Audio Testing Best Practices

Professional techniques and methodologies for accurate, reliable audio testing and calibration

Whether you're testing speakers, headphones, microphones, or room acoustics, following proper testing procedures ensures accurate results and reliable data. This guide covers essential best practices used by audio professionals worldwide.

Preparing Your Testing Environment

Control Background Noise

Turn off fans, air conditioning, and ventilation systems
Close windows to eliminate external traffic and ambient noise
Silence phones, computers, and other electronic devices
Choose quiet times of day when ambient noise is minimal

Room Considerations

Be aware of room reflections and standing waves that affect measurements
Test in the room where equipment will be used when possible
Document room dimensions and materials for accurate analysis

Volume and SPL Calibration

Hearing Protection Warning

Always start tests at low volumes and gradually increase to safe listening levels. Prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 dB SPL can cause permanent hearing damage.

Setting Reference Levels

Professional audio testing uses standardized reference levels:

85 dB SPL Reference listening level for critical audio evaluation
79 dB SPL Alternative reference for extended listening sessions
60-70 dB Comfortable casual listening level

Calibration Process

Use a calibration microphone or SPL meter at listening position
Play pink noise or calibration tone at reference frequency (1 kHz)
Adjust system volume to achieve target SPL reading
Verify calibration across multiple frequencies
Document calibration settings for consistency

Frequency Response Testing

Critical Test Frequencies

Sub-Bass (20-60 Hz)

Tests subwoofer performance and room modes

Key frequencies: 30 Hz, 40 Hz, 50 Hz, 60 Hz

Bass (60-250 Hz)

Foundation of music, critical for bass instruments

Key frequencies: 80 Hz, 120 Hz, 200 Hz

Midrange (250 Hz - 4 kHz)

Vocal intelligibility and instrument clarity

Key frequencies: 500 Hz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, 3 kHz

Presence (4-8 kHz)

Clarity and definition, sibilance range

Key frequencies: 4 kHz, 5 kHz, 6 kHz, 8 kHz

Brilliance (8-20 kHz)

Air and sparkle, high-frequency extension

Key frequencies: 10 kHz, 12 kHz, 15 kHz, 18 kHz

Sweep Testing Methodology

Logarithmic sweeps provide even coverage across the frequency spectrum
Use 20-30 second sweeps for comprehensive testing
Listen for resonances, dropouts, and distortion
Compare forward and reverse sweeps for consistency

Documentation and Record Keeping

Proper documentation ensures reproducible results and helps track changes over time:

Essential Information to Record

• Date, time, and duration of test session
• Equipment under test (make, model, serial number)
• Test equipment used (microphones, meters, software)
• Room conditions (dimensions, temperature, humidity)
• Calibration settings and reference levels
• Test signals used (frequency, type, duration)
• Measurement positions and distances
• Observed results and any anomalies
• Photographs or diagrams of test setup

Using AudioTest Pro's History Feature

AudioTest Pro automatically saves your test configurations to IndexedDB for easy recall:

• History entries include frequency, waveform, volume, and pan settings
• Click any history entry to instantly restore settings
• Use export feature to save configurations as JSON files
• Import saved configurations to maintain consistency across sessions

Common Testing Mistakes to Avoid

Testing at Excessive Volumes

High SPL levels can damage hearing and equipment. Always start low and increase gradually.

Ignoring Room Acoustics

Room modes and reflections significantly affect measurements. Test in multiple positions when possible.

Inconsistent Test Conditions

Changing microphone placement, volumes, or room conditions between tests invalidates comparisons.

Not Allowing Warm-Up Time

Audio equipment (especially tube gear) needs warm-up time for stable performance.

Single-Point Measurements

Taking measurements at only one position gives incomplete picture. Test multiple locations.

Pro Tips from Audio Engineers

1 Use Multiple Test Signals

Different test signals reveal different characteristics. Use sine waves for precision, pink noise for overall response, and music for subjective evaluation.

2 Test Both Channels Independently

Stereo systems should have matched left/right performance. Test each channel separately before testing together.

3 Verify at Multiple Listening Levels

Frequency response and distortion characteristics change with volume. Test at low, medium, and reference levels.

4 Take Breaks During Extended Testing

Ear fatigue affects perception. Take 10-15 minute breaks every hour during critical listening sessions.

5 Compare to Known Reference

Always have a trusted reference system or headphones to compare against for perspective.