BS 6840-1:1987

Describes systems of any kind, and to the parts of which they are composed or which are used as auxiliaries. Covers units and systems of measurement, frequencies of measurement, quantities to be specified and their accuracy, marking and symbols for marking, filters weighting curves and meters for noise specification and measurement, simulated programme signal, climatic conditions, individual specification and type specification, graphical presentation of data, personal safety and prevention of spread of fire, and measurements in a uniform alternating magnetic field.

This standard applies to sound systems of any kind, and to the parts of which they are composed or which are used as auxiliaries to such systems.

This standard deals with the determination of the performance of sound system equipment, the comparison of these types of equipment and the determination of their proper practical application, by listing the characteristics which are useful for their specification and laying down uniform methods of measurements for these characteristics.

The standard is confined to a description of the different characteristics and the relevant methods of measurement; it does not in general specify performance (except in Part 10).

The complete standard consists of the following parts, in which the characteristics of various parts of sound systems and their methods of measurement are specified; some parts include preferred values:

• Part 1: General;

  (Uniform characteristics and methods of measurement);

• Part 2: Explanation of General Terms;

  (Explanation of general terms and calculation methods);

• Part 3: Sound System Amplifiers;

  (Amplifiers forming part of a sound system for professional and domestic applications);

• Part 4: Microphones;

  (Microphones in professional and domestic applications);

• Part 5: Loudspeakers;

  (Loudspeakers in professional and domestic applications, treated as entirely passive elements);

• Part 6: Auxiliary Passive Elements;

  (Attenuators, transformers, filters and equalizers, applied as separate units to be combined with other separate sound system units);

• Part 7: Headphones and Headsets;

  (Headphones and headsets intended to be used on the human ear);

• Part 8: Automatic Gain Control Devices;

  (Limiters and compressors);

• Part 9: Artificial Reverberation, Time Delay and Frequency Shift Equipment;

  (Devices commonly employed to achieve special effects in sound systems);

• Part 10: Programme Level Meters;

  (Peak programme meters and vu-indicators);

• Part 11: Connectors for the Interconnection of Sound System Components;

  (Application of connectors for the interconnection between parts of a sound system);

• Part 12: Circular Connectors for Broadcast and Similar Use;

  Application of connectors for the interconnection between parts of a broadcast or similar professional system);

• Part 13: Listening Test on Loudspeakers;

  (Listening tests and objective methods for rating the quality of the transmission systems);

• Part 14: Circular and Elliptical Loudspeakers; Outer Frame Diameters and Mounting Dimensions;

  (Dimensional characteristics of single moving-coil (dynamic) loudspeakers);

• Part 15: Preferred Matching Values for the Interconnection of Sound System Components;

  (Preferred electrical values for the correct interconnection of sound system components).