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SDU's Psychoacoustics Lab

SDU's Psychoacoustics Lab tests whether your product sounds the way you intend and how sound, noise and speech affect people. We combine acoustic analysis, listening tests and measurements of bodily responses to support product development and better sound environments.

Start the collaboration today

Investigate product sounds and human responses

SDU's Psychoacoustics Lab in Sønderborg investigates product sounds, noise, voices and complex sound environments. We measure both acoustic properties and people's perceptions and responses, for example in a 12 m² sound-treated booth, through simulated soundscapes and VR, or at company premises.

We combine listening tests with synchronised measurements of brain activity, eye movements, muscle activity, heart rate, breathing and skin responses. Body language, voice and speech can also be included. These measurements complement participants' ratings and show how responses change over time. You receive a basis for developing product sounds, reducing noise and improving communication and user experiences.

Laboratory Manager

Oliver Niebuhr
Associate professor, PhD
Centre for Industrial Electronics (CIE) 
SDU Electrical Engineering
Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering

Contact and book here

What the laboratory can help with

  • We test whether a product's acoustic character matches the qualities and brand impression you intend. Does it sound robust, durable, premium, large, compact, fast, precise or dynamic? Combining acoustic analysis, listening tests and biosignals, we identify which sound features create the desired perception and provide targeted guidance for improving the product's sound design.
  • We identify and assess disturbing sound sources—from motors, pumps, compressors and electronic components to entire production environments. Using precise measurements, we locate critical frequencies, resonances and transmission paths. You receive concrete recommendations for reducing noise effectively at the source, along its propagation path or through an improved spatial layout.
  • Stationary measurements and noise heatmaps reveal where exposure is highest across the workplace. Wearable dosimeters also document when, where and how strongly individual employees are exposed throughout the working day. We assess the risk, identify critical situations and recommend targeted technical, spatial or organisational measures to create a safer acoustic working environment.
  • We optimise spoken communication between people and automated systems. For speech interfaces, we test recognition and intelligibility, develop robust command vocabularies and design suitable synthetic voices—even in realistic industrial noise. We also improve microphone, telephone and video-call systems and strengthen presentations, leadership and negotiation through Acoustic Voice Profiling.
  • We develop and test acoustic brand identities—from audio logos and jingles to brand voices, interface sounds and characteristic product sounds. We examine whether the elements fit the intended brand personality, form a coherent and recognisable sound family across touchpoints, and remain clearly differentiated from competitors. Your brand becomes not only visible, but unmistakably audible.
Illustration of a glowing light bulb, Nordic Humanities Center

FAQ

  • Contact Head of Lab Oliver Niebuhr at olni@sdu.dk or +45 6550 7649. Briefly describe your challenge, intended application and possible timeframe. We will then arrange an initial, non-binding conversation.

  • The psychoacoustics laboratory is located at SDU Sønderborg, Alsion 2, DK-6400 Sønderborg. Parts of the measurement equipment are mobile, allowing relevant studies to be conducted in the company's own environment.
  • Price and terms depend on the task, scope, equipment and level of expert support required. You will receive a written proposal before work begins. Confidentiality, data handling and intellectual property are agreed as part of the collaboration.
  • The facility is available by prior arrangement. We choose a laboratory, online or mobile setup according to the task. A member of the team supports planning, setup and safe equipment use; timing, access, support and preparation are agreed for the project.
  • Yes. Many measurements and user tests can be carried out on site when this produces more realistic data. Together, we decide whether the lab, an online study or your own environment is the best setting.
  • Yes. We can agree on confidentiality, secure data handling, publication and intellectual property so that the framework fits the project and your company's needs.

Want to know more?

Laboratory Manager

Oliver Niebuhr
Associate professor, PhD
Centre for Industrial Electronics (CIE) 
SDU Electrical Engineering
Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering

Contact and book here

Collaborate with SDU

Perhaps you know what you are looking for. Or maybe you are unsure about the possibilities or just curious? 

No matter where you start, we will help you move forward - for example, by finding the right researcher, department, or entry point into SDU. We also provide guidance on legal matters, finances, and the practical framework for collaboration.

Contact us here