HARMAN's Audio Engineering Lab in Denmark: Shaping the Future of Sound
HARMAN International has launched a cutting-edge Audio Engineering Lab in Kvistgaard, Denmark, aimed at advancing headphone and hearable technology. In partnership with IAC Acoustics, HARMAN developed a Diffuse Sound Chamber for precise audio testing as part of the project.
Introduction to HARMAN
HARMAN International Industries, the company behind iconic brands such as JBL and Harman Kardon, is a global leader in connected technologies. Renowned for its cutting-edge audio and infotainment solutions, HARMAN designs and engineers a wide range of products for automakers, consumers, and enterprises. These include connected car systems, audio and visual products, and enterprise automation solutions.
The Vision: Innovating the Headphones of the Future
As part of its commitment to delivering superior sound experiences, HARMAN embarked on a mission to build a high-tech Audio Engineering Lab in Kvistgaard, Denmark. The goal of this lab was clear: to research and develop new technologies that could shape the future of audio, with a particular focus on innovative hearable products like next-generation headphones. The facility should serve as a hub for engineers at HARMAN.
Building the Kvistgaard Audio Engineering Lab
To turn this vision into reality, HARMAN partnered with IAC Acoustics, a leading provider of noise control and acoustic solutions, to create an advanced environment tailored for audio innovation. Central to this project is the creation of a Diffuse Sound Chamber, a specialized space designed for precise sound performance testing. This chamber will be used to design and test sound performance according to the “HARMAN Listening Curve” a global benchmark for measuring audio quality.
IAC Acoustics contributed to the construction of the Diffuse Sound Chamber using the IAC Moduline Panel System, which provides high sound insulation. The chamber also incorporates an advanced acoustic Noise-Lock® door (Rw 58 dB), ventilation systems, and a carefully calibrated floor made with 37mm thick VIKAFOAM anti-vibration pads. These pads, placed strategically beneath the chamber, ensure optimal vibration isolation, achieving a low Eigen frequency of approximately 10 Hz—essential for accurate audio testing.
In addition to vibration control, the test chamber's walls and ceiling are outfitted with a blend of reflective, diffusive and absorptive panels, ensuring the ideal reverberation and acoustic diffusion required for superior sound testing.
A New Era for Audio Innovation in Denmark
“By expanding the footprint of our Danish headquarters in Kvistgaard we are building infrastructure and cultivating a space for innovation, collaboration, and pioneering breakthroughs that will propel the audio industry forward. Sound technology is one of Denmark’s strongest tech areas, and we are thrilled to create a place for innovation at our Danish headquarters.” said Carsten Olesen, President of Consumer Audio at HARMAN.
HARMAN’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of audio technology through this new lab underscores the company’s leadership in the global sound industry. As the first and only facility of its kind in Europe, the Kvistgaard Audio Engineering Lab will employ world-class engineers, drawing talent from across the globe to create the next wave of audio advancements.
Looking Ahead
Upon the project's completion, IAC Acoustics performed acoustic measurements to assess the reverberation time within the chamber, ensuring that it meets the rigorous IEC standards 60268-24 for localized diffuse field as well as compatibility with other Harman test facilities. These tests confirmed that the lab's environment is primed for advanced research and development.
In May 2024, HARMAN officially celebrated the opening of the Kvistgaard Audio Engineering Lab, marking a milestone in the company’s mission to revolutionize hearables and audio technology. With the new facility, HARMAN continues to demonstrate its leadership in the audio industry, pushing the boundaries of sound and enriching lives through innovation.
