Artificial ear by Brüel & Kjær enables accurate electro-acoustic measurement

The Type 4152 artificial ear, by Brüel & Kjær

Brüel & Kjær is a leading manufacturer of industrial measurement devices, like the Type 4152 artificial ear, available in Canada via Durham Instruments. This unique device is designed to allow users to carry out electro-acoustical measurement on insert earphones or headphones under well-defined acoustical conditions.

The Type 4152 ear simulator includes an acoustic coupler, a primary housing containing the sockets for connecting a Brüel & Kjær condenser microphone, and a base plate with a mechanism for clamping the tested object.

For comparability of designs

Designed for measurement in the audio-metric field and related areas, this artificial ear suits applications that are important for comparability of varying designs and for reproducing measurements. Common use scenarios include audiometer calibration, as well as frequency response and sensitivity measurement on headphones and insert earphones.

The spring-loaded clamping mechanism offers a force that users can adjust from two to ten newtons, with the actual force value set on a scale engraved on the clamp holder. The device is isolated from shock and vibration through three soft rubber feet, which minimize the effects of vibration during measurement. The socket for mounting the measuring microphone allows use of a Brüel & Kjær Type 4144 one-inch condenser microphone cartridge with the associated Type 2669L preamplifier.

The unit comes with three different couplers: the DB 0138, for measurements on hearing-aid earphones; the DB 0913, which fulfills the requirements of the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology and ANSI; and the IEC 303, for measurements on headphones. The DB 0161 is also available on request; this couple is designed to comply with ANSI S3.7 – 1973.

The operator may use the DB 0138 directly on the microphone with a preamplifier without using the main housing; this results in a very small artificial ear, which is useful for measurements on spectacle-type hearing aids. The DB 0913 can be be mounted directly on a mic with the help of a Stop Collar YO 2340.

The Type 4152 is recommended for applications in the medical sector, education, and research and development, according to Durham Instruments.

To learn more, contact Durham Instruments.

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