HEAD acoustics Unveils Helmet-Integrated Binaural Microphone Kit

HEAD acoustics GmbH has unveiled the Binaural Microphone Kit (BMK), described by the company as the first binaural microphone system integrated directly into a motorcycle helmet for acoustic measurement purposes.

The Herzogenrath-based acoustics company said the product is designed to address long-standing challenges in capturing precise sound data on motorcycles. Conventional methods, such as in-ear microphones, have often compromised comfort and ease of use, which the company says can result in inconsistent data and reduced acceptance among test riders and engineers.

BMK integrates binaural measurement technology into the Shoei MH I.x helmet, a setup the company describes as practical and user-friendly for acoustic testing under real driving conditions.

According to HEAD acoustics, the kit offers several advantages, including optimized handling for faster measurement setup, improved reproducibility for more consistent data collection, and more realistic acoustic perception during testing.

The system is designed to work within HEAD acoustics' broader mobile measurement ecosystem. When paired with a mobile data acquisition system such as the SQuadriga III or SQobold mounted on the motorcycle, BMK can record binaural sound directly at the rider's ears. The company says this enables analysis of various acoustic phenomena, including driving comfort, sound quality, wind noise, and other vehicle acoustic characteristics, under real-world operating conditions.

In addition to recording, BMK supports HEAD acoustics' binaural playback tools. Using the automatically configured and equalized BHS binaural headset, test teams can listen to and evaluate recorded sound events on-site immediately after a test ride. The company says this allows teams to share auditory impressions, discuss results, and make decisions directly at the test location.

HEAD acoustics said the unveiling expands its portfolio of acoustic measurement solutions and is intended to set new standards for motorcycle noise measurement by combining measurement accuracy, wearing comfort, and practicality in a single product.

HEAD acoustics GmbH, headquartered in Herzogenrath near Aachen, Germany, is a global provider of sound and vibration analysis solutions. The company is known internationally for its work in telecommunications-related voice and audio quality measurement, alongside services spanning sound engineering, environmental noise investigation, speech quality engineering, and consulting. It operates subsidiaries in China, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, India, Japan, South Korea, and the United States, along with sales partners worldwide.