A Day Without EQset™ vs. A Day With EQset™
Production line efficiency depends on many variables—some controllable, others unavoidable. One critical factor that can significantly impact performance is microphone calibration frequency. While reducing calibration intervals can increase production uptime, it often comes at a cost: heightened uncertainty. With traditional microphones, this trade-off can lead to more false rejects of good units and undetected faulty products reaching customers—compromising satisfaction and increasing return costs. The alternative? A highly stable and accurate microphone system that doesn’t rely on frequent calibration.
Setting Up a Production Line with Traditional Microphones
When John sets up a line with 90 test stations, he begins by ordering and receiving 90 individual microphones. After unboxing and organizing them, each microphone must be configured. If they’re TEDS-enabled, he reads the TEDS data for each one. Otherwise, he manually inputs the sensitivity, carefully noting the serial number, placement, and channel for all 90 units.
To complete setup, John imports 90 correction curves into the analysis software. This can be done through:
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Mini-CDs and a CD reader
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An online database
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USB drives containing CSV files
Each correction must be correctly matched to the corresponding microphone. He also stores any spare microphones, correction media, and original packaging.
During Operation:
The line runs efficiently, but scheduled calibrations at the start and end of each shift are required. Additionally, extra calibration may be needed due to shifts in temperature or humidity. Periodic verification of the entire measurement chain is strongly recommended.
When Replacing a Microphone:
John reads the TEDS or re-enters sensitivity, imports the correct correction curve, and applies it accurately—repeating the original setup steps for every replacement.
Setting Up a Production Line with GRAS 40PM and EQset™
With EQset-enabled GRAS 40PM microphones, John still sets up 90 test stations—but the process is remarkably faster. Instead of 90 separate boxes, he receives just four, each containing up to 24 microphones, thanks to the efficient GRAS 40PM production and packaging process.
During Setup:
He simply enters a standard sensitivity value of 25 mV/Pa across all microphones—no need to track serial numbers, positions, or channels. EQset microphones feature consistent, flat response curves, eliminating the need for importing or applying individual correction curves.
During Operation:
The production line runs continuously with no routine calibration required at shift changes. Temperature and humidity variations have negligible impact, though periodic chain verification remains a best practice.
When Replacing a Microphone:
Replacement is seamless—John installs a new unit, and the line continues running without additional setup or adjustments.
Want to Learn More About Optimizing Production Line Testing?
Download our latest application note to dive deeper into EQset™, including insights on TEDS, calibration strategies, pass-fail windows, and a comprehensive comparison of testing workflows with and without EQset.