Headphones may seem like a simple device, but they are more than just tools for listening to music. They have become indispensable in both everyday life and professional domains, from personal entertainment to professional recording and public or private communication. High-quality headphones not only provide an excellent audio experience but also help protect users’ hearing health during prolonged use.
Ensuring the quality of headphone products involves more than just verifying compliance with regulatory standards. A comprehensive testing and certification process can guarantee that headphones meet or exceed industry standards in areas such as sound quality, durability, and user comfort. This not only protects consumers’ investments but also enhances the brand’s reputation and product reliability within the industry.
Challenges Faced by Customers
A headphone manufacturer wanted to demonstrate product quality to buyers by passing regulatory tests and obtaining third-party lab reports. However, the manufacturer lacked clarity on several fronts: which regulations to comply with, the required testing environments, and which labs could provide the necessary services. Having previously worked with Allion Labs on compatibility testing, the manufacturer turned to our acoustics consulting team for assistance.
How to Prove Headphone Product Quality?
Through consultation, Allion Labs identified the client’s needs and proposed a plan that highlighted the critical role of IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) and EN (European Norm) standards in the global market. Specifically, tests based on IEC/EN 60268-7 and IEC/EN 61842 were recommended to demonstrate product quality.
- EN 60268-7 Standard: Provides standardized methods for measuring the electrical and acoustic properties of headphone speakers.
- EN 61842 Standard: Defines performance metrics and measurement methods for both microphones (transmission) and headphone speakers (reception). Unlike IEC 60268-7, it also includes microphone measurement
The Value of Allion Labs’ Consulting Team
After three days of testing, Allion Labs discovered two issues with the product:
- Impedance
- A comparison of the client’s provided Rated Impedance and the measured impedance curves revealed significant differences between the left and right channels of the same headphone.
- Allion Labs explained that, per IEC 60268-7, impedance values in the 0–20 kHz range must not fall below 80% of the Rated Impedance
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
- During testing, it was found that the right speaker’s THD curve showed a noticeable spike in the 1–3 kHz range, prompting concerns for the client.
Based on the measured data, Allion Labs advised the client to adjust the Rated Impedance during production or redefine its suggested value. While high THD does not necessarily equate to poor sound quality in electroacoustic, buyers often have specific expectations for audio clarity.
To address these seemingly conflicting needs, Allion Labs proposed a comprehensive consulting plan for product design improvement. Over the course of one month, the team helped the client validate the product, fundamentally resolving issues related to sound quality and production control. By detecting and addressing problems early, the client saved time, reduced costs, and enhanced their reputation.
Faster! Easier! Better!
Time to Market with Quality!
Allion Labs is an expert in IEC 60268-7 and IEC 61842 headphone testing standards, leveraging extensive experience and advanced technology to deliver fast, reliable services
Faster
Our optimized testing process enables rapid completion, significantly reducing the evaluation time before market launch. Whether for new product development or upgrades, we offer quick and efficient testing services.
Easier
Our automated testing systems, combined with AI technology, ensure high reliability and repeatability. Clients can effortlessly assess product performance, accelerating R&D and optimization processes.
Better
With over 30 years of experience, we deliver top-notch services in headphone testing. By applying IEC 60268-7 and IEC 61842 standards, we ensure your products meet the highest market expectations.
We are committed to providing exceptional testing solutions that help your products stand out in a competitive market. Our professional services ensure your headphones achieve the best performance and quality on the global stage.
If you have any question of headphone validation needs, feel free to contact us through online form.
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