HEAD acoustics introduces new background noise simulation system

On the occasion of Mobile World Congress 2014 in Barcelona where HEAD acoustics exhibited, the German measurement technology company gave an insight into their new system for background noise simulation. This system is called 3PASS: 3-dimensional Playback of Acoustic Sound Scenarios. It is the successor of the current HAE-BGN system which is globally used in numerous telecom test laboratories. Its key application field is the voice and audio quality analysis of telecommunication devices and transmission systems in the presence of background noise.

The major advantages of 3PASS compared to its predecessor are its ability to preserve and accurately reproduce the spatial characteristics of background noise which makes the system valuable for the development of complex background noise reduction algorithms. This is of particular importance for modern smartphones, especially for those with more than one microphone. Another advantage is that instead of the previously required three PEQ front ends, now only one labBGN front end is required, which considerably simplifies the measurement setup.

The technical concept of this system has been recently introduced in standardization and is expected to form part of future telecommunication standards.

Major components of the new system are:
• 3PASS software (for Windows PC)
• Measurement front end labBGN (for background noise playback )
• Microphone array MSA I (for sound recordings and room equalization)
An 8-loudspeaker setup including amplifiers and cables complements the system setup.

It will be possible to upgrade existing HAE-BGN software to 3PASS. Nevertheless, it is expected that both HAE-BGN and 3PASS will co-exist for an indefinite period because HAE-BGN is still in compliance with current standard requirements and both technologies have their own advantages.

The front end labBGN is already available. 3PASS and MSA I are scheduled to be available by Mid 2014. Datasheets and other information (partly still in preparation) can be found at www.head-acoustics.de.

HEAD acoustics was founded in 1986 and has been involved in noise and vibration, electroacoustics and voice quality testing since its inception. HEAD acoustics is based in Herzogenrath, Germany, with affiliates in USA, Japan and France as well as a world-wide network of representatives. The Telecom Division of HEAD acoustics manufactures telecom test equipment and provides consulting services in the field of speech and audio quality. Moreover, HEAD acoustics closely co-operates with DECT Forum, ETSI, ITU-T, 3GPP, TIA, CTIA, GSMA and other standardization bodies with regard to the development of quality standards for voice transmission and speech communication. In many partnership projects, HEAD acoustics has proven its competence and capabilities in conducting tests and optimizing communication products with respect to speech and audio quality under end-to-end as well as mouth-to-ear scenarios.

HEAD acoustics GmbH
Ebertstr. 30a
52134 Herzogenrath
GERMANY
Phone: +49 (0)2407 577-0
Fax: +49 (0)2407 577-99
Email: telecom@head-acoustics.de

This release was published on openPR.