The new generation of artificial head measurement systems by HEAD acoustics offers a variety of new and unique features for telecommunication and audio testing. Now available in three base variants, the new system approach includes a low-noise artificial head with human-like ear canal (HMS II.3 LN HEC), the standard low-noise artificial head model (HMS II.3-LN), and an artificial head focused on voice and audio quality testing (HMS II.3). The basis is a modular concept allowing the user to exchange different types of artificial ears as required, benefiting from anatomically correct artificial ears, and a fullband-capable two-way artificial mouth.
According to the company, the new, anatomically correct artificial ear design available in the HEC model is able to better reproduce the ear canal geometry and the human ear impedance. The low-noise occluded ear simulators feature an impedance response matched to that of the human ear, while the built-in highly sensitive microphones provide a best-in-class dynamic range. The very low inherent noise of 16 dBSPL(A) makes the head and torso simulator the ideal choice for measuring close-to-the-ear and in-ear audio and communication equipment. Due to the maximum sound pressure level of 148 dBSPL, the artificial head is also suitable for measurements of far-to-the-ear transducers in hands-free systems, in-car communication systems or smart speakers. The head and torso simulator provides geometric and acoustic characteristics according to the ITU-T P.58 recommendation, and thus replicates all acoustically relevant structures of the human anatomy.
In addition, numerous detailed refinements and an extensive range of accessories help to make life easier for acoustics engineers. Users can quickly and easily change occluded ear simulators and pinnae based on their measurement tasks, and users can easily extend and upgrade the artificial head due to its modularity. While the low-noise occluded ear simulators of the artificial head simulate the receiving direction, a two-way mouth loudspeaker reproduces the complete spectrum of the human voice, allowing for narrowband, wideband, super-wideband and fullband measurements. And with the new HMS II.3 LN HEC, users can create aurally-accurate voice and audio recordings for evaluation using HEAD acoustics’ measurement and analysis software ACQUA.
“The new HMS II.3 LN HEC artificial head is perfect for testing the voice and audio quality of all telecommunication and audio equipment,” says Christian Schüring, sales manager Telecom at HEAD acoustics GmbH. “By emulating the acoustically relevant structures of the pinna and ear canal as well as an improved replication of the ear impedance in combination with the outstanding dynamic range, the artificial head sets a new standard, especially for measurements of sound transducers close to the ear, such as headphones, hearing aids and mobile phones."
The HMS II.3 LN HEC realistically emulates all the acoustically relevant structures of the human ear, and the new pinnae with a human-like ear canal are especially suitable for testing in-ear headphones and earbuds, while the high-sensitivity and high dynamic range makes the artificial head the perfect measurement instrument for testing high-quality ANC headsets. In addition, measurements can cover the entire dynamic range of human hearing, from the hearing threshold to the pain threshold.
The new artificial mouth of HMS II.3 LN HEC is equipped with a two-way loudspeaker. It reproduces the full frequency range of the audible human voice, making it ideal for fullband measurements. In sending direction, the transmission range is between 50 Hz and 20 kHz. The acoustic characteristics of the two-way mouth exceed the requirements of the international recommendation ITU-T P.58.
The HMS II.3 artificial head can also be equipped with an artificial nose (AN-HMS), enabling acoustic measurements of audio and communication devices where a nose ensures secure hold of augmented reality glasses and virtual reality headsets. Users can also mount all artificial head variants on the height-adjustable tripod HMT III or on the torso box HTB VI
As HEAD acoustics also anticipates, in the future, ear simulators and pinnae for the new artificial head can be interchanged quickly and easily. “This feature means that for the first time, users now have an artificial head that they can customize for different applications,” says Hans W. Gierlich, Managing Director, HEAD acoustics Telecom Division. “Depending on the measurement scenario, engineers can use different types of artificial ears for their measurements. They can choose from low-noise or standard occluded ear simulators, standard or simplified pinnae or the new pinnae with human-like ear canal.”
www.head-acoustics.com
