The Anechoic Box (AEB) Is Not Just a Box — Rethinking the AEB as a Complete Acoustic Test System —
09/15/2025

AEB
Introduction: What Is an AEB (Anechoic Box)?
An Anechoic Box (AEB) is a compact acoustic test enclosure designed to evaluate the sound characteristics of small devices or components.
While it may appear to be just a sound-absorbing box, we believe an AEB is far more than that.
An AEB should be seen as a measurement system—a tool that ensures repeatable accuracy and user-independent operation in sound testing.
Why a Box Alone Is Not Enough
Typical acoustic testing challenges in R&D and manufacturing include:
- Inconsistent results due to variation in device positioning
- Operator-dependent procedures leading to unreliable outcomes
- Manual setups with varied test conditions and calibration errors
- Frequent jig changes for different products
- Cost and delays from outsourcing to external anechoic facilities
These issues stem not from the acoustic space itself, but from a lack of system-level standardization.
Sonora’s AEB System Configuration (Example)
Our AEB-based solutions are designed as integrated acoustic testing systems, including:
AEB unit | Provides a free-field environment using broadband absorptive interior surfaces |
Test instruments: | HBK microphones, amplifiers, and FFT analyzers |
Fixture tooling | Custom mounts to maintain consistent device position and orientation |
Transport mechanism: | Slide trays or multi-jig switching options |
Control software | GUI interface with automated OK/NG judgment |
External I/O | Signal connections for integration with PLCs and production lines |
With this system, the testing process becomes:
Insert → Measure → Judge, repeatable by any operator with consistent results.
Use Cases
- Sound pressure and sensitivity tests for smart speakers
- Functional audio verification for voice-controlled devices
- Post-assembly performance checks for MEMS microphones
- Noise level evaluation for small motors and sensors
- Flexible line inspection for multiple product variants
Conclusion: The AEB Is Not Just an Enclosure
The AEB should not be seen as just a “quiet box.”
It is a platform for automating and standardizing acoustic quality control.
What matters most in measurement is not only the space, but the repeatability, efficiency, and reliability of the process.
When used as a system—not just a structure—the AEB becomes a powerful enabler of trustworthy acoustic testing.