Author: Debanka

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Licensing Global Tuning Tool

If you are a new user, after installing GTT on your system, you need to activate the GTT license.
In order to access the Global Tuning Tool, you need to complete the registration process and activate the license.

For a hands-on evaluation of the Global Tuning Tool, you can request a trial license. For more details refer Global Tuning Tool trial license.

Make sure your computer is connected to the internet before starting the GTT license activation process.

User Registration

Follow the below steps to complete the Global Tuning Tool user registration.

  1. Double-click on the Global Tuning Tool to start.
  2. Enter the following user registration details on the User Registration/ License Activation screen.

      • Name: Enter your name.
      • Company Name: Enter your company name.
      • Email: Enter your official email ID.
      • Country: Select your country from the drop-down list.
      • Comments: To add additional requirements or a custom license.

        Fields which are marked with * are mandatory.

        No special characters are allowed in user registration fields.

  3. Click Submit.
    After submitting registration details, the GTT displays a message “User registration is successfully completed. You’ll receive the activation key in your registration email ID soon.”
  4. Click Ok.

You will receive the activation key on your registered email ID within 24 hours on a working day.

License Activation

On receiving the activation key over email, you need to activate the license.

Follow the below steps to activate the license.

  1. Double-click on the GTT to start.
  2. On the User Registration/ License Activation screen, select the License Activation tab.
  3. Enter the activation key and click Submit.

    On successful activation, the GTT will open and the GTT license activated successfully message displayed.

Renew License

You might see the “Renew GTT license” message on your GTT platform landing page or dashboard. This happens due to an upcoming expiration date of the GTT license.

The latest GTT license includes new features and extended license validity.

Follow the below steps to renew the GTT license:

  1. Open the Global Tuning Tool and navigate to the Home screen.
  2. Select the Renew License option.

The system will start downloading the latest license. The GTT platform notifies you after a successful license renewal.

License Status Check

After you have renewed your GTT license, you can verify the validity of your license.

  1. Double-click on the GTT to start.
  2. Go to the right side of the GTT landing page and click on the ellipsis icon.
  3. Click Know your GTT license status.

The GTT license status is displayed.

If you want, you can renew your GTT license by clicking on Renew Now.

Also, you can get the GTT license status from the File menu. Go to the File menu and select the About option from the drop-down menu.

You will only be able to access licensed features in the GTT Platform. A message “Feature is not licensed” will appear if you attempt to use a feature for which you do not have a license.

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Upgrading AudioworX

Follow the below steps to upgrade AudioworX.

  1. Right-click the AudioworX setup file and choose Run as administrator.

    The AudioworX setup file must be run as administrator. Certain Global Tuning Tool features may not work properly if you run the AudioworX prerequisites setup file normally.

    If you see the User Account Control prompt that says, Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device? select Yes.

  2. Click Yes to confirm the Harman AudioworX setup upgrade request.
  3. On the AudioworX welcome screen, click Next.
  4. On the License Agreement screen read the license agreement carefully, accept the terms of the license agreement, and click Next.
  5. On the destination screen, click Next if you accept the default destination folder location.
    The default location is C:Program FilesHarmanHarman AudioworX.
    Or click Change to set a different folder.
  6. On the database options screen, select any of the options Use existing database or Create a new database, and Next.

    If you select Create a new database option, then you need to configure the database server.

    If you select the Use existing database option, then the setup will continue with the existing database configuration.

  7. On the server screen, connect to the server using one of the following options. (Only applicable if you select Create a new database).

    By default, the wizard will connect to your local server.

    Select the Windows Authentication option and click Next.
    In this authentication mode, the wizard will automatically connect to your local server using your Windows authentication.

    Or
    Select the Server Authentication option, enter the Login ID and Password, and click Next.
    Use server authentication mode only if the server is available on the computer. Make sure you have server credentials details with you.

  8. Click Install to start the installation.
  9. Click Finish to complete the upgrade.
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Control Generator

The Control Generator audio object allows to generate a constant control value at a specified time.

Control Generator Properties

Below table describes the audio object properties and functionalities.

Properties Description
# of  Control outputs Enter the number of control outputs.
In Single control mode, the number of control outputs is configurable between 1 to 255.
In Multi control mode, the number of control outputs is the same as the number of control inputs.

  • Range: 1 to 255 (Min – 1 and Max – 255)
  • By default, the number of output channels is set to 1.
Display Name Display the name of the Control Generator audio object in signal flow design. It can be changed based on the intended usage of the object.
Object Mode This audio object can be configured in two operation modes.

  • Single control
  • Multi control

Mode

The object operates in one of the following two modes:

Mode Description
Single control In this mode, the object has a single control input and configurable control outputs ranging from 1 to 255.
It has a single set of tuning parameters that decide the functioning of all control outputs. Based on the Control value and Trigger time configured, which is applied to all the control outputs,  the constant control value is sent out every “n” seconds i.e. trigger time configured.
If its value is 0 the control value is sent out just once.

This is the default mode.
Multi control This audio object can be configured with control channels ranging from 1 to 255.
The number of control inputs will be equal to the control outputs. The object has a separate set of tuning parameters that decide the functioning of each control output. Control value and Trigger time can be configured separately for each control output.
The default number of control channels shall be 1.

The control input in both modes is triggered only and the value at the control output is set by the Control value tuning parameter.

Additional parameters

There are no additional parameters available for the Control Generator audio object.

Tuning Parameters

The following are the paraments that can be tuned from GTT.

Parameter Description Data Type Range Default Unit
Control Value The value which is sent out to the control output. Setting this value will send the constant control value out. xFloat32 Min: single precision float minimum -3.402823 x 10^38

Max: single precision float maximum 3.402823  x 10^38

 0.0f NA
Trigger time It is the rate at which the control value is sent on the control output.

Setting this tuning parameter shall send the constant control value out. If its value is 0 the control value is sent out just once. If its value is greater than 0, let’s say a value of N, the control value shall be sent out every N seconds.

 xFloat32 0 – 600 0.0f seconds

Control Interface

The Single-control mode has a single control input and configurable control outputs. The control outputs are configured using the “# of Control outputs” property.  The control output value ranges from 1 to 255.

By default, control input and control output is 1.

The Multi-control mode has configurable control outputs. The control outputs are configured using the “# of Control outputs” property.  The control output value ranges from 1 to 255.
The number of control inputs is equal to the control outputs.

Native Panel

The Control Generator audio object does not support a native panel.

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AudioworX Overview

HARMAN AudioworX is a comprehensive tool and functionality suite that ensures high quality for all kinds of audio products. The suite offers smart, seamless, and intuitive solutions that make configuring the audio algorithm database and DSP (Digital Signal Processing) framework easy. It also simplifies the process of tuning and controlling the various algorithms.
Moreover, this scalable and modular platform offers an independent solution that can be used even in distributed systems.

The 3 core pillars of Harman AudioworX.

  • Extendable Audio Framework (xAF): Audio signal processing framework that provides a well-defined and extensible environment for developing, integrating and executing audio algorithms and the necessary framework features to support all customer requirements.
  • Audio Algorithm Toolbox (AAT): It is a collection of audio objects and audio features. Audio Algorithm Toolbox integrates algorithms and technologies from Harman and Third party companies.
  • Global Tuning Tool (GTT):  The Global Tuning Tool is a graphical user interface for developing signal flow design, tuning the signal flow, and measurement for a variety of (automotive) systems. Also, this comprehensive tool allows you to increase the tuning efficiency, performance, and quality. It has common interface panels for systems, algorithm designers, and developers to ensure seamless and focused development of new algorithms right from the beginning.

Additional important elements of Harman AudioworX.

  • AmpSrv2: This software is used to connect the Global Tuning Tool to either to a physical target device or a virtual amplifier. It serves as a proxy between the GTT and the (embedded) device and supports all commonly used physical interfaces (UART, Ethernet, etc.).
  • HALO: HARMAN HALOsonic® Active Noise Management Solutions are fully supported and integrated with their noise management solutions such as exhaust sound generation, exhaust cancellation, and active vibration. Algorithms and generic key-tuning tool functions can be adapted based on building blocks. The system approach ensures that NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) and audio flow smoothly and work together to maximize performance in each domain.
  • Extended Tuning Protocol (xTP): This protocol is used to communicate between the embedded audio framework and the “tuning” application such as the Global Tuning Tool, a Headunit, or an application running the audio management.

Global Tuning Tool

The Global Tuning Tool (GTT), developed by Harman International.  Global Tuning Tool is designed for audio engineers to streamline audio post-processing and tune the audio systems to get the best audio performance. As part of the Harman AudioworX suite, this Windows-based tool empowers with a comprehensive set of features:

  • Core Audio Functions: A library of essential audio objects provides a foundation for building customized audio systems.
  • Signal Flow Designer: Drag-and-drop functionality allows for the creation of a visual representation of the audio signal path, simplifying signal flow design.
  • Tuning Tools: A comprehensive set of tools to adjust and optimize audio for the desired outcome.
  • Audio Processing Framework: The GTT integrates seamlessly with both HARMAN and third-party audio technologies, creating a versatile platform.
  • Intuitive Interface: A user-friendly interface with clear visualizations facilitates adjustments and streamlines workflows.

For more details about the Global Tuning Tool, refer to the Global Tuning Tool.

Key Elements of Global Tuning Tool

Device Designer

The Device Designer comprises of various tools and interfaces that are used to create and run audio processing systems. The Device Designer contains the canvas and modules needed to create the signal processing template, while the signal flow design interface handles most of the target and audio object interactions. For more details about Device Designer, refer to the Device Designer.

Signal Flow Designer

Using Signal Flow Designer you can design and adjust your audio processing flow.
The process of creating a signal flow involves dragging and dropping audio objects onto a virtual canvas, connecting the input and output pins, and adjusting the settings for each component. Once the signal flow is defined, it can then be sent to the devices to process the audio and control signals according to the defined flow.

GTT allows you to create and modify signal flows in real time, which is particularly useful in live tuning. Live tuning can be dynamic and unpredictable, and signal flow designers can help audio professionals to make real-time changes to the signal chain to ensure the best possible sound quality and performance.
For more details about Signal Flow Designer, refer to the  Signal Flow Designer.

Toolbox

This is a dynamic and library based collection of Harman and 3rd party algorithms. It contains a variety of more than 90 audio algorithms and can be used to create new reusable blocks (Compound Audio Objects) on demand. CAOs can be tuned, password protected, and shared as any single audio object.
For more details about Toolbox and the Audio Objects, refer to the Audio Object Description.

Panel Designer

The Panel Designer provides a clean, intuitive workspace with a range of features designed to streamline your workflow. Effortlessly create custom control panels tailored to your needs. Drag and drop the desired elements onto the workspace and link them seamlessly to any audio object for a truly integrated experience. For more details about Panel Designer, refer to the Panel Designer.

Parameter Sets

In Parameter Sets, you can fine-tune the audio performance of your objects by adjusting memory usage. Experiment with different settings and measure the impact on your audio experience. GTT keeps track of all your adjustments within each Parameter Set, making them easy to maintain, export, and share with collaborators. This approach lets you save your progress at any point, allowing you to revisit previous configurations.
For more details about Parameter Sets, refer to the Parameter Sets.

Real-Time Analyzer

Real-Time Analyzer (RTA) is a comprehensive toolbox for analyzing audio signals in real-time, across multiple channels and allowing engineers to quickly tune the system as per requirement.

  • Uncover critical audio details like RMS and peak levels, specific frequencies, THD, delays, and phase response.
  • Generate various test signals with ease. Choose from sine tones, sweeps, pulses, and a variety of noise signals to tailor your analysis to your needs.
  • Record audio signals and capture traces.

For more details about Real-Time Analyzer, refer to the  Real-Time Analyze.

Measurement Module

In the Measurement Module you can capture audio data to perform both synchronous and asynchronous impulse response measurements, as well as record the measurement session.
For more details about the Measurement Module, refer to the Measurement Module.

Central Viewer

The Central Viewer enables the inspection and post-processing of measurements taken with the Measurement Module.

The Central Viewer includes the following features:

  • Browse measurement data using the intuitive on-scene element selection.
  • Measurement data is displayed in the time domain or frequency domain (magnitude and phase).
  • Magnitude data can be displayed as raw, smoothed, or in octave bands.
  • Perform math operations on selected traces such as building a sum or difference with a measured trace or a reference curve.

For more details about Central Viewer, refer to the Central Viewer.

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Native Panels

The Native Panel is a user interface which contains graphical element or component that allows you to interact with various parameters of audio object and allows you to easily tune complex audio object.

These panels can provide options to adjust settings, routing audio signals, applying effects, and more.

Below is a list of audio objects that support native panels.

Audio Object Audio Object Panel

 

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Real Time Analyzer Components

The Real Time Analyzer (RTA) is a tool used to measure and analyses sound waves in real-time. RTA typically consists of several features, that are grouped into various categories to help you navigate and utilize the tool effectively.

Following are components of Real Time Analyzer:

1. Settings: In an RTA (Real Time Analyzer) window, you can configure various types of settings, that includes:

2. Integrated Virtual Processing: In the Integrated Virtual Processing group of an RTA (Real Time Analyzer), you can find various types of processing options that allow you to generate and analyze the audio data. For more details refer Integrated Virtual Process.
Below are the processing options included in IVP.

  • Plugin Host
  • Mimo Convolver
  • Analyzer
  • Refresh Average
  • Start Recorder
  • Stop Recorder
  • Link Mode

3. Device: This group enables you to manage the probe points of your device. Additionally, it supports the streaming of data from any point in the signal flow back to GTT, allowing for analysis, recording, or reuse of the data within IVP. Below are features included in the group Probe Point Configuration.

4. Live Values: In the section, you can easily view the real time values of RMS, THD, Peak, Peak-Frequency, and THD+N for selected two channels. For more details refer to Real Time Data view.

5. Traces: The trace in RTA is a captured measurement curve. Traces provide the ability to plot multiple measurement curves captured at different times on the same graph, allowing for easy comparison of measurements. For more details refer to Traces.

6. Graph Analyzer: This section shows a graph of the audio signal, which enables the analysis of the spectrum of the audio signal. For more details refer to Graph Settings and Measurement.