Manley SKIPJACK - Manual (Page 12)

Version 2 software and the Remote Control
(At the time of this writing, these functions are in development and subject to change)
The Skipjack will be useful for true double blind A/B testing using the pickle and blind A/B/X testing if
the front panel is convenient to be accessed and particularly good for a variety of double blind A/B/X
test procedures when combined with a special remote control. In fact, we envision a number of different
modes, given that it can switch A/B/C/D and that both the switching relays and LED indicators are
separate and microprocessor controlled. Choices can be stored and basic statistical information indicated
by the button LEDs and the multi-color LEDs behind the front panel Manley badge. We also envision a
USB module to report results to a PC or run automated tests.
Even the basic Skipjack will be useful for some double-blind comparisons. One such mode scrambles
the relay switching so that the user cannot know which input (or output) they are listening to. In this
mode, buttons are randomly assigned to ‘channels’ and the LEDs do not indicate the actual channel but
indicate the button or choice. The pickle is still used to cycle through available choices.
If there seems to be interest, we can include a mode where the Skipjack automatically switches channels
both at random times and random ‘channels’ and the user pushes the pickle button to indicate a favored
(or maybe not favored) state.
With the remote it becomes possible to include a number of variations on the test methods described
above. Simple A/B/X tests might also use the C, D and X buttons for additional functions. For example,
“C” might be used to indicate a preference or “Choice” which could be accumulated separately. “D”
might be used to toggle between A and B. “X” might be used to signify “don’t know” or “couldn’t hear
a difference” which removes some of the requirement for 50/50 probabilities and repetitious tests to
indicate the same thing. The remote could also allow more buttons and functions.
The above are all possible and things that we are working on currently. We are also discussing more
elaborate versions of the Skipjack and bringing some of the technology from Skipjack into other
products. A balanced XLR SKIPJACK is something we might work on sometime.
Keep your requests flowing in.
12
The Future