Artificial head supports low-noise measurements of ANC headphones

HERZOGENRATH, GERMANY. Measuring very low signal levels like idle noise of active noise cancellation (ANC) headphones requires highly accurate measurement equipment. With HMS II.3-LN (Low Noise), HEAD acoustics is launching a new artificial head that is suitable for low-noise measurements of close-to-the ear sound sources. Ear simulators with highly sensitive microphones assure a very low inherent noise of 16 dB_SPL(A) of the binaural artificial head measurement system. Therefore, it is suited to assess the quality of ANC headsets and headphones as well as other close-to-the-ear audio and telecommunication equipment. HMS II.3-LN complies with the international standard ITU-T P.58 and is based on the standards ITU-T P.57 and IEC 60318-4.

Head Acoustics Artificial Head Anc Headphones

“When evaluating the quality of ANC devices, the idle noise should be considered, since this can be disturbing for the user. HMS II.3-LN was specially developed to meet this challenge and is currently the only system on the market that enables precise measurements even at low signal levels,” explains Dr. Hans W. Gierlich, managing director, telecom, at HEAD acoustics.

Due to its maximum sound pressure level of 149 dB_SPL, the HMS II.3-LN is also suitable for medium- and high-level measurements. The ear simulator covers the complete human hearing range. The new artificial head is equipped with a two-way mouth loudspeaker capable of full-band measurements. The transmission range in sending direction is from 50 Hz to 20 kHz and in receiving direction from 3 Hz to 20 kHz. Like all artificial head measurement systems from HEAD acoustics, HMS II.3-LN can be optimally controlled via the measuring and analysis software ACQUA.