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Challenges of MP3 Player Testing

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MP3 player audio performance is discussed including measurements of frequency response, phase response, crosstalk, distortion, sampling rate errors, jitter, and maximum sound pressure level with headphones. In order to make these measurements, several measurement techniques and algorithms are presented to overcome some of the challenges of testing MP3 players. We discuss test equipment requirements, selection of test signals and the effects of the encoding on these test signals. A new method for measuring non-coherent distortion using any test signal including music is also presented.

Authors: Steve Temme, Pascal Brunet and Zachary Rimkunas
Presented at the 122nd AES Convention, Vienna, 2007

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The Challenges of MP3 Player Testing

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Author: Steve Temme

MP3 players have been the ‘must-have’ electronic gadget for the past few years. Over 10 million players were sold in 2005, and this is predicted to rise to more than double this by 2010. But how can manufacturers carry out QA tests on the production line, ensure excellent sound quality and demonstrate their compliance with Sound Pressure Level regulations? MP3 player testing is challenging as it combines traditional audio analysis techniques with some characteristics unique to MP3 players. Here, we examine the equipment and techniques that MP3 player manufacturers can use to test the sound quality of their products, and advise how to overcome some of the challenges inherent to measuring MP3 players.
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