What devices should be used to produce acoustic sounds?

[Fuh]

Dear NI experts,

I am a researcher who records EEGs in response to acoustic sounds. Here is the setup in my lab:

1. A custom-written LabVIEW program generates a series of signals >>
2. Signals go through an NI PCI 6221 interface card inside a desktop computer >>
3. Signals go through the AO0 channel of an NI BNC-2090A that is mounted on a 19" rack
4. Signals go through a Wavetek duo filter (this device filters and "smooths" out digital edges of the signal) that is mounted on a 19" rack
5. Signals go through a Tucker-Davis programmable attenuator PA4 (this device attenuates the signal) that is mounted on a 19" rack
6. Signals go through a Tucker-Davis headphone buffer HB6 (this device provides power to drive the diaphragm of an earphone to vibrate)
7. Signals go to an insert earphone (ER-3A, 50 Ohms) that presents sound into the ear canal of a human participant
8. Recording pads are placed on the participant's head to pick up EEGs
9. EEGs go through a physiological amplifier
10. EEGs go through the AI0 channel of an NI BNC-2090A that is mounted on a 19" rack
11. EEGs go back to NI PCI 6221 inside the desktop computer
12. The same LabVIEW program is used to record EEGs.

Recently, I want to build a similar system but on wheels, so that I can move the system around and record EEGs elsewhere. Here are the devices that I already have and plan to use on this mobile system.

1. The same LabVIEW program will be used on the mobile system.
2. A laptop computer will be used, instead of a desktop computer.
3. An NI USB-6216 BNC will be used to replace the roles of PCI 6221.
4. The same earphone will be used.
5. The same EEG amplifier will be used.

However, I do not know what devices should be used on the mobile system, to replace the functionalities of devices #4, #5, and #6 listed above. 

Any comments and suggestions will be greatly appreciated!!!

[santo_13 · Accepted solution]

A better option to generate acoustic signals would be the Sound & Vibration series AO cards, this will produce a clean sinewave and you can skip #4, based on your selection of this AO card, you can even skip#5.

If the EEG signals are a mix of sines, you can get Sound & Vibration series AI cards, they have better dynamic range and retain frequency components well.

Talking about the portable unit, these instruments can fit in a cDAQ chassis and connect to a laptop or a computer.

[Fuh]

Thank you SO MUCH!!!