Audio Electronics and Acoustics Consulting Services

Acoustic Listening Tests

Acoustic tests are challenging in that potential biases from room differences, etc. can override your getting a correct evaluation result. SAI uses careful measurement and suitable experimental techniques to minimize these biases.

For example, tests of speakers are influenced by the room size and surface characteristics. We can substitue candidate speaker positions with "lazy suzan" rotators and can understand, quantify, or change acoustic environment parameters as needed.

Maximizing Objectivity

SAI incorporates a number of techniques to get the best result for your listening evaluation items:

• Volume is precisely matched, unless the speaker's sensitivity is its claimed advantage

• Delays and smooth volume ramps can be used
• Tone and number of sources are matched
• Number of speakers around the room is controlled
• Single or double blind testing is used as you prefer

Equipment Used

Stroud Audio uses state-of-art hardware and software to insure your subjects hear only what they're are listening for:

• High quality stereo and 5.1 amplifers (or we can use your amplifier)
• Intentionally-degraded signals are available for CODEC rank comparisions (MUSHRA)
• MOTU 828 8 in 8 out 24-bit firewire audio interfaces are available for testing of up to 16 channels.

• Ableton Live audio processing software for comprehensive and seamless control of your listening experiment
• Your experiment can be digitally recorded for futher evaluations

Panel of Expert Listeners

We can assemble a panel of trained listeners and also incorporate individuals from your company. Because we use blind testing, the influence of biases for or against a product line or specific technology can be minimized.

Support for Your Listening Experiments

SAI can serve as a third-party for your decision making. We can develop custom electronics and unique test setups for special needs.

Please contact SAI for all your listening test requirements.