that the output resistance is then 50 or 25 Ohms when closed.
There are also so many possibilities with a modern function generator, don't forget to take that into consideration.
Kind regards,
Bram
tonedeak99:
Wow so many great recommendations. Thank you all. So from what I gather, the QuantAsylum and Focusrites are not the best for signal generation needs in audio repair. I was just trying to keep the costs down and save desk space by using a small device connected to my computer. Also, if I decide to quit the hobby I thought these would have a high resale value.
I understand the Siglent recommendations but that's way out of budget for me. I want to learn about basic audio circuits and repairs. I'm currently using my phone with a tone generation app, but the waveforms, especially the square are terrible. See pic.
I really like the DIY route proposed by @Gyro and @Smokey. Thank you I'll seriously consider them. Also the Feeltech recommendation by @Aldo22 is a good deal but I have read they have grounding issues and don't produce the cleanest waveforms. This is why I was leaning toward a vintage HP, Tenma, Heathkit, Leader, Tek, etc, unit that even though quite large but they are cheap and able to produce clean waveforms. Many with DC offset and/or frequency counter functionality built in. How important and useful is it to have DC offset and counter functionality? FYI, my oscilloscope is an old analog that doesn't have any measurement or counter functions.
I would definitely like to keep the generator cost down to <$50.
KungFuJosh:
I haven't tried this one, but it seems to be the replacement for the Tenma I previously had, and fits your budget: https://www.newark.com/tenma/72-490/compact-audio-generator/dp/09P2110
Aldo22:
--- Quote from: tonedeak99 on February 09, 2024, 02:31:55 pm ---Also the Feeltech recommendation by @Aldo22 is a good deal but I have read they have grounding issues and don't produce the cleanest waveforms.
--- End quote ---
Grounding issues are easily fixed.
I didn't even buy a new connector, just pulled in a 3-core cable and connected PE to the BNCs (photo).
No, it definitely looks better than on your oscilloscope photo. (Attached screenshot 20kHz Square/Sine FY3224s) ;)
Martin72:
Hi,
--- Quote from: tonedeak99 on February 09, 2024, 02:31:55 pm ---I would definitely like to keep the generator cost down to <$50.
--- End quote ---
DDS Signalgenerator 500khz
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