Binaural recording: hear the difference before and after
What problem are we solving?
Numbers in dB do not always tell you how a noise sounds. Two noises at the same level can be perceived very differently – one is annoying, the other is not.
A binaural recording captures sound the way both ears hear it – with direction and timbre. So the client hears the real noise “before” and the result “after” through headphones, instead of reading a table.
Standards and status of the measurement
The recording is made with a calibrated binaural sensor. Psychoacoustic metrics – loudness (ISO 532-1), sharpness, roughness – are calculated on request with specialised software.
The recordings are an engineering tool for diagnostics and for presenting solutions, and are not accredited. If you need an official test report, see Measurements and diagnostics.
Equipment: What do we use to measure?
We record with HEAD acoustics SQope – digital binaural headset sensors with calibrated recording and a range up to 130 dB SPL.
- They are worn like headphones – the microphones sit in the ears of the person recording. That is why the recording contains the real spatial image.
- It is not an artificial head and not an acoustic camera.
Practical Application: What Are the Benefits of Binaural Technology?
- “Before” and “after” – we record the noise before and after sound insulation or acoustic treatment. You hear the difference, not just read it.
- Noise from HVAC, machines and appliances – how it really sounds in the room and which component is annoying.
- Presenting a solution – to an investor, neighbours or a team, before a decision is made.
- Diagnostics – the recording helps to isolate the specific source in a complex sound environment.
Process and Analysis: What Does the Client Get?
- calibrated binaural recordings (WAV) for listening on headphones;
- A/B “before/after” comparison;
- on request – psychoacoustic metrics and spectrograms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I just record with my phone?
A phone records mono or ordinary stereo – without the acoustic shadow of the head and ears. A binaural recording reproduces the spatial image the way a person hears it.
Can the recording prove that the neighbours’ noise is annoying?
The recording shows how the noise sounds and helps to choose the right measure. It is not official evidence – authorities require a report from an accredited inspection body.
Do I need headphones to hear the result?
Yes – the recording is played on headphones, otherwise the spatial effect is lost. For on-site presentations we bring our own.
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