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Bluetooth Headphone Testing

Bluetooth headphone test using SoundCheck and a head and torso simulator

It’s easy to make comprehensive audio measurement on Bluetooth Headphones, headsets and hearables with SoundCheck. With the simple addition of a stand-alone Bluetooth interface to your existing test configuration, measurements can be made exactly the same way as your conventional wired headphones. Rather than the test signal being directly transmitted to the headphones via a cable, it is sent to the Bluetooth interface and transmitted to the headphones. Our Bluetooth interfaces are fully controlled by SoundCheck, therefore are easily used in test sequences. The SoundCheck software itself features advanced post-processing tools resampling and frequency shift to overcome the Bluetooth time delay and precisely synchronize the stimulus and response waveforms prior to analysis. This makes it easy to compare wired and Bluetooth measurements, as well as measure Bluetooth headset microphones, analyze Bluetooth dropout, compare measurements with different Bluetooth protocols and more.

 

Example configuration for Bluetooth Headphone Test:

This short video demonstrates how easy it is to add Bluetooth headphone measurements to your test system:

 


We also offer a much more in-depth demonstration of Bluetooth headphone testing in this recorded seminar, along with a detailed comparison of our Bluetooth interfaces.

 


To get our SoundCheck users up and running quickly with Bluetooth measurements, we offer a free Bluetooth headphone test sequence which tests the send and receive performance of a stereo Bluetooth headset with a built-in microphone using a mixture of analog and digital channels. This sequence may be used as-is, or can be used as a starting point for your own test development and customized to meet your needs. Naturally Bluetooth measurements can be combined with other specific headphone measurements, such as ANC measurement by simply adding the Bluetooth interface to the test configuration, and inserting the appropriate steps in the test sequence.

 

Bluetooth Headset Test Sequence

The purpose of this sequence is to test a Bluetooth headset using a mixture of analog and digital channels. First, a Multitone stimulus is created with SoundCheck, played back over the Bluetooth headset (at 8 kHz) and recorded by a head and torso simulator’s ear (at 44.1 kHz). Then the same Multitone stimulus is played back through the head and torso’s mouth simulator (at 44.1 kHz) and recorded via the Bluetooth headset (at 8 kHz).

Due to inaccuracies of clock frequency, the Bluetooth device playback sampling rate is often slightly different than it is specified. Therefore, in SoundCheck, the Recorded Time Waveforms are frequency shifted to correct for the inaccurate sampling rate. The exact device playback sampling rate is displayed.

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Automotive Audio Testing Seminar

July 21st, 2022. 9.00am and 2.00pm Eastern US time (6.00am and 11.00am West Coast time)
July 27th, 10.00am China time

In this practical online seminar, Steve Temme will demonstrate in-car measurement of frequency response, Max SPL, and Buzz, Squeak and Rattle using a Bluetooth connection. He will discuss considerations such as physical setup, infotainment system controls and the measurement parameters. Steve and his colleagues will then discuss connectivity for automotive testing, explaining and demonstrating the various connectivity options including USB drive, Bluetooth and A2B bus. Finally, we’ll take a look at some of the other audio measurements that you can make using SoundCheck, for example active noise cancellation and voice assistance readiness. 

在这个实用的网络研讨会中,Steve Temme 将演示如何使用蓝牙连接进行车内测量,以测量频率响应、最大 SPL 以及异常音。 他将讨论物理设置、信息娱乐系统控制和测量参数等考虑因素。 然后,Steve和他的同事将讨论汽车测试的连接性,解释和演示各种连接选项,包括 USB 驱动器、蓝牙和A2B 总线。 最后,我们将看看其他您可以透过SoundCheck进行的音频测量,例如主动降噪以及voice assistance readiness测量。

蓝牙音频测试 / Bluetooth Testing Seminar

June 3rd 2021. 10am (China Time)

This seminar has now passed, but you can watch the video.

In this 1hr online seminar, S&V Samford presents Les Quindipan of Listen, Inc. and Kristopher Hett of Portland Tool & Die demonstrating how to test Bluetooth devices.

Kris Hett will introduce the Portland Tool & Die Bluetooth interfaces that are used to connect the device under test to the measurement system. He will discuss the technical specifications, and explain the differences between these and other types of Bluetooth interfaces. Les Quindipan will then demonstrate how these have been fully integrated into SoundCheck for simple plug and play operation, and how they can be used in test sequences. He will also highlight some of the algorithms included in SoundCheck that overcome Bluetooth-induced time delays, thus enabling these devices to be tested in a similar way to their wired counterparts. A complete test on a Bluetooth speaker and a Bluetooth Headset will be demonstrated.

There is no charge for this seminar, but registration is required.

 

2021年6月3日,上午10点(中国时间)

在这1小时的在线研讨会中,声振环保仪器有限公司, Listen,Inc. 的Les Quindipan以及Portland Tool&Die的Kristopher Hett,会向大家演示如何测试蓝牙设备。

届时Kris Hett会介绍Portland Tool&Die蓝牙接口,该接口用于连接戴测试至测量系统。他将会讨论技术规范,并解释这些和其他类型的蓝牙接口之间的区别。

Les Quindipan将演示如何将它们完全集成到SoundCheck中以进行简单即插即用的操作,以及如何将它们用于测试程序中。他还会重点介绍SoundCheck的一些算法,这些算法可以克服蓝牙引起的时间延迟,从而使这些设备能够使用与有线等同类产品类似的方式进行测试。除此之外还会演示蓝牙扬声器和蓝牙耳机的完整测试。

该研讨会不收取任何费用,但需要注册。

 

Bluetooth Device Measurement Seminar

May 27th, 2021. 9.00am and 2.00pm Eastern US time (6.00am and 11.00am West Coast time)

In this 1hr online seminar, Les Quindipan of Listen, Inc. and Kristopher Hett of Portland Tool & Die demonstrate how to test Bluetooth devices.

Kris Hett will introduce the Portland Tool & Die Bluetooth interfaces that are used to connect the device under test to the measurement system. He will discuss the technical specifications, and explain the differences between these and other types of Bluetooth interfaces. Les Quindipan will then demonstrate how these have been fully integrated into SoundCheck for simple plug and play operation, and how they can be used in test sequences. He will also highlight some of the algorithms included in SoundCheck that overcome Bluetooth-induced time delays, thus enabling these devices to be tested in a similar way to their wired counterparts. A complete test on a Bluetooth speaker and a Bluetooth Headset will be demonstrated.

There is no charge for this seminar, but registration is required.

This event has passed, but you can view the recording here.

Updated Bluetooth Interface Supports High Definition and Low Latency Bluetooth

The updated BTC-4149 Bluetooth measurement interface now supports the aptX HD and aptX-Low Latency Bluetooth protocols for accurate measurement of high definition and low latency Bluetooth devices, in addition to the standard aptX, CVSD and mSBC codecs previously available. This enables manufacturers of Bluetooth audio devices to accurately test the audio of the latest high performance Bluetooth sink and Bluetooth source devices, making the same measurements as on traditional audio devices. In addition, the device has a new, larger color screen for improved ease of operation.

 

The BTC-4149 is designed as a R&D interface, testing both sink and source devices with full control over Bluetooth protocol settings, including explicit control over codec choice and transmitter power, as well as various pairing options.

 

Also available is a lower cost production tool, the BQC-4149. This tests Bluetooth Sink devices only, and offers only the standard aptX, CVSD and mSBC, along with more limited control of Bluetooth parameters. This model has been updated to use the same chipset as the BTC-4149 to ensure accurate production line replication of R&D tests for those customers who use both interfaces.

 

Both interfaces integrate seamlessly with SoundCheck, so that all parameters can be set and modified from within a test sequence for fully-automated testing of Bluetooth devices. This accelerates testing, particularly on the production line as it avoids the need to manually adjust Bluetooth settings, reducing the possibility of error. It also enables a device to be tested using multiple Bluetooth protocols and settings by taking sequential measurements using different settings in one continuous test.

Product Information

Practical Measurement of Bluetooth and Lightning Headphones

Author: Daniel Knighten.  Reprinted from the July 2017 issue of Voice Coil.

In this article, Dan Knighten discusses how to overcome the challenges of measuring headphones with wireless and digital interfaces such as Bluetooth, Lightning and USB-C to make the same measurements as on conventional wired headphones.

Full Article

 

Headphone & Headset Measurements – Tokyo, Japan – March 9, 2018

Presented by:

listen_gras_logos2

headphones

 

 

 

Due to popular demand, we are now holding our headphone testing seminar in Tokyo!

Learn about the latest in headphone test systems and methods from design to EOL Test. Industry experts Steve Temme (Listen, Inc.) and Peter Wulf-Andersen (G.R.A.S.), as well as guest speaker Dr. Sean Olive (Harman International) will discuss test equipment (ear couplers, test fixtures, test software and hardware) and demonstrate practical test setups for both R&D and QC headphone testing. It will cover in-ear monitors, Bluetooth, lightning/USB, noise-cancelling and high resolution headphones, in addition to conventional analog headphones. You can even measure your own headphone using our equipment in the hands-on session. Please see the full agenda below.

There is no charge for this one-day seminar. Lunch will be provided. Space is limited, so please RSVP today.

Location and Dates:

Tokyo: Friday March 9th, 2018. Otemachi SUNSKY ROOM 27th floor, room #B  Asahi Seimei Otemachi Bldg. 2-6-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo.

 

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See what people are saying about this event (we presented similar last year in the US)

Agenda (10am-4pm)

  • Introduction
  • Overview of Headphone Test Systems and tools
    • Traditional tools vs. modern consumer demands
      • Introduction to head and ear related terminology and definitions.
      • Historical perspective and background for the tools and standards used today.
      • Limitations vs. Possibilities in term of the measurement capabilities. How does that relate to the modern challenges with Bluetooth and ANC related testing tasks?
    • Tools for Next Generation Headphone Testing
      • Solutions to some the challenges addressed above.
      • Examples based on products and measurements.
    • What about frequencies above 20kHz? Science or marketing? Measurement Consistency – Development vs. Production
      • Progress in measurements from Head and Torso Simulator (KEMAR) to Production Test Fixture (45CC – flat plate). How the different components affect the measurements:
    • Software and hardware for headphone testing including typical headphone measurements and test setups
  • Practical examples of headphone measurements on.
    • Analog Headphones
    • Bluetooth Headsets
    • ANC Headphones
    • Lightning/USB Connected Headphones (using triggered recordings)
    • Hi-Res Headphones
    • In-ear monitors
  • Measurements including:
    • Frequency Response relative to a target response
    • Left/Right tracking
    • Impedance
    • Noise attenuation
    • Distortion including Non-Coherent Distortion
    • Standards including Max SPL EN-50332 & IEC-60268-7
  • Headphone Design: Perception and Measurement of Headphones – What is the Preferred Target Response? (Guest Speaker: Dr. Sean Olive, Harman International)
  • Hands-on testing: Bring your own device and test it using one of our measurement setups

Reserve your space

Headphone & Headset Measurements – Seoul, Korea – March 6, 2018

Presented by:

listen_gras_logos2

 

headphones
Due to popular demand, we are now holding our headphone testing seminar in Seoul!

Learn about the latest in headphone test systems and methods from design to EOL Test. Industry experts Steve Temme (Listen, Inc.) and Peter Wulf-Andersen (G.R.A.S.), as well as guest speakers Dr. Sean Olive (Harman International) and Prof. Lee (New Media Communication Joint Institute of Seoul National University) will discuss test equipment (ear couplers, test fixtures, test software and hardware) and demonstrate practical test setups for both R&D and QC headphone testing. It will cover in-ear monitors, Bluetooth, lightning/USB, noise-cancelling and high resolution headphones, in addition to conventional analog headphones. You can even measure your own headphone using our equipment in the hands-on session. Please see the full agenda below.

There is no charge for this one-day seminar. Space is limited, so please RSVP today.

Location and Dates:

Seoul: Tuesday March 6th, 2018. Korea National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul.

 

Print

 

 

See what people are saying about this event (we presented similar last year in the US)

Agenda (9am-4pm)

  • Introduction
  • Overview of Headphone Test Systems and tools
    • Traditional tools vs. modern consumer demands
      • Introduction to head and ear related terminology and definitions.
      • Historical perspective and background for the tools and standards used today.
      • Limitations vs. Possibilities in term of the measurement capabilities. How does that relate to the modern challenges with Bluetooth and ANC related testing tasks?
    • Tools for Next Generation Headphone Testing
      • Solutions to some the challenges addressed above.
      • Examples based on products and measurements.
    • What about frequencies above 20kHz? Science or marketing? Measurement Consistency – Development vs. Production
      • Progress in measurements from Head and Torso Simulator (KEMAR) to Production Test Fixture (45CC – flat plate). How the different components affect the measurements:
    • Software and hardware for headphone testing including typical headphone measurements and test setups
  • Practical examples of headphone measurements on.
    • Analog Headphones
    • Bluetooth Headsets
    • ANC Headphones
    • Lightning/USB Connected Headphones (using triggered recordings)
    • Hi-Res Headphones
    • In-ear monitors
  • Measurements including:
    • Frequency Response relative to a target response
    • Left/Right tracking
    • Impedance
    • Noise attenuation
    • Distortion including Non-Coherent Distortion
    • Standards including Max SPL EN-50332 & IEC-60268-7
  • Design & sound tuning of earphones  (Guest Speaker Prof. Lee, New Media Communication Joint Institute of Seoul National University)
  • Headphone Design: Perception and Measurement of Headphones – What is the Preferred Target Response? (Guest Speaker: Dr. Sean Olive, Harman International)
  • Hands-on testing: Bring your own device and test it using one of our measurement setups

Reserve your space

Bluetooth Headset Measurement

This sequence tests the send and receive performance of a stereo Bluetooth headset with a built-in microphone using a mixture of analog and digital channels. The left and right earphones are measured simultaneously with a stepped sweep from 20kHz to 20 Hz using two Bluetooth profiles: A2DP and HFP. The mic is measured with a stepped sweep from 8kHz to 100Hz using the HFP profile.

A short 1kHz tone is pre-pended to the test stimulus which serves as a reference tone for resampling and frequency shift operations. Post-processing resampling and frequency shift precisely synchronizes the stimulus and response waveforms prior to analysis. In this case, the HarmonicTrak algorithm is used for frequency and THD analysis. A2DP frequency response and THD curves are displayed on the first display, followed by A2DP & HFP curves superimposed on a subsequent display. Lastly, the Bluetooth headset’s microphone is tested with HFP and its frequency response is shown on the final display along with the previously collected data.

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