Alan Parsons designed this disc to serve as a comprehensive toolkit for troubleshooting studio monitors, live PA systems, and home theater environments. The 99 tracks are categorized into three core functional disciplines: 1. Technical Signals & System Calibration
begins with the collaboration between legendary record producer and engineer Alan Parsons (known for his work with The Beatles and Pink Floyd) and Stephen Court , a pioneer in massive rock and roll PA systems . Released in its refined form around
Whether you are mixing a record, optimizing a home theater, or simply trying to get the best out of your hi-fi system, Sound Check 2 remains an indispensable resource.
For example, the sine wave tests on track 1, "Sine Wave 20Hz to 20kHz", provide a rigorous evaluation of an audio system's ability to reproduce low-frequency energy. Parsons' use of a gradual frequency sweep allows listeners to pinpoint areas where their system may be struggling.
Tracks 82–88 including "The Race" by Yello and "Limelight" by The Alan Parsons Project. Alan Parsons designed this disc to serve as
The CD was specifically engineered to help studio engineers, live sound technicians, and audiophiles analyze, calibrate, and troubleshoot sound systems. It famously contains 99 tracks divided into highly specific audio categories:
: "The Race" (Yello), sub-bass tests, and high-frequency sweeps : Equipment assessment and acoustic calibration
Includes continuous pink noise track variations optimized for Real-Time Analyzers (RTA).
: Tracks 1–40 provide pink noise spectra and test tones designed for room measurement and speaker setup. Released in its refined form around Whether you
This first section is the foundation of the disc, intended for loudspeaker frequency response analysis.
The Alan Parsons Sound Check 2 Audio Test and Demonstration CD 2003 is a masterpiece of audio engineering and a must-have for anyone serious about audio production or playback. Its influence will continue to be felt for years to come, and its place in the pantheon of audio testing and demonstration CDs is secure. Join us in celebrating the genius of Alan Parsons and the incredible legacy of "Sound Check 2."
Below is an in-depth exploration of this legendary audio reference tool, its contents, and its enduring legacy in the high-fidelity community. The Legacy of Alan Parsons in Audio Engineering
: These formats retain 100% of the original compact disc data. For calibration purposes, lossless formats are mandatory because compression artifacts alter the test frequencies. Tracks 82–88 including "The Race" by Yello and
The "Sound Check 2" audio test and demonstration CD by Alan Parsons is a legendary release that has become a holy grail for audiophiles and music enthusiasts. Its exclusivity, combined with Parsons' expertise and attention to detail, makes it a must-have for anyone seeking to optimize their home audio system or simply indulge in exceptional music and sound quality. If you're lucky enough to get your hands on a copy of this rare CD, be prepared to experience audio reproduction like never before.
To test how well audio equipment handles rapid changes in volume (transients), Parsons included isolated recordings of individual instruments. Pristine tracks of solo acoustic guitars, dry snare drums, and dynamic vocal stems allow listeners to evaluate the clarity, speed, and distortion levels of their amplifiers and speaker drivers. 5. Full Musical Reference Mixes
Even in an era dominated by digital calibration software, Sound Check 2 remains a valuable tool for "hearing" what a system is doing. 1. Superior Recording Quality