How to Present Multiple Simultaneous Audio Stimuli from PC

The researcher will play two audio files — one noise and one speech — from a CSD booth computer and then route the signals through the audiometer to the test subject. Audio can be presented to the test subject using insert earphones, on-ear earphones, or free-air speakers.

By modifying the audio files in an audio editor, the noise will only be present in 1 of the stereo channels and the speech will only be present in the other. The stereo output (speech on 1 side, noise on the other) of the computer will be routed to Audiometer.

The audiometer will allow the researcher to adjust the levels of the noise and speech independently. If desired, these outputs can be routed to the same destination device (for example a single ear of a headphone) causing the audiometer to act as a 2-channel mixer combining both stimuli into a single mono ouput.

To ensure that you don't alter your original source files, create a new folder named "SOURCE XXXX - Panned Left" or "SOURCE XXX - Panned Right" and copy (don't move) each of the master source files into this folder.

To access the audiology library, navigate to: L:\Classmedia\CSD_Audiology

In Adobe Audition, open the audio files you wish to use in your experiment from this newly created "Panned Left" or "Panned Right" folder.

Sanity Check — again confirm that you are about to edit the BACKUP copies of your source files – not the originals!

Turn off the channel you wish to retain using the channel toggle buttons at the right side of the waveform. In the waveform view, the left channel is on top and the right channel is on the bottom.

Press DELETE to delete the selected audio.

Turn on the deselected channel.

Save the file.

Press CTRL-ALT-DELETE.

On the login screen, click the red arrow in the bottom right corner and choose RESTART

Once the machine has restarted, log into the PC using your EID & password.

Launch Foobar2000 using the icon on your desktop or by clicking Start > All Programs > Foobar2000

Select PC on the audiometer aux switcher. Note that the volume knob on this switcher has been disabled and does not affect output volume.

Select External Input as your source on the audiometer.

~ Input Ext A corresponds with the Left output from the computer.

~ Input Ext B corresponds with the Right output from the computer.

Follow standard workflow (https://wikis.utexas.edu/display/comm/How+to+Present+External+Stereo+Audio+Stimuli+from+PC+-+MOTU+Soundcards) to play the speech files.

Since the files have been edited to only play out of 1 channel, audio will only appear on either Audiometer input Ext A or Ext B (depending on how you edited your files).

If your noise file is in the audiology library, navigate to: L:\Classmedia\CSD_Audiology

Otherwise, navigate to the location of your noise file on the computer

Play the file.

Since the files have been edited to only play out of 1 channel, audio will only appear on either Audiometer input Ext A or Ext B (depending on how you edited your files).

If you set the both channels of the audiometer to output to a single transducer, the 2 signals will be mixed together.

You can drag elements in your playlist to order them most appropriately for your session.

Power off the equipment in your booth. Instructions here.

No Sound from PC

Is PC selected as the source on the correct switcher?

~ Some booths have 2 identical switchers in the rack (Audiometer Aux In & Mother's Distraction). Ensure the one labeled "Audiometer Aux In" has PC selected as the source.

~ Connect a pair of headphones to the Audiometer Aux In switcher. If you can hear the PC, the issue is downstream in the audiometer or transducers. If you cannot hear the PC, the issue is in the switcher or your device.

Is the Foobar2000 player time moving?

~ You should see the time indicator progressing and movement from the VU meters in Foobar.

Is the Foobar2000 player Volume turned up?

~ Ensure that the volume slider at the top of the Foobar2000 interface is set to maximum.

Is the MOTU soundcard playing audio?

~ Look at the front panel of the MOTU 828 soundcard and confirm output meters 1 / 2 show signal present.

Is there any audio output from the PC?

~ Try opening a web browser and playing a video from youtube. If no sound is heard from any program, reboot the PC. If audio is heard from some programs but not others, contact Moody Technology Services at CMA 3.104.

Are the transducers connected to correct jacks & working?

~ Test other transducers and/or replacement transducer.

Is there power to the Switcher?

~ The Audiometer Aux In switcher has a small blue LED to the right of the headphone volume knob. Ensure that this is lit indicating that the switcher has power.

Sound from PC too low

Is the Foobar2000 player Volume turned up?

~ Ensure that the volume slider at the top of the Foobar2000 interface is set to maximum.

Is Window's volume slider in the system tray turned up?

~ Left-click on the speaker in the bottom right of the desktop (near the clock) and ensure that the volume slider is set to maximum.