Whether on a flight, in the office, or out on a jog, many of us spend a lot of time wearing speakers on or in our ears – and understandably, we demand a lot from them.
None of this performance comes easily, and the engineers designing on-or-in-ear audio products know that measuring the audio quality of headphones, earbuds, and headsets presents unique challenges. From R&D to the manufacturing line, the selection of measurement strategies and tools is absolutely critical to a successful product design.
Technote 142: Audio Test of USB Headsets with APx
In this Technote, we discuss testing the audio performance of USB headsets with APx500 series audio analyzers using open-loop test techniques. We also provide an APx project file that implements the tests on typical hardware. This Technote, and project file, specifically illustrate measuring the frequency response magnitude of a headset’s microphone and earphones using the log-swept sine (chirp) method.
Additional Resources
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Testing Headphones to EN 50332 Standards with APx
Charlene Chow, Technical Support & Applications Engineer for Audio Precision, demonstrates how to accurately and efficiently test headphones to the EN 50332 standard using an APx analyzer and APx500 measurement software.
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A Step by Step Guide to setting up the APx Bluetooth Duo Module
For users getting familiar with the APx Bluetooth Duo module, get a step-by-step guide to configure APx500 software (v4.5 software or later) and pair it with your device-under-test (DUT).
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APx Bluetooth 5 Option Datasheet
Audio Precision’s third-generation Bluetooth® module, the APx Bluetooth 5, delivers Bluetooth LE Audio capabilities. APx Bluetooth 5 supports Bluetooth specification v5.4, with Unicast Voice (transmit and receive), Unicast Music (transmit), and Auracast (broadcast transmit).
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APx Bluetooth Duo Option Datasheet
The APx Bluetooth Duo delivers a wider selection of A2DP codecs, faster pair and connection times, increased features within the APx500 software, and improved RF shielding for use in production test environments. It supports Bluetooth core specification v4.2, HFP v1.7, HSP v1.2, AVRCP v1.4 and A2DP v1.3.
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Quick Tip 141 – Bluetooth Duo Module
This brief video provides a brief overview of the Bluetooth® Duo I/O module, including its integration with APx500 measurement software. The module is an available option for both B Series and Legacy APx555, APx52x and APx58x audio analyzers.
Watch NowHeadphone, Earphone, & Headset Test Solutions
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APx555B
Low noise, low distortion, and flat response for loudspeaker, headphone and microphone measurement.
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APx58xB
Channel count meets broad range of digital I/O for simultaneous, multichannel audio test. 8 or 16-channel modular audio analyzers.
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APx517B
Acoustic analyzer that's deal for production-line needs where cost and setup time are critical.
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APx516B
Created for the production test applications but suitable for acoustic R&D applications. Configures with digital interface module option.
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APx515B
A two-channel analyzer for production testing and entry-level R&D. Pairs speed, performance, reliability, and ease of use.
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APx511B
Designed for use by hearing aid manufacturers conducting product research and development, verifying product performance, and verifying performance for hearing aids returned for evaluation or service.
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APx500 Flex
Software only option designed specifically for very cost-sensitive production test applications.
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APx500 Software
APx500 is a powerful and versatile audio measurement software platform designed by AP, serving as a common software platform for all APx audio analyzers.
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GRAS 45CC Headphone Test Fixture
Configurable platform for dual-channel testing of headphones and headsets, with multiple configuration options: microphones, IEC 60318-1 and IEC 60318-4 ear simulators, anthropometric pinnae and optional ITU-T P.51 mouth simulator.
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GRAS KEMAR
The KEMAR manikin is the recognized industry-standard for anthropomorphic testing in the fields of telecommunications, hearing conservation, noise abatement, and sound recording and sound-quality evaluation, meeting international standards specified by ISO, IEC & ANSI.
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APx1701 Transducer Test Interface
Low noise, low distortion and flat response for loudspeaker, headphone, and microphone measurement.
Learn MoreAudio Precision Analyzers: Campfire Audio’s Key to Superior Sound
Campfire Audio shares how Audio Precision analyzers play a crucial role in designing the best sounding in-ear monitors for their customers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Headphone, Earphone, & Headset Testing
A headphone test fixture paired with a modern analyzer and associated software can perform a wide range of measurements, including:
- Frequency Response
- Electrical Impedance
- Input Voltages
- Sound Pressure Level
- Harmonic and Intermodulation Distortion
- Noise Attenuation
- Crosstalk Attenuation
- Rub and Buzz
- Left/Right Tracking
The difference between headphones and earphones is straightforward. Earphones (unsealed or sealed) fit into the ear (e.g. supra-concha which rest upon the ridges of the concha cavity vs intra-concha which rest within the concha cavity). Headphones fit either on (circumaural) or over-the-ear (supra-aural). The solutions available for testing these devices depend on the engineer’s performance and budget constraints.
Earphones are classified according to their shape and how they couple to the ear, as follows:
- Circumaural (or arround-ear) earphones completely surround the pinna (outer ear) and rest on the surface of the head surrounding the pinna. They may touch the pinna, but do not significantly compress it.
- Supra-aural (or on-ear) earphones rest on the pinna. • Intra-concha (or in-ear) earphones are small earphones intended to rest within the concha cavity of the ear (the hollow just outside the ear canal).
- Insert earphones are small earphones which are intended to partially or completely enter the ear canal.
- Supra-concha earphones (not shown in Figure 1) are intended to rest upon the ridges of the concha cavity.