Headphones & Headsets

Headphone Test Configurations

A typical headphone or headset test involves playing a test signal through a headphone and measuring the response. In an R&D setting, the response is usually captured with a Head & Torso simulator, or some kind of head simulator with artificial ears. In a production setting, this is more likely to be a coupler with custom fixturing. Additional test components such as Bluetooth interfaces, turntables, speakers, etc. are easily added to expand the range of tests.

Here are a example basic headphone test configurations for both R&D and production

In this setup, the SoundCheck software generates the test signal and sends it to the headphone via the AudioConnect 2 interface. The AudioConnect 2 provides microphone power to the two ears of the head and torso simulator, as well as capturing the audio signal and sending it to the computer for analysis. All analysis takes place in the SoundCheck software with clear visual output of the results.

This production setup (using earbuds rather than over-the-ear headphones) is similar except that a coupler with custom fixturing is usually used rather than a head and torso simulator. Similarly, the AudioConnect 2 acts as the interface between the computer and the microphones/couplers.

These configurations are easily expanded or adapted for more complex headphone measurements. Please scroll to the end of this page for information and setup configurations for Bluetooth headphone test, ANC headphone test, headset microphone testing, end-to-end communication test with headphones and more.

Headphone Measurement Software

Headphone Test Sequence that measures the headphone fundamental and compares it to the Harman Target Curve.

The SoundCheck software is fast, powerful and flexible, allowing you to make virtually any headphone measurement you can conceive. Headphone test sequences are created with a simple point-and-click interface and can be saved for future use. There’s an extensive library of pre-programmed stimuli, analysis and post-processing steps to use as building blocks, and you can also create your own from scratch. The test sequence controls Listen’s audio interfaces, amplifiers, and power supplies, as well as any 3rd party hardware needed for headphone test, such as head and torso simulators, ear couplers, turntables, bluetooth interfaces, and more.

Our standard pre-written test sequences offer the equivalent (in many cases) to other manufacturers’ entire test suite,  providing a way of getting you up and running and making measurements fast. However, unlike others, they are not subject to limitations, and can be used as a starting point for your own customized measurements. These off-the-shelf sequences cover many aspects of headphone testing ranging from simple production line tests to R&D applications such as measuring active noise cancellation, characterizing a Bluetooth headphone in the presence of background noise, IEC 60268-7 measurements, and measuring Max SPL of Headphones to EN-50332. Many of these can be downloaded free of charge.

The Multichannel RTA can be used to compare left and right headphone channels to ensure a good seal before starting a measurement.

In addition to making measurements via test sequences, SoundCheck’s virtual instruments give you full test lab functionality on your desktop for instant, real-time, measurements, for example for evaluating headphone seal, or comparing left and right headphone response.  These instruments include multi-signal Real Time and FFT Analyzers, multimeter, signal generator, oscilloscope, distortion meter and more.

SoundCheck’s state of the art measurement and analysis algorithms offer some of the most advanced measurement techniques on the market and permit both open and closed loop testing. Total test flexibility and compatibility with a wide range of 3rd party equipment means that you can create the tests you need, and are not constrained by your equipment.

Learn more about SoundCheck software.

Headphone Measurement Hardware

Listen offers a full suite of test hardware to use with SoundCheck. This includes:

AudioConnect 2: A low cost, high resolution, portable, laptop-powered audio interface with 2 TEDS-compatible input channels to power a range of microphones. This is our most cost-effective solution for headphone test.

AmpConnect 621: For test requirements requiring more than 2 input channels, or where an amplifier is also required, AmpConnect 621 is the 6-in, 2-out all-in-one test interface that does it all.

SoundConnect 2: If you are using an interface that does not have microphone power, this rugged and cost-effective microphone power supply will provide power for SCM, IEPE, or even 200V polarized microphones.

Bluetooth Interfaces: We offer both research grade and production line interfaces for Bluetooth headphone test

Current Monitors: Current monitors are useful for battery drain tests, for example monitoring battery consumption of ANC headphones.

Turntable: Measurement turntables for VR headset and headphone leakage measurements.

For more complex test requirements, we also offer: MEMS interfaces and amplifiers, as well as 3rd party hardware such as Head and Torso Simulators (HATS), ear couplers, headphone test fixtures and more.

Future-proofed Headphone Measurement

Headphone R&D is constantly changing, and one of the benefits of SoundCheck for headphone test is its modularity in terms of both hardware and software. Should your needs change, for example, if you manufacture conventional wired headphones and you introduce a Bluetooth product, it is a simple upgrade to add a Bluetooth interface – there is no need to buy a new test system.

The same applies to software. As headphones and headsets become more multi-functioned, if you need to add hearing aid tests such as attack and release measurements, or communications tests such as POLQA measurements, the additional modules required to do this are a low-cost add-on to your existing system and can be delivered electronically.

Examples