What Is the Best Oscilloscope for Demonstrating Sound Waveforms?

AI Thread Summary
For demonstrating sound waveforms at the undergraduate level, a digital oscilloscope is recommended for its flexibility and features, such as waveform saving and PC connectivity. While inexpensive USB-based oscilloscopes can suffice for audio applications, investing in a dedicated digital model is advised if budget allows. The B&K Precision digital oscilloscope is mentioned as a potential option, but users are encouraged to compare it with other models for better features. Overall, digital scopes are favored over analog ones for their advanced capabilities. This discussion highlights the importance of choosing the right equipment for effective sound waveform demonstrations.
txphy
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Hello- I'd like to do some basic demonstrations of sound waveforms on the undergrad/AP level using an oscilloscope, and wanted to know what specific recommendations you experts have about microphones, specific connections to the device, which probes to get, and also any comments about this particular oscilloscope:

http://www.grainger.com/product/B-K-PRECISION-Digital-Oscilloscope-14K233?s_pp=false&picUrl=//static.grainger.com/rp/s/is/image/Grainger/14K233_AS01?$smthumb$

I've never worked with a digital scope before and it's been many years since I've used an analog one, so some basic suggestions would be much appreciated! With thanks!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Engineering news on Phys.org
txphy said:
Hello- I'd like to do some basic demonstrations of sound waveforms on the undergrad/AP level using an oscilloscope, and wanted to know what specific recommendations you experts have about microphones, specific connections to the device, which probes to get, and also any comments about this particular oscilloscope:

http://www.grainger.com/product/B-K-PRECISION-Digital-Oscilloscope-14K233?s_pp=false&picUrl=//static.grainger.com/rp/s/is/image/Grainger/14K233_AS01?$smthumb$

I've never worked with a digital scope before and it's been many years since I've used an analog one, so some basic suggestions would be much appreciated! With thanks!

Welcome to the PF.

If you are mainly interested in audio at the moment, you should be able to just use an inexpensive USB-based oscilloscope with your PC/laptop. You don't need a 40MHz 'scope to work with audio. It may be best to start small/inexpensive with the microphone and a USB 'scope, IMO. Then as you start thinking about other projects (digital logic, etc.), you can look at buying a full-size 'scope.

EDIT -- here are some images of USB-based oscilloscopes: https://www.google.com/search?hl=en...msedr...0...1ac.1.60.img..0.8.409.5sBea3JYO6I

:-)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
berkeman said:
If you are mainly interested in audio at the moment, you should be able to just use an inexpensive USB-based oscilloscope with your PC/laptop.
Hey berkeman. I've had this Winscope program that uses your computers microphone input for years. It was first designed for Win 95 :olduhh: but works fine on my Dell w/ Windows 7; Go figure.
 
Perfect!
 
The computer based options are neat, but I'm in a position now where I can purchase a dedicated oscilloscope, and the funds will be gone soon, so here's my one chance. I can get either a B&K digital one or an Instek analog one from my approved vendors, as below:

http://www.grainger.com/product/B-K-PRECISION-Digital-Oscilloscope-14K233?s_pp=false&picUrl=//static.grainger.com/rp/s/is/image/Grainger/14K233_AS01?$smthumb$ http://www.fishersci.com/ecomm/servlet/itemdetail?storeId=10652&langId=-1&catalogId=29104&productId=2079745&distype=0&highlightProductsItemsFlag=Y&fromSearch=1&searchType=PROD&hasPromo=0

Thoughts? Thanks!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
txphy said:
I can get either a B&K digital one or an Instek analog one

I would recommend that you get a digital one. They are much more flexible, and probably have an interface to upload waveforms to a PC for documentation and analysis.
 
Absolutely buy a digital scope. Period. End of discussion. You can save waveforms, transfer them to pc, control from pc, all kinds of good things. If the B&K is the only choice, then go for it, but it may not be the most featured for the money.
 

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top