Acoustical arrays rapidly produce detailed noise maps of kinds of noise sources. Our large selection ranges from small, two-microphone units up to arrays with several hundred microphones, for many different applications.Request a quote
For specific applications, our Customised Projects Department helps configure a complete system to your requirements, including the array, analysis software, positioning systems and robots.
One such measurement set-up - consisting of a single reference microphone and a robot-controlled microphone - is used to detect acoustical leaks on hearing aids, and another provides quality control during the production of industrial electrical transformers.
IMPORTANT FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING AN APPROPRIATE ARRAY:
- Environment (cabin interior, indoor, outdoor, underwater)
- Frequency range of interest
- Resolution required in the noise map
- Distance to source (near-field or far-field)
- Type of sound source (stationary or moving)
Usage: In-cabin, indoor
Spherical beamforming provides a complete omnidirectional noise map in any acoustic environment, based on one simple measurement. It uses a spherical harmonics-based algorithm called SHARP (patent pending).
Unlike other methods that only map part of the surroundings, spherical beamforming uses a spherical array to map noise in all directions while 12 cameras mounted in the sphere simultaneously take photographs in all directions.
These images are used as background for the resultant acoustic map. Spherical beamforming can be used in both free-field and reverberant surroundings as it does not make any assumptions about the nature of the acoustic environment.
Producing overview sound maps in confined and semi-damped spaces like vehicle and aircraft cabins is a common use for spherical beamforming.
PLANAR WHEEL ARRAYS
Usage: Indoor, outdoor
Our innovative wheel arrays come in many diameters and microphone configurations, depending on the application. They are used with PULSE beamforming software, and are designed to produce produce optimal results while maintaining maximum ease of use and handling.
Mainly used for beamforming measurements, the same arrays can also be used for acoustical holography measurements, provided that the array can be moved close enough to the source.
For large outdoor sources, foldable arrays allow a large measurement area that is easy to transport. Used either completely flat or with the arms set at an angle to produce a funnel-shaped array - which enables extraneous noise from the rear of the array to be suppressed by up to 10dB, depending on the frequency.
Foldable half-wheel arrays are used where reflections from the ground are important, such as measurements alongside a vehicle during a pass-by, or a model high speed train in a wind tunnel.
Usage: In-cabin, indoor
Hand-held arrays measure sound-fields close to the source, and where space is limited - such as for leak detection and conformal mapping inside vehicles or close to complicated machines.
Various spacings are available (25mm to 40mm) to suit the frequency range of interest, and double-sided arrays facilitate measurements in reverberant environments.
A regular lattice of acoustical transducers (microphones or hydrophones) are most often used for measurements on stationary sound fields near to the test object.
Used in conjunction with a robot, extremely accurate intermeshing of measurement points is possible. This enables our near-field holography software to produce a very fine spatial resolution in the resultant sound maps.