Accredited Sound Testing Lab You Can Trust
Testrium is a specialized sound testing and acoustic analysis lab serving the automotive, consumer products, and industrial equipment industries across North America. Our sound testing services help manufacturers evaluate, quantify, and engineer the acoustic characteristics of their products for competitive advantage and regulatory compliance.
Our facility features a dedicated quiet room, multi-channel data acquisition systems, and binaural (Aachen) head measurement capability. Whether you need sound quality benchmarking, NVH evaluation, or compliance testing to automotive OEM specifications, our experienced acoustics team delivers precise, actionable results.
What sets our sound testing lab apart:
- ISO 17025 accredited facility with dedicated quiet room
- Binaural (Aachen) head for realistic human hearing simulation
- Multi-channel simultaneous sound and vibration data acquisition
- Portable system for on-site and in-vehicle measurements
- Expertise with Ford SSQT and major OEM sound quality protocols
Types of Sound Testing & Analysis We Perform
Our sound testing lab offers a comprehensive range of acoustic measurement and analysis services.
Sound Quality Evaluation
Sound quality testing goes beyond simple decibel measurements to evaluate how a product sounds to human ears. We quantify subjective acoustic qualities that influence customer perception:
- Zwicker Loudness analysis (ISO 532)
- Sharpness, roughness, and fluctuation strength metrics
- Jury evaluation correlation
- Competitive benchmarking studies
Component Actuation Sound Testing
We evaluate the sounds produced by automotive and consumer product mechanisms during operation. Our expertise includes:
- Window regulators, latches, and liftgates
- Pedals and parking brake actuation noise (PF-12460)
- Seat adjusters and mechanisms
- Switches and electromechanical components
Binaural Head Measurements
Our binaural (Aachen) head captures sound exactly as a human listener would hear it, enabling realistic spatial audio analysis. This technique is essential for:
- In-vehicle cabin noise assessment
- Product sound signature characterization
- Spatial sound source localization
- Playback and jury evaluation studies
Environmental Noise Assessment
We perform room and environmental noise assessments to established standards:
- ANSI/ASA S12.2 room noise evaluation
- Background noise characterization
- Noise criteria (NC) rating determination
- 1/nth octave and FFT spectral analysis
Sound Testing Laboratory Capabilities
Our sound testing services are backed by specialized acoustic measurement equipment and expertise.
Quiet Room
- Background Noise: < 20 dBA, 0.3 Sone (N10 Zwicker Loudness)
- Noise Criteria Rating: < NC15
- Interior Dimensions: 3.39m L × 2.17m W × 2.31m H
Sound Measurement System
- Sound Inputs: 4 microphone channels
- Vibration Inputs: 10 accelerometer channels
- Binaural Head: Aachen-type for spatial sound capture
- Analysis: dB(A), Zwicker Loudness, 1/nth Octave, FFT, SSQT
Industries We Serve
Our sound testing services support product development across multiple industries.
Automotive
We test automotive components and systems to OEM sound quality specifications, helping manufacturers eliminate unwanted noise and engineer desired acoustic signatures.
Common Standards: GMW 14011, Ford SSQT, CETP: 18.03-L-400, PF-12460
Consumer Products
Product sound can be a key differentiator. We help manufacturers optimize the acoustic characteristics of switches, latches, motors, and mechanisms.
Common Standards: ANSI/ASA S12.2, ISO 532
Industrial Equipment
Noise level testing for workplace safety compliance and product competitiveness.
Common Standards: OSHA noise standards, ISO 3744, ISO 3746
Sound Testing Standards
Automotive OEM
GMW 14011, Ford SSQT, Ford PF-12460, CETP: 18.03-L-400
International
ISO 532 (Zwicker Loudness), ANSI/ASA S12.2, ISO 3744, ISO 3746
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sound testing?
Sound testing is the measurement and analysis of acoustic emissions from products, components, or environments. It quantifies characteristics like loudness, frequency content, and sound quality to help manufacturers optimize product acoustics for customer satisfaction and regulatory compliance.
What is a sound testing lab?
A sound testing lab is a specialized facility with acoustically controlled environments, precision microphones, and analysis software to perform accurate, repeatable sound measurements. Testrium’s quiet room achieves background noise below 24 dBA, ensuring test results are not contaminated by ambient noise.
What is sound quality testing?
Sound quality testing goes beyond measuring volume to evaluate how a product sounds to the human ear. Metrics like Zwicker Loudness, sharpness, and roughness quantify subjective perception, helping engineers design products that sound premium and satisfying.
What is a binaural head?
A binaural (Aachen) head is a measurement device shaped like a human head with microphones positioned at the ear canals. It captures sound exactly as a person would hear it, including spatial and directional information, enabling realistic playback and analysis.
Can you perform on-site sound testing?
Yes. Our portable multi-channel data acquisition system allows us to perform sound measurements at your facility or in-vehicle, in addition to testing in our quiet room.
What is the Ford SSQT?
The Ford Simple Sound Quality Tool (SSQT) is Ford Motor Company’s standardized method for evaluating component sound quality. Testrium has specific expertise with SSQT testing protocols for window regulators, latches, pedals, and other mechanisms.
How do I get started?
Contact us by phone at 905-738-0447 or email info@testrium.com with your testing requirements. We’ll provide a detailed quote and timeline for your sound testing project.
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