In this blog post, we provide an overview of the use of various hardware for VQ AcousticCheck. We discuss which iOS devices are best suited, which Bluetooth speakers can be recommended, and whether an external microphone is required.
Which iOS device should we use?
AcousticCheck works with any iPhone running iOS 16 or later. For the best measurement quality, we recommend using an iPhone 12 or newer, as these devices feature improved microphone hardware that delivers more consistent results across all frequency bands.
Which Bluetooth speakers are best suited for measurements?
The choice of speaker depends primarily on the size of the room you want to measure. For small to medium-sized rooms (up to approximately 100 m²), a compact Bluetooth speaker is usually sufficient. The speaker should be capable of producing sound across the full frequency range.
How do you choose the right speaker?
When selecting a speaker, pay attention to the following criteria:
- Frequency range: The speaker should cover at least 80 Hz to 8,000 Hz
- Volume: Higher volume leads to better signal-to-noise ratio
- Battery life: Sufficient for multiple measurements
Overview of some speakers that we can recommend
| Speaker | Room Size | Frequency Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| JBL Flip 6 | Small rooms | 63 Hz – 20 kHz | Great all-rounder |
| JBL Charge 5 | Medium rooms | 65 Hz – 20 kHz | Louder output |
| JBL Boombox 3 | Large rooms | 50 Hz – 20 kHz | High volume |
What hardware is recommended for measurements with a pulsed excitation?
For impulse measurements, you can use a simple balloon pop or clapper board. The key is to generate a short, loud impulse that excites all relevant frequency bands.
Is an external microphone required?
No. Thanks to the high quality of Apple’s built-in microphones, VQ AcousticCheck achieves very accurate results without external hardware. However, if you want to further increase accuracy, you can use a calibrated measurement microphone connected via a Lightning or USB-C adapter.
Is hearing protection needed?
When using external loudspeakers at high volume, hearing protection is recommended — especially in small rooms where sound pressure levels can be significant.
Can a USB audio interface with a measurement microphone be used with AcousticCheck?
Yes, AcousticCheck supports external audio interfaces connected via USB-C. This allows you to use professional measurement microphones for even higher accuracy.