Below is a simple example of analyzing for sound quality and how the process of aurally equivalent analysis fits into the development of a product. The sounds below are from a binaural recording device providing aurally accurate measurement and analysis.

Notice that both the 1/3 octave band levels and the overall A-weighted sound pressure levels are very similar, yet when the two different sounds are heard, it is very easy to identify the differences between the sounds.

Click the graphs to hear the sounds. You will be very surprised with what you hear compared to what you see. MS^® Media Player^® will launch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You may be thinking this is impossible but these sounds represent one of the largest acoustical problems in the industry currently. If one is only evaluating single number values such as bels and dBA or evaluating 1/3 octave band as above, the actual sound and it’s attributes are not taken into consideration. Simple data analysis such as above is not enough.

Sound Quality engineering requires experience and expertise for signal processing, deductive reasoning and psychoacoustical analysis in order to discover the true causes of sounds and how they will affect the end user of products.

 

 

 

Sound Quality Example