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Term-LAB is unsurpassed when it comes to measuring high sound pressure levels.

• Real-Time SPL Readouts - In this mode the meter will continuously display the current SPL.
• Peak Hold Mode with Auto Reset - In this mode, the meter will display the peak SPL. Then, after a time period determined by the user, the meter will automatically reset and begin the process all over again.
• Running Average - In this mode, the meter will display a running average for a user-specified number of SPL measurements.
• NEW! - Digital Displays show the current SPL, Peak SPL, Average SPL, Current Frequency where the current Peak SPL occurred and the Frequency where the maximum peak-hold SPL occured. This is an incredible tool for maximizing your SPL score or tuning your vehicle!

Term-LAB in SPL Mode	NEW! - Digital Displays

Term-LAB is the OFFICIAL SPL meter for all of the prominent SPL sound-off organizations. Term-LAB provides consistent, accurate measurements and never requires calibration.

Judging Mode Selections
	Standby and Starter Control

These organizations have selected Term-LAB because of its rock solid consistency and the powerful features it offers. For example, Term-LAB includes integrated scorekeeping for each soundoff organization. The program also permits the judge to switch between the various organizations at any time by simply clicking on the appropriate judging mode button. (Scoring information for each organization remains independent of the others.)

Although Term-LAB records each contestant's score automatically, there may be times where the judge is required to add / edit / or delete a contestant's score. Contestant maintenance is easy in Term-LAB. Powerful filter and sort selections help to simplify these operations. Contestants may be manually added or deleted from the database. Names, scores, classes, etc. can all be edited as well.

Competitor Standings

For contests that require "bracket-style" eliminations (such as dB Drag Racing and Bass Race), Term-LAB will automatically create the brackets with the click of a mouse. Term-LAB will update the brackets as the competition progresses. If necessary, brackets can be edited manually.

dB Drag Racing Elimination Mode

Term-LAB provides the operator with the ability to print the current "Qualifying" standings throughout the show. At the conclusion of the event, a complete listing showing the placement of all participants (including the winners) along with their highest recorded SPL.

Print Qualifying Scores and Winners

At the end of the event, Term-LAB will print a list of winners for each class. In addition, the user can print Certificates of Achievement with the optional Event Promoter Pro upgrade. The results can also be archived for future reference or submission to the supported soundoff organizations.

Competitor Info	Edit Score	Psychlone Judging	Update Bracket

Term-LAB is capable of measuring two channels simulteneously (two sensors required for two channel operation.) All of the information related to the measurement is displayed with a clean and logical screen layout. Each channel is user-configurable to show you only what you want to see.

The SPL Display Window depicts the current real-time SPL measurement. The display is user configurable and supports both 0.1 dB and 0.01 dB resolution. The bargraph indicator shows the Peak SPL (red bargraph) and Real-Time SPL (green arrow). The Digital Display readouts provide digital representations of the Real-Time SPL, Peak SPL, Average SPL, Current Frequency where the Real-Time SPL is highest, and the Peak Frequency where the Peak SPL occurred.

SPL Display Windows

The SPL Scope Window depicts the current real-time waveform originating from the sensor. When Term-LAB is running in Peak Hold mode, the waveform captured when the Peak SPL occurred will be shown. Various scope settings are user configurable.

SPL Scope Window

Term-LAB provides 1 Hz frequency resolution! While most Real Time Analyzers provide 10 or 11 bars below 100 Hz, Term-LAB provides an incredible 91! This allows the system to differentiate between, for example, 45 Hz and 46 Hz. This resolution is critical when designing a system for competition as a frequency change of only 1 Hz can result in several dB of lost score.

High Precision 1 Hz RTA

Competitor Pre-Registration

You can now pre-register competitors BEFORE the event begins. This will minimize the potential for data entry errors and time-consuming mistakes. The user has complete control over how much information is required, including... Competitor Name Address City State Zip Email Competition Class In addition, Term-LAB will event print personalized Dash Forms and Registration Forms for each of your competitors!

Competitor Pre-Registration

Award Certificates

With the Term-LAB Event Promoter Pro upgrade, you can provide your contestants with a professionally designed Award Certificate at the conclusion of the show. The program supports awards for 1st-8th place (completely customizable) along with the option to print a Certificate of Achievement for those competitors who don't place. In addition, you can choose from 12 different templates for each supported soundoff organization.

Certificate Selection

Certificates may be printed on a color printer. Support is provided for standard (8.5" x 11") and "A4" paper sizes. For judges who print large quantities of certificates, a "Data Only" configuration may be selected. This option allows the user to have the "base" certificate duplicated at a print shop. These duplicates are then used as the media in your printer. In this mode, ink use is dramatically decreased as Term-LAB will only print the user-specific information (name, class, date, location, etc.) on each page.

Sample Certificate

Display Device Support

Term-LAB Leaderboard - Term-LAB offers support for multiple Leaderboard displays, each of which may be configured to display different information. The default configuration will display the SPL's for Lanes 1 and 2 along with the timer. The Leaderboard will automatically cycle through the qualifying standings for each class when the meter is idle. At the end of the event, the Leaderboard will automatically cycle through the winners for each class. Brighteyes - Term-LAB can now drive up to 3 seperate "Brighteyes" displays. Each display will require a seperate parallel port on the PC. Note: We recommend using the "Multi-Monitor" features instead of Brighteyes. Video Overlay Interface - Term-LAB will also interface with the optional Term-LAB Video Overlay interface. This device displays an entire screen of scorekeeping data on a standard video monitor or TV (with composite video input). Note: We recommend using the "Multi-Monitor" features instead of the Video Overlay Interface.

Leaderboard Support

Multimedia Support

Speech synthesis is one of the most popular features offered by the Event Promoter Pro upgrade. When speech synthesis is enabled, the Term-LAB meter actually talks! The meter will announce the names of competitors and their scores. Additional information (such as competitor stats, etc.) can be announced if an internet connection is available and the event is a dB Drag Racing or Bass Race event. By connecting the audio output (headphone, line-out, or speaker out) jack on the computer to the input on a PA system, Term-LAB will keep everyone informed about competitors and their scores. A custom "sponsor message" can also be configured. With a webcam, Term-LAB can automatically capture photos of the juding lane after each run and then save the image to your hard drive. Each contestant's name, class, and SPL is embossed on the photo. This feature is great for judges who wish to upload photos to their website or social networking page.

Multimedia Support

Light Tower Support

Term-LAB's Event Promoter Pro upgrade supports several different optional light tree interface devices. Support for Legacy ISA Light Tree Interface devices. Support for the USB Light Tree Interface. 24, 48, or 96 light support. 2 tower or 4 tower support. "Beacon" support will control rotating "police style" beacons. The beacons are activated whenever the meter is armed (prior to judging). "Demo" mode provides a light show when the meter is idle.

Light Tower Support

Network Support

Term-LAB can broadcast your event in real-time via the dBTV server. Internet spectators can "tune-in" and watch your event in real time with the free Term-LAB Client. (Available for download from the Termpro website.) Competitor names, scores, standings, and bracketing information is delivered to clients in real-time. Integrated support for image capture and transmission is provided. Just connect a USB webcam and establish an Internet connection and you are ready to broadcast. (Events must be scheduled with dBTV in advance.)

Network Support

Support for Multiple Monitors

This is the control panel that gives the user complete control over what information is displayed on each monitor. A multimedia window is available for those who wish to broadcast via dBTV. Each lane's SPL reading, the timer display, current qualifying standings, and the current Bracket standings are available for display. The user can control the foreground, background, and shadow color of each window.

Multi-Monitor Support

This is a screenshot of the "Standings" window (shown full-screen). During qualifying, the current standings for each class will automatically cycle on the specified monitor whenever the "Standings" option is enabled. The user can configure the standings window to use a solid color background or a "skin" such as the one shown here. The Stanings display allows competitors and spectators an opportunity to see where each competitor stands based on qualifying SPL's.

Qualifying Standings

This is a screenshot of the "Standings" window (shown full-screen). During the bracket eliminations, the current bracket standings for each class will automatically cycle on the specified monitor whenever the "Standings" option is enabled. The user can configure the standings window to use a solid color background or a "skin" such as the one shown here. The Stanings display allows competitors and spectators an opportunity to see where each competitor stands in the brackets.

Bracket Standings

The Event Promoter Pro upgrade has the ability to display advertisements automatically whenever the "Ads" checkbox is selected for a specific multi-monitor configuration. With the Ads feature enabled, the associated multi-monitor window will cycle through ads in the ads folder on the hard drive whenever the meter is idle. Once the "Reset" button is pressed in preparation for the next measurement, the associated window will revert back to its original function until the meter is idle again.

Rotating Ads

Live Competitor Stats

Term-LAB's Event Promoter Pro provides the ability for the software to download and display competitor stats for dB Drag Racing and Bass Race competitors in real-time. If you have an internet connection, Term-LAB will automatically retrieve competitor stats from the dB Drag Racing / Bass Race website when competitors come through the lanes. (This info shows up on the SPL Monitor Window for each competitor after their name is entered into the system. When "STANDBY" is pressed, the SPL Monitor Window reverts back to SPL display mode.)

Competitor Stats

• Real Time Spectrum Analyzers (2)
• Real Time Oscilloscopes (2)
• Programmable Function Generator
• Complete control over Spectrum Analyzer Options
• Complete control over Oscilloscope Options
• User-configurable Visualizations
• One, Two, Three, or Four displays can be viewed simultaneously
• Includes 150 dB Condenser Microphone, Mic Clip, and 25 ft. XLR Cable
• Includes XLR to USB adapter, USB Cable, and Software Upgrade

User-Configurable Display

The Term-LAB Broadband RTA upgrade is integrated with the standard Term-LAB software. To access the Broadband RTA, simply click on the "RTA" tab at the top of the screen. The Broadband RTA may be configured to show 1-4 displays on the screen simultenously. The screenshot to the right has been configured to show the following displays... Top Left - Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer 1 in 1/3 Octave Mode with Peak Display Indicators. Top Right - Real Time Spectrum Analyzer 2 in Waterfall Plot mode. Lower Left - Scope 1 in Line mode. Lower Right - Scope 2 in Mirror mode.

Term-LAB RTA Configured for 4 Displays

In this screenshot, the Term-LAB Broadband RTA screen has been configured to show three displays... Top Left - RTA 1 in 1/3 Octave mode with Peak Display Indicators, Canvas Background, and "LED" Simulated Bargraphs. Top Right - RTA 2 in Waterfall Plot mode. Bottom - Scope 1 in Line mode. Note the "Float" button in the top right of each display window. This button allows the user to "float" the display off of the main Term-LAB display. This window may then be positioned on a different video monitor if so desired.

Term-LAB RTA Configured for 3 Displays

Signal Generator

The Term-LAB Broadband RTA upgrade includes a powerful signal generator. The line-outputs (line, speaker, or headphone) on your computer may be connected directly to the line inputs on the device you wish to test. For auto sound installers, an FM modulator (not included) may be used to inject a signal directly into the system through the source unit's FM receiver for convenience. The user can configure the Signal Generator's output through the Generator Control Panel. This panel allows the user to select the desired output waveform, amplitude, and frequency.

Signal Generator Control Panel

Dual Real-Time Spectrum Analyzers

The Broadband RTA Upgrade includes two independent Real-Time Spectrum Analyzers. The visibility and configuration of each RTA is controlled with each analyzer's associated control panel. These control panels allow the user to select the channel to be measured (Left, Right, Both), the Visualization Mode, the number of samples to average, and the peak indicator. RTA 1 offers a 1/3 Octave analyzer and RTA Scoring Computer. (See the RTA 1 Scoring Computer topic below for more information on this unique feature.)

RTA 1 Control Panel

The user has complete control over the visualizations for each RTA analyzer. These controls include visualization mode, bar / dot / line color, background "canvas", LED simulation, and more. The screenshot to the right shows RTA 1 in 1/3 Octave mode with green / yellow / red bars, no background canvas, solid bars, and peak indicators. The screenshots below show a few of the many possible visualization configurations for each RTA.

Numerous Analyzer Visualizations

1/3 Ocatave Analyzer Visualization	Waterfall Plot Visualization	FFT Analyzer Visualization

RTA 1 Scoring Computer

Configuration is accomplished as follows... Select the Judging Time Select the Maximum Score Select the Primary Deviation - The scoring computer will look for any deviation(s) that are greater than or equal to this number. If there are multiple deviations that exceed this value, the computer will only use the single LARGEST deviation. If this value is set to "0", then the Primary Deviation computation will be disabled. Select the Primary Deviation Deduction - This value represents the number of points to subtract from the Maximum Score. If this value is set to "0", then the ACTUAL deviation will be subtracted from the Maximum Score. Select the Secondary Deviation - The scoring computer will look for any deviation(s) that are greater than or equal to this number (excluding the SINGLE Primary Deviation if one was detected.) If there are multiple deviations that exceed this value, the computer will only use the single LARGEST deviation. If this value is set to "0", then the Secondary Deviation computation will be disabled. Select the Secondary Deviation Deduction - This value represents the number of points to subtract from the Maximum Score. If this value is set to "0", then the ACTUAL deviation will be subtracted from the Maximum Score. Select X Deviations - The scoring computer will look for any deviations(s) that are greater than or equal to this number. If this value is set to "0", then the X Deviations computation will be disabled. Select the X Deviation Deduction - This value represents the number of points to subtract from the Maximum Score for EACH X Deviation. If this value is set to "0", then the ACTUAL deviation will be subtracted from the Maximum Score for each X Deviation.

RTA 1 Scoring Computer Options RTA 1 Scoring Computer

Dual Oscilloscopes

The user has complete control over the visualizations for each Oscilloscope display. These controls include visualization mode, trace color color, grid visibility and more. Each scope waveform can be triggered automatically, on postive edges, and on negative edges.

Scope 1 Control Panel

The screenshot at right shows the Scope 1 display in "Bars" mode. Scopes are great tools for identifying potential problems with an audio signal (such as clipping).

Mirror-Mode Scope Display

The screenshot at right shows the Scope 2 in "fill" mode.

Scope Display

Psychlone Judging Mode

The Term-LAB Broadband RTA Upgrade provides the user with the ability to judge the dBDRA's newest sound-off format, "Psychlone". Psychlone competition combines SPL, RTA, and Installation scores for a composite overall score that is used to determine the winner. The Broadband RTA is a necessary option as it alows the judge to measure and score the frequency response of the installation. In the Psychlone judging mode, the judge selects either SPL or RTA prior to the measurement. Whenever RTA is selected, the RTA 1 Scoring Computer will be used to caluculate the contestan's score. The window at right shows the Psychlone "Start Control" panel immediately prior to the start of the RTA measurement. When the judge presses "Standby", the RTA begins taking measurements. This allows the judge to instruct the contestant to adjust their system's sound level to one that provides an adequate display. The "Offset" slider on the Start Control panel may also be used to "fine tune" the RTA display.

Psychlone Judging Mode

This screenshot shows the Term-LAB during a Psychlone competition run. The real-time score (calculated by the RTA 1 Scoring Computer) is displayed at the top and the actual frequency response of the measurement is shown at the bottom. In Psychlone, contestants are judged for 30 seconds. Initially, the contestant's score and the frequency response fluctuate quickly. However, as time progresses, the displays "converge" on the final score as each sample taken is averaged with all of the previous samples.

Psychlone Real-Time RTA Score

• CONDUCTIVE ENERGY - Competition vehicles these days are loud. Really loud. When a competitor "burps" their system, everything inside of the vehicle vibrates. This includes traditional mic stands and the newer, custom made mic holders that attach to the windshield. This vibration adversely affects the accuracy of the measurement system because the mechanical energy from the vibration is coupled to the microphone diaphragm. To understand why this takes place, you need to think back to what you learned in high school physics. One of Newton's laws states that, "an object at rest tends to remain at rest". Newton is obviously referring to an object which has mass. Microphones use a diaphragm which has a small, but significant mass. As the mic stand vibrates, the microphone housing vibrates and this, in turn, causes the mic capsule to move "around" the diaphragm. This induced energy produces errors in the SPL reading.
  
  You can verify this yourself. Take a microphone and measure the SPL of a paint shaker. Next, clamp your microphone to the paint shaker and turn it on. You will see a significant difference in readings. Next, try the same test on a Term-LAB system. You will notice that the Term-LAB readings are not significantly affected. This is because Term-LAB doesn't really have any moving parts. (It uses an integrated strain-gauge on the substrate of a silicon die.)
  
  
• TEMPERATURE - Microphone diaphragms are significantly affected by temperature. I don't know if any of you play the drums, but I can tell you from experience that when a drum head gets cold, it gets very tight. When it gets warm, it gets loose. This is because temperature affects the tension of the drum head. Tension variations of the mic diaphragm will adversely affect SPL measurements.
  
  Term-LAB has integrated temperature compensation. Large temperature variations will not significantly effect the reading of a Term-LAB system.
  
  
• HANGOVER - Whenever a loud vehicle is measured with a microphone, the microphone diaphragm is altered in some way. Although I do not have the ability to determine why this is the case, I do have a hypothesis. Mic diaphragms must be very, very light in order to minimize their mass. This results in a very thin membrane material. I believe that exposure to high SPL's actually distorts or "stretches" the diaphragm.
  
  You can try this yourself. Use a pistonphone calibrator to calibrate your microphone. Put the mic in a loud vehicle and then "burp" it. Next, immediately place the mic back in the calibrator and test it again. You will notice that the reading is off by as much as 10 dB. Continue to check the calibration every minute. After 6-8 minutes, the mic should read "close" to what it was originally calibrated for. In most cases, it won't be what it was when you first calibrated the mic. And, in many instances, it can be off by several dB.
  
  Term-LAB doesn't require any calibration. In addition, you can burp it repeatedly and it will produce the same reading. (The sensor in Term-LAB is rated for SPL's in excess of 200 dB although the sensor assembly is currently configured for SPL's to 183 dB.)
  
  
• IMPACT - Microphones are easily damaged if you drop them or bang them against something hard.
  
  You can try this yourself. Drop your mic. On second thought, DON'T drop your mic or you may ruin it. You can drop your Term-LAB Sensor if you like. In fact, kick it across the floor. Throw it against the wall. It will read exactly the same. Actually, kicking the sensor across the floor doesn't subject the unit to near as much stress as attaching it to the windshield of a vehicle. Imagine the windshield moving back and forth 1/2 inch 60 times a second! That is some SERIOUS G-Force. The Sensor PCB is conformal coated. It's like encapsulating the board in an epoxy resin. This prevents fractures in the electrical connections due to vibration and stress. This is the same process that is used to protect the PCB's in military aircraft.
  
  
• LINEARITY - Microphones are non-linear. In fact, they are inherently non-linear. This is because the mic capsule acts like a spring. (Imagine the excursion on a woofer.) Have you ever pulled a bow (as in bow & arrow)? You will notice that it takes more and more effort to pull the bow string the farther you pull it from its resting position. Mic diaphragms and woofers suffer from the same problem. In fact, microphone non-linearities were one of the biggest problems experienced in sound-off competitions. You could take 2 mics and calibrate them together. Next, you could put them in the same car and measure that car at different SPL's. Guess what? The readings were always different. This is because no matter how hard we tried to match up microphones, they always had different linearity characteristics.
  
  Term-LAB sensors are perfectly linear. In fact, the linearity error of the sensor is less than 0.1% over the entire measurement range! The typical linearity error is less than 0.01% over the entire measurement range.
  
  
• AIRFLOW - Microphones can be adversely affected by airflow. If you direct a stream of air (like that from a port) onto the mic’s diaphragm, it will greatly affect the measurement.
  
  Term-LAB is not significantly affected by airflow. Try it yourself. Take an air hose and blow air onto a microphone. Notice the effect the airflow has on the measurement. Next, do the same thing on a Term-LAB sensor. You won't see an appreciable change in the reading.
  
  
• SYMMETRY - Microphones produce a non-symmetrical output waveform at high SPL's. In fact, the "negative" portion of the waveform becomes less and less sinusoidal in nature as SPL increases. (Imagine sound as pressure variations in the standard atmospheric pressure of 14.7 PSI. There is infinite room for positive pressure changes but negative pressure changes cannot go below an absolute vacuum.)
  
  Test it yourself. Connect a scope to the line output of your SPL meter. Play your system at high levels. You will see that the negative side of the waveform is not symmetrical with respect to the positive side of the waveform. Next, do the same thing on a Term-LAB system. Notice that the waveform is perfectly symmetrical.