The Halo 6-Microphone Array

The Halo represents the listener without requiring an artificial head. With six precisely positioned microphones in the configuration recommended by the AES Technical Committee on Automotive Audio, Halo creates a standardized representation of the occupant listening space. This enables accurate, repeatable in-car acoustic measurements while dramatically reducing cost and complexity.

Although the AES TC-AA specifies this configuration for wider cost accessibility, the Halo  is the first product to truly lower the cost barrier of making standards-compliant automotive audio measurements. Its sales price is just $650; other similar-functioning 6 microphone arrays retail for more than $10,000.

Not only does it  offer unrivalled value, but it also features several significant design advantages that ensure simple configuration and accurate measurement.

The Halo  is manufactured from rugged, lightweight, ABS plastic using modern 3D printing techniques. This material offers low resonance compared to metal structures, minimizing interference with test data. The microphone clips feature unique snap fittings for fast setup with secure, consistent microphone positioning and the height is easily adjusted for precise compliance with TC-AA guidelines.

The microphone positions are numbered according to the TC-AA specification, and an optional braided cable for 6 SCM microphones is marked with the microphone number at each end for clear visual correlation of microphone position to input channel. Although we recommend pairing the Halo  with our ¼” SCM microphones, it is compatible with any measurement microphone with a ¼” shaft.

The Halo  can be rotated ± 90° with respect to the horizontal plane, and a built-in bubble level makes it easy to precisely set it to the 30° angle specified in the TC-AA guidelines. This is faster and easier than using an inclinometer and more accurate than a level in the base as it also accounts for any seat incline. The standard ¼” screw thread makes it easy to mount on any microphone stand. An optional microphone stand can also be supplied.