Report cover image

Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Forecasts to 2032 – Global Analysis By Component (Hardware, Software and Services), Offering (Fullband Artificial Heads With Free-Field Microphones, Artificial Heads With ICP/IEPE Microphones, Head & Tors

Published Sep 25, 2025
Length 200 Pages
SKU # SMR20425470

Description

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market is accounted for $91.3 million in 2025 and is expected to reach $151.5 million by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period. Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones is a specialized acoustic measurement device designed to replicate human hearing in realistic environments. It features anatomically accurate ear structures and embedded microphones to capture binaural sound, enabling precise analysis of spatial audio, noise localization, and product acoustics. Commonly used in audio engineering, automotive testing, and psychoacoustic research, this tool ensures high-fidelity sound reproduction and supports the development of immersive audio technologies and noise control solutions across various industries.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Rise of voice-enabled devices and AI integration

Integration with AI-driven platforms enhances capabilities such as noise filtering, voice recognition, and directional sound analysis. As virtual assistants and smart speakers become mainstream, manufacturers are investing in advanced acoustic modeling tools, including artificial heads, to optimize product performance. These systems are essential for capturing spatial audio with high fidelity, enabling realistic sound reproduction and immersive user experiences. This trend is further supported by the expansion of AR/VR applications and remote collaboration tools that rely heavily on spatial audio accuracy.

Restraint:

High cost & availability of alternatives

Despite their technical superiority, artificial heads with free-field microphones remain a niche solution due to their high production and calibration costs. These systems require precision engineering, specialized materials, and rigorous testing protocols, which elevate their price point compared to conventional microphone arrays. Additionally, many industries opt for more affordable alternatives like dummy head simulators or digital emulation software, which offer acceptable performance for basic applications. Cost-sensitive markets often prioritize budget-friendly solutions over high-end acoustic accuracy.

Opportunity:

Demand for personalized audio experiences

Artificial heads with free-field microphones play a pivotal role in binaural recording, enabling content creators to deliver immersive and lifelike audio experiences. This demand is further amplified by the growth of spatial audio in streaming platforms and wearable tech, where personalized sound enhances user engagement. Innovations in 3D audio rendering and head-related transfer function (HRTF) modeling are creating new use cases for artificial heads in entertainment, healthcare, and defense sectors. The market is poised to benefit from this shift toward hyper-realistic audio personalization.

Threat:

Evolving standards and regulations

Regulatory bodies are updating protocols for audio testing, especially in sectors like automotive safety, hearing aid calibration, and consumer electronics. These changes often require manufacturers to redesign or recalibrate their artificial head systems, increasing operational complexity and cost. Moreover, the lack of universal standards for spatial audio testing can lead to inconsistencies in product validation, affecting interoperability and market acceptance. Intellectual property disputes and certification delays further pose risks to product launches and international expansion.

Covid-19 Impact:

The COVID-19 pandemic had a dual impact on the artificial head with free-field microphones market. On one hand, supply chain disruptions and reduced lab operations led to delays in manufacturing and deployment of acoustic testing equipment. On the other hand, the surge in remote communication, virtual conferencing, and digital content creation created new demand for high-fidelity audio solutions. Research institutions and audio labs adapted by investing in compact, portable artificial head systems to support remote testing and virtual simulations.

The hardware segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The hardware segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period due to its foundational role in acoustic testing and audio reproduction. Artificial heads equipped with free-field microphones are indispensable in capturing realistic sound environments, making them essential tools in audio engineering, product development, and psychoacoustic research. Their robust design and compatibility with various testing setups contribute to widespread adoption across industries.

The acoustic research segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Over the forecast period, the acoustic research segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate driven by expanding applications in sound quality analysis, environmental noise studies, and auditory perception modeling. Universities, research labs, and innovation centers are increasingly deploying artificial heads to simulate human hearing and evaluate sound behavior in complex environments. Advancements in machine learning and computational acoustics are enabling deeper insights into sound localization and binaural processing, fueling demand for high-precision measurement tools.

Region with largest share:

During the forecast period, the North America region is expected to hold the largest market share due to its strong presence of audio technology companies, research institutions, and consumer electronics giants. Moreover high investment in AR/VR platforms, gaming, and immersive media further supports market expansion. Additionally, collaborations between academia and industry are fostering advancements in spatial audio, making North America a hub for cutting-edge acoustic research.

Region with highest CAGR:

Over the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR propelled by rapid industrialization, growing consumer electronics demand, and increased investment in audio testing infrastructure. The region’s expanding entertainment industry and rising popularity of virtual experiences are driving adoption of spatial audio tools, including artificial heads. Government initiatives promoting technological innovation and digital transformation are also contributing to the market’s accelerated growth.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market include HEAD acoustics GmbH, Brüel & Kjær, G.R.A.S. Sound & Vibration, Microtech Gefell GmbH, Norsonic AS, NTi Audio AG, Knowles Corporation, STMicroelectronics N.V., TDK Corporation, Infineon Technologies AG, PCB Piezotronics, Inc., ACO Pacific, Inc., Røde Microphones, Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG, Shure Incorporated, Audio-Technica Corporation, and Neumann.

Key Developments:

In September 2025, Baseus selected Knowles Balanced Armature Drivers for its Inspire XC1 open-ear wireless earbuds. This collaboration enhances audio clarity and comfort for mobile users.

In September 2025, STMicroelectronics announced a new Panel-Level Packaging (PLP) pilot line in Tours, France. This facility will advance next-gen chip packaging for automotive and industrial applications.

In August 2025, PCB introduced the Endevco® Model 7262A, an amplified piezoresistive MEMS accelerometer. Designed for high-shock outdoor environments, it offers rugged performance and temperature compensation.

Components Covered:
• Hardware
• Software
• Services

Offerings Covered:
• Fullband Artificial Heads With Free-Field Microphones
• Artificial Heads With ICP/IEPE Microphones
• Head & Torso (Kemar) With Interchangeable Mic Sets
• Portable Binaural Recorders + Artificial Head Combos
• Other Offerings

Technologies Covered:
• Analog
• Digital
• MEMS-based

Applications Covered:
• Acoustic Research
• Virtual Reality & Gaming
• Audiology & Hearing Aid Testing
• Automotive Cabin Acoustics
• Consumer Electronics Testing
• Telecommunication
• Broadcast & Recording Studios
• Other Applications

End Users Covered:
• Research Institutions
• Universities
• Audio Equipment Manufacturers
• OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers)
• Testing Laboratories
• Other End Users

Regions Covered:
• North America US Canada Mexico
• Europe Germany UK Italy France Spain Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific Japan China India Australia New Zealand South Korea Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America Argentina Brazil Chile Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa Saudi Arabia UAE Qatar South Africa Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2024, 2025, 2026, 2028, and 2032
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements






Table of Contents

200 Pages
1 Executive Summary
2 Preface
2.1 Abstract
2.2 Stake Holders
2.3 Research Scope
2.4 Research Methodology
2.4.1 Data Mining
2.4.2 Data Analysis
2.4.3 Data Validation
2.4.4 Research Approach
2.5 Research Sources
2.5.1 Primary Research Sources
2.5.2 Secondary Research Sources
2.5.3 Assumptions
3 Market Trend Analysis
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Drivers
3.3 Restraints
3.4 Opportunities
3.5 Threats
3.6 Technology Analysis
3.7 Application Analysis
3.8 End User Analysis
3.9 Emerging Markets
3.10 Impact of Covid-19
4 Porters Five Force Analysis
4.1 Bargaining power of suppliers
4.2 Bargaining power of buyers
4.3 Threat of substitutes
4.4 Threat of new entrants
4.5 Competitive rivalry
5 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market, By Component
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Hardware
5.2.1 Artificial Head & Torso Simulators (HATS)
5.2.2 Free-Field Microphones
5.2.3 Preamplifiers
5.2.4 Cables & Accessories
5.3 Software
5.3.1 Measurement and Analysis Software
5.3.2 Calibration Software
5.4 Services
5.4.1 Calibration Services
5.4.2 Maintenance and Repair Services
5.4.3 Consulting Services
6 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market, By Offering
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Fullband Artificial Heads With Free-Field Microphones
6.3 Artificial Heads With ICP/IEPE Microphones
6.4 Head & Torso (Kemar) With Interchangeable Mic Sets
6.5 Portable Binaural Recorders + Artificial Head Combos
6.6 Other Offerings
7 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market, By Technology
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Analog
7.3 Digital
7.4 MEMS-based
8 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market, By Application
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Acoustic Research
8.3 Virtual Reality & Gaming
8.4 Audiology & Hearing Aid Testing
8.5 Automotive Cabin Acoustics
8.6 Consumer Electronics Testing
8.7 Telecommunication
8.8 Broadcast & Recording Studios
8.9 Other Applications
9 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market, By End User
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Research Institutions
9.3 Universities
9.4 Audio Equipment Manufacturers
9.5 OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers)
9.6 Testing Laboratories
9.7 Other End Users
10 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market, By Geography
10.1 Introduction
10.2 North America
10.2.1 US
10.2.2 Canada
10.2.3 Mexico
10.3 Europe
10.3.1 Germany
10.3.2 UK
10.3.3 Italy
10.3.4 France
10.3.5 Spain
10.3.6 Rest of Europe
10.4 Asia Pacific
10.4.1 Japan
10.4.2 China
10.4.3 India
10.4.4 Australia
10.4.5 New Zealand
10.4.6 South Korea
10.4.7 Rest of Asia Pacific
10.5 South America
10.5.1 Argentina
10.5.2 Brazil
10.5.3 Chile
10.5.4 Rest of South America
10.6 Middle East & Africa
10.6.1 Saudi Arabia
10.6.2 UAE
10.6.3 Qatar
10.6.4 South Africa
10.6.5 Rest of Middle East & Africa
11 Key Developments
11.1 Agreements, Partnerships, Collaborations and Joint Ventures
11.2 Acquisitions & Mergers
11.3 New Product Launch
11.4 Expansions
11.5 Other Key Strategies
12 Company Profiling
12.1 HEAD acoustics GmbH
12.2 Brüel & Kjær
12.3 G.R.A.S. Sound & Vibration
12.4 Microtech Gefell GmbH
12.5 Norsonic AS
12.6 NTi Audio AG
12.7 Knowles Corporation
12.8 STMicroelectronics N.V.
12.9 TDK Corporation
12.10 Infineon Technologies AG
12.11 PCB Piezotronics, Inc.
12.12 ACO Pacific, Inc.
12.13 Røde Microphones
12.14 Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG
12.15 Shure Incorporated
12.16 Audio-Technica Corporation
12.17 Neumann
List of Tables
Table 1 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Region (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 2 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Component (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 3 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Hardware (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 4 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Artificial Head & Torso Simulators (HATS) (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 5 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Free-Field Microphones (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 6 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Preamplifiers (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 7 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Cables & Accessories (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 8 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Software (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 9 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Measurement and Analysis Software (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 10 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Calibration Software (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 11 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Services (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 12 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Calibration Services (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 13 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Maintenance and Repair Services (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 14 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Consulting Services (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 15 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Offering (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 16 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Fullband Artificial Heads With Free-Field Microphones (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 17 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Artificial Heads With ICP/IEPE Microphones (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 18 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Head & Torso (Kemar) With Interchangeable Mic Sets (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 19 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Portable Binaural Recorders + Artificial Head Combos (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 20 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Other Offerings (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 21 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Technology (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 22 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Analog (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 23 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Digital (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 24 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By MEMS-based (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 25 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Application (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 26 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Acoustic Research (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 27 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Virtual Reality & Gaming (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 28 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Audiology & Hearing Aid Testing (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 29 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Automotive Cabin Acoustics (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 30 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Consumer Electronics Testing (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 31 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Telecommunication (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 32 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Broadcast & Recording Studios (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 33 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Other Applications (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 34 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By End User (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 35 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Research Institutions (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 36 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Universities (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 37 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Audio Equipment Manufacturers (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 38 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 39 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Testing Laboratories (2024-2032) ($MN)
Table 40 Global Artificial Head with Free-Field Microphones Market Outlook, By Other End Users (2024-2032) ($MN)
Note: Tables for North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East & Africa Regions are also represented in the same manner as above.
How Do Licenses Work?
Head shot

Questions or Comments?

Our team has the ability to search within reports to verify it suits your needs. We can also help maximize your budget by finding sections of reports you can purchase.