Technical Column
Headphone Testing
May 26, 2025
Electroacoustic Measurement
Since Sony launched the Walkman® in the late 1970s, the use of portable audio devices with headphones and earphones has become widespread.
Consumers expect high sound quality from headphones and earphones, and these products must deliver excellent audio performance while also protecting listeners’ hearing.
When developing and testing headphones and earphones, it is important to consider the influence of the pinna (the outer part of the ear) and to reproduce a realistic acoustic load.
This approach enables realistic evaluation across various product types, including open-back headphones, closed-back headphones, and in-ear monitors (IEMs).
The Type 4128-C is a Head and Torso Simulator (HATS) designed to accurately replicate the acoustic properties of an adult human head and upper torso, incorporating an integrated ear simulator.
When combined with a LAN-XI input/output module and the PULSE-based Type 7797 Electroacoustic Testing Software, it enables detailed measurements of headphone performance under realistic usage conditions.
Using this system, the following headphone characteristics can be measured:
- Output response
- Frequency response
- Harmonic distortion
- Intermodulation distortion
- Acoustic load
- Simulated insertion characteristics
- Left/right tracking balance
- Insertion loss for background noise
Additionally, the system can be configured to comply with the European standard EN 50332, which specifies the maximum allowable sound pressure levels for portable audio players.
This ensures that products meet relevant safety and quality standards.
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Moritani Shokai
(Machinery Department No. 2, Tokyo Head Office)
Introduction of the Manufacturer
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Hottinger Bruel & Kjaer
HHBK is a merger of two companies: Brüel & Kjær of Denmark and HBM of Germany.
Brüel & Kjær is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of acoustic and vibration measurement instruments, known as a total measurement chain supplier.Learn more about HBK
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Sonora Technology Co., Ltd.
Sonora Technology is a leading Japanese manufacturer of industrial anechoic chambers and anechoic boxes.
From design and manufacturing to installation and acoustic performance assurance, Sonora provides fully integrated solutions to build complete acoustic measurement environments from the ground up.Learn more about Sonora
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