Frequently Asked Questions
General & Product Overview
What is acoust IQ?
acoust IQ is an app-based platform for professional, standards-compliant sound level measurements using an iPhone or iPad in combination with a digital Class 1 or Class 2 measurement microphone.
Who is acoust IQ designed for?
acoust IQ is designed for engineering consultancies, manufacturers, suppliers, operators, research institutions and testing organisations in fields such as industry, mobility, environmental acoustics, construction, and research & development.
What is the difference between the product levels basic, pro and live?
acoust IQ basic is a standalone on-site solution. acoust IQ pro extends basic with cloud connectivity for central data storage, web-based analysis and cross-location collaboration. acoust IQ live adds the ability to control and monitor measurements in real time via a web browser.
What is acoust IQ enterprise?
acoust IQ enterprise is the app version within the acoust IQ pro product level. It offers the full app functionality including cloud connectivity.
Can I switch between product levels?
Yes. The system is modular – an upgrade from basic to pro or live extends your existing solution without any hardware changes.
Hardware, Devices & Microphones
Which devices are supported?
acoust IQ runs on iPhone models starting from iPhone 15 and on iPads with a USB-C connection.
Which microphones can be used?
The app supports digital Class 1 and Class 2 microphones. Our primary recommendation is professional measurement microphones from Microtech Gefell with an integrated digital preamplifier.
Where can microphones be purchased?
Microphones can be purchased directly via acoust IQ or from Microtech Gefell: www.microtechgefell.de
Can other microphones be used??
Yes. Alternative microphones (e.g. UMIK) can generally be used. However, acoust IQ follows a whitelist policy to ensure reliable and reproducible measurement quality. Other microphones can be tested in our laboratory upon request. For professional applications, we continue to recommend Microtech Gefell.
Which microphone class is recommended?
Microphones of other classes are technically compatible. For high-quality, standards-compliant measurements, we strongly recommend using Class 1 microphones.
Are measurements possible in very small or confined spaces?
Yes. Measurements in very small spaces or narrow gaps are possible.
Why doesn’t acoust IQ work with every microphone?
To ensure acoust IQ delivers high-quality measurement results, the app must be technically matched to each specific microphone. This includes, among other things, microphone-specific parameters as well as calibration and device settings, so the microphone and the app work correctly together. That’s why acoust IQ supports only selected, validated microphones (whitelist). If you would like to use a specific microphone, we’ll be happy to review it. Please contact: Dr. Michael Mosch
Measurement Capabilities & Accuracy
Which acoustic parameters are supported?
acoust IQ supports parameters such as LAeq, LAFmax, LCpeak, Ptime histories, narrowband spectra, and third-octave band analysis.
Is acoust IQ suitable for standards-compliant measurements?
Yes. When used with certified Class 1 or Class 2 microphones, acoust IQ is designed for professional, standards-compliant sound level measurements.
Is post-processing destructive?
No. All editing is non-destructive. The original raw data remains intact at all times, and all recalculations are fully traceable.
Multichannel & Remote Measurement
Can multiple devices be used simultaneously?
Yes. acoust IQ supports multi-device and multi-location setups and is suitable for distributed measurement campaigns.
Does acoust IQ support remote measurements?
Yes. Extended configurations enable remote monitoring and control of measurements via a web interface.
How does remote measurement work with unstable internet connections?
Live previews are transmitted efficiently, while raw data is uploaded asynchronously. This ensures reliable operation even with limited or unstable bandwidth.
Long-term Measurment
Is acoust IQ suitable for unattended long-term or continuous monitoring??
acoust IQ is primarily designed for flexible, mobile, and project-based measurements where the user is actively involved, offering an optimized and efficient workflow for these scenarios.
For specialized, unattended continuous monitoring (e.g., for plant or construction site monitoring), we recommend the expertise of our sister company within the Müller-BBM Group: Müller-BBM Industry Solutions GmbH.
Psychoacoustics & Advanced Evaluation
Does acoust IQ support psychoacoustic analysis?
Yes. acoust IQ extends conventional sound level measurements with psychoacoustic parameters to better reflect human sound perception.
Which psychoacoustic parameters are currently available?
Currently supported parameters include Loudness, Roughness and Sharpness.
Which additional parameters are planned?
Tonality, Speech Transmission Index (STI) and STIPA are planned.
Why are psychoacoustic parameters important?
In many applications, sound pressure levels alone do not fully represent perceived sound quality. Psychoacoustic metrics are particularly relevant for product development, NVH analysis, mobility applications, and building and room acoustics.
Reporting, Data Management & Integration
How are reports created?
Reports can be generated directly within the app using the integrated Report Generator. Measurement data and metadata are automatically combined into consistent documentation.
Which metadata is captured?
acoust IQ can capture GPS positions, timestamps, photos, notes and markers together with the measurement data.
Where is my data stored?
The entire backend infrastructure and data storage for acoust IQ is based in Europe. Your measurement data remains within the EU at all times – fully in line with GDPR and European data protection standards.
How is measurement data transferred to the cloud?
After completing a measurement, raw data and metadata are transferred to the respective cloud environment via a custom interface.
Who has access to my data in the cloud?
Access is managed through a role- and permission-based system. You determine which team members can access which projects and data.
Do I need an internet connection for acoust IQ pro?
Not for the measurement itself. This is performed locally on the iPhone or iPad. An internet connection is required for uploading to the cloud, web-based analysis and team collaboration.
Licensing, Pricing & Procurement
Which product packages are available?
acoust IQ is available in three product levels: basic for precise on-site measurements, pro (app: enterprise) with cloud connectivity for central data management and teamwork, and live with additional real-time remote control via web browser.
How much does the Basic package cost?
The Basic package is available via the iOS App Store. Within the App Store, you can choose between monthly and annual billing options. Current pricing and payment details are available directly in the App Store.
How is pricing handled for Pro and Live packages?
Pricing for Pro and Live packages is available upon request. Contact: Imran Moseley
Is procurement possible without a credit card?
Yes. For corporate customers, purchase by invoice is generally possible.
Is trial or demo access available?
Yes. Trial access can be arranged prior to purchase upon request. Contact: Imran Moseley
Certification, Approval & Partnerships
What is the status of PTB approval?
PTB approval is currently in progress and has already received positive feedback. For updates, please contact: Dr. Michael Mosch
Is acoust IQ open to distribution partnerships?
Yes. acoust IQ is open to distribution and reseller partnerships. Contact: Imran Moseley