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defects for Bluetooth speakers

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5 defects for Bluetooth speakers

Posted: September 14, 2016

By Stacy Bruce

Speakers
are the source of much of the music we enjoy. And thanks to Bluetooth
technology, we’re now able to receive phone calls, listen to podcasts and much
more wirelessly. But it’s important to know what kind of quality defects for
Bluetooth speakers can ruin a user’s experience.

If
you’re considering importing Bluetooth speakers, you need to have reassurance
that they’ll function properly. Otherwise, you might end up killing the mood,
instead of setting it.

The
most common problems with Bluetooth speakers are relate to the sound produced by
the speakers and their connectivity to a Bluetooth-capable device. Knowing these
defects for Bluetooth speakers can help you better understand what problems
might affect your order. And if you know what can go wrong, you can prevent it
from happening to ensure that your customers have a pleasant experience with
your product.

Here
are some common defects found in Bluetooth speakers and how you can test for
them:

1.
Low speaker sensitivity

Low
sensitivity is a somewhat common defect in Bluetooth speakers. Speaker
sensitivity (efficiency) is determined by the amount of power needed to drive or
operate a loudspeaker. It’s a measurement of the amount of sound output derived
from a speaker with one watt of electricity from an amplifier. The resulting
number is expressed in decibels (dB). Simply put, the higher a speaker’s
sensitivity rating, the louder it is.

A
speaker shouldn’t require significant additional power input for you to turn up
the volume slightly. Inefficient speakers that demand lots of power for only a
low volume of sound might quickly deteriorate and break. And higher-end speakers
tend to have a longer product lifespan and greater sensitivity.

Testing
speaker sensitivity

There
are a few common methods for testing speaker sensitivity. Here’s one simple
option:

1. Place a microphone
1 meter in front of the speaker.

2. Connect the
microphone to a sound level meter to measure the exact level of noise coming out
of the speaker.

3. Send the speaker 1
watt of electricity and measure the sound level that comes out. This
measurement, expressed in decibels (dB), is the sensitivity of the
speaker.

Inefficient
speakers waste more of that 1 watt of power when trying to convert it to sound
because some power lost as heat.

Aside
from this test, you can use a free software called HOLMImpulse
to check sensitity. It needs to be installed on a Windows PC that’s also able to
connect to Bluetooth. This tool will give you very specific information about
your speakers, such as its frequency-response, impulse-response and
more.

Another
way you can take testing into your own hands is by using software from the
company Audio Precision. While not free,
factories that manufacture speakers often use software from this company for
their testing and quality control needs. This may also be an effective testing
solution for you if you’re manufacturing or importing Bluetooth
speakers.

2.
Poor Bluetooth signal

A
Bluetooth speaker that can’t connect because of poor signal strength isn’t of
much use. Out of all consumer complaints, signal dropping is one of the most
common defects for Bluetooth speakers. The user experiences a poor signal as
“spottiness”, during which the output comes and goes or stops entirely. It’s
normal to have some signal disruption when there are multiple obstructions
between a signal source and Bluetooth-equipped device.

The
workable distance of the Bluetooth signal should be written on the retail
packaging and/or instruction manual. Signal strength is typically measured
in:

•
Decibels (dBm) when expressed as an absolute value or

•
Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), which is a relative index (see
dB
vs. dBm for further explanation)

There
should be no obstruction or signal interference when testing for Bluetooth
signal strength.

Testing
Bluetooth signal strength

This
defect for Bluetooth speakers is fairly easy to test for. In fact, you won’t
need any expensive equipment to measure signal strength.

You
can download a free software called Bennett
to monitor your Bluetooth devices and determine their signal strength from your
computer. Using a software like this one can give you a fairly precise reading
of signal strength to indicate whether the signal does not meet
specifications.

3.
Phone call connection

Have
you ever tried answering your phone through your Bluetooth speaker and it cuts
out? This might be because they’re having trouble connecting.

On
some occasions, phone software might be to blame. Updating it can potentially
solve problems with signal, a phone call connection or any other issues you’re
having. But you’ll typically need standardized testing to verify the phone call
connection on several units.

Testing
phone call connection

To
test a phone call connection, simply pair your phone (with a workable sim card)
with the Bluetooth speaker and ensure they’re connected, then:

1. Call the
Bluetooth-paired phone using another phone.

2. Any music playing
through the speaker should be muted automatically once the call is received. The
ring tone should then be audible through the speaker.

3. Press the
Play/Pause/Phone button to answer the call. You should receive the call through
the speaker, and the speaker should function as a loudspeaker.

4. Press the
Play/Pause/Phone button again to end the call and resume playing
music.

A
Bluetooth speaker fails this test when it doesn’t follow the steps above for
receiving phone calls.

4.
Speaker frequency issues

Frequency
issues are another common defect for Bluetooth speakers. Frequency is a
measurement of the speaker’s ability to produce sound. The range of human
hearing is generally 20 Hz –20,000 Hz. And speakers typically have a frequency
range of 120 Hz – 22,000 Hz. When a speaker’s frequency is too high or low the
user often can’t here the sound. Other times the speaker may produce an audible
buzzing or static sound or a vibration, with adequate amplitude.

Testing
speaker frequency

Unlike
testing for other defects for Bluetooth speakers, testing frequency often
requires special equipment. A product inspector testing the speaker at a factory
will often use a frequency response tester to check frequency range. They’ll
also check for any vibration or buzzing coming from the speaker during
operation. Factories that produce audio equipment typically have this tool. But
it’s still worth asking before visiting or sending an inspector to check
frequency.

A
simpler, though less accurate, way to check speaker frequency is to play a
series of sounds through the speaker and check the speaker’s response. There are
many speaker test
audio and video clips available for free online, which you can use to check
frequency range.

5.
Rattling in a speaker

This
defect refers to a rattling sound heard during operation that’s caused by loose
parts in a Bluetooth speaker. During production, a worker might have installed a
screw incorrectly, soldered a connection insecurely or may have dropped foreign
debris into the speaker during assembly. The speaker may also have been damaged
during transit, which could cause a rattling sound during use.

Testing
for rattling

This
defect is typically obvious, although you may only hear rattling when the
speaker is operating at certain sound frequencies. To test for rattling, gently
shake the speaker by hand and listen for any loose parts rattling inside. Then
play sound through the speaker at various frequencies and check again for any
abnormal vibration or rattling sound. It may also be helpful to repeat these
steps after conducting a carton drop test with the speaker inside its packaging
(related: 5
Steps to the Carton Drop Test).

If
you suspect loose parts but can’t hear any rattling, you can also open up the
speaker to check. Just be sure that the speaker isn’t charging in a power outlet
or otherwise connected to a hazardous power source.

Conclusion

Relying
on a speaker for entertainment can quickly turn into a frustrating experience if
it doesn’t work properly. And as with many product types, consumers can be
particularly unforgiving when reviewing faulty electronics.

Whether
you’re an end consumer or an importer, awareness of these defects for Bluetooth
speakers can help you avoid frustrations. By knowing what to look out for, you
can advise suppliers of your product concerns. You’ll also have the personal
knowledge to identify these problems during your own inspection. So the next
time you look at an order of Bluetooth speakers, keep these defects in mind to
help set the mood, rather than ruin it, for your customers.

Want
to learn more sourcing best practices?

Join the Global
Sources Summit that combines conferences and networking, co-located with our
Hong Kong trade shows. The event will be held October 17-19, 2016, and is geared
toward online and Amazon sellers.

Stacy
Bruce is a Client Manager at InTouch
Manufacturing Services, a QC firm that performs product inspections and
factory audits in Asia for clients in the US, EU and
Australia.

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