Many manufacturers of audio devices contend with the ongoing challenge of production across global factories. Since the global pandemic in 2020, contract manufacturers have increasingly diversified their production lines across multiple regions rather than centralizing them in one location. While this shift enhances operational flexibility, it also introduces unique challenges. Among these challenges, the reliability of production line microphones used for testing audio performance to ensure the quality of final products.

The increasing popularity and growing offering of electric vehicles (EVs), are changing many aspects associated with vehicle sound and acoustics (see our posts related to the in-cabin soundscape of the EV, for example). The classic issue of pass-by noise testing is no exception. Still a crucial aspect of automotive design and regulation, it has evolved to ensure that EVs (and other vehicles) not only meet the maximum noise limits set by various national and international regulations, but also adhere to new minimum noise requirements.

At GRAS Sound & Vibration, we’re always proud and honored whenever we see cool examples of our solutions contributing to new developments and real-world change. This time, it’s in the field of hearing protection. An article by USNI News, the news publication of the U.S. Naval Institute, highlights how the U.S. Navy is testing 3D technology to create custom-fitted earplugs.  According to the article, hearing damage is the U.S. military’s top injury, believed to affect some 140.000 service members annually, so tackling noise-induced hearing damage is a priority. Reading the article, we immediately noticed our GRAS 45CB Acoustic Test Fixture in one of the accompanying photos.

声学包括对声音、噪声和振动的研究。了解产品的声学性能至关重要，因为不同的设备可接受的噪声等级不同。声学测试评估产品在真实环境中的表现，并确定是否需要进行调整以最小化噪音。许多行业的制造商都依靠声学测试来建立这些性能基准。

声学品质和设计是产品性能的重要组成部分。声音在很大程度上影响着人们对产品特性和功能的认知，同时也体现了产品的品牌形象。与此同时，制造商面临着越来越多的监管要求和竞争压力，他们必须降低噪声等级，遵守严格的噪声制造或噪声限制标准。工程师需要高效的工具来设计、改进和验证整个开发过程中的原型。

因此，声学测试解决方案必须具有多功能性，能够适应广泛的行业应用和工程任务，同时符合最新的国际标准。

The field of noise testing is evolving at breakneck speed. The increasing demand for advanced audio technologies like active noise cancelling and voice-controlled smart systems make high precision measurements to guarantee superior sound quality a necessity. This means that customers (or project owners) tasked with developing consumer electronics, cars, aircraft, or other applications, will increasingly face test situations where business as usual just isn’t good enough anymore.