EMMA Sound Quality Judge Book, Edition 2024

Welcome to the European Mobile Media Association ....................................................... 2
4.0

Preface .......................................................................................................... 2

Introduce yourself in a polite way to the competitor. ............................................ 2
4.1

Pre-Judging Check ..................................................................................... 2

4.1.1

Check Charger Y / N ............................................................................... 2

4.1.2

Verification of Reasonable Driving Position Y / N .................................. 2

4.1.3

Channel Verification ................................................................................ 2

Intro and Welcome Track 1: ................................................................................. 2
4.1.4

Calibration of Volume .............................................................................. 2

4.1.5

Limited view ............................................................................................ 2

4.2

Imaging Characteristics .............................................................................. 4

4.2.1

Imaging - Positions (0 to 25 points)......................................................... 4

4.2.2

Imaging – Focus (0 - 25 points) .............................................................. 4

4.3

Sound Stage and Imaging Characteristics Track 7 .................................... 5

4.3.1

Sound Stage - Distance to the Soundstage (0 - 15 points) ..................... 5

4.3.2

Sound Stage - Width of sound stage (0 – 15 points)............................... 7

4.3.3

Sound Stage - Height of the sound stage (0- 15 points) ......................... 8

4.3.4

Sound Stage – Room Information (1 to 5 points) .................................... 8A FEW THINGS ABOUT TONAL ACCURACY .................................................... 9
SUGGESTION FOR THE SOUND JUDGES..................................................... 10
4.4

Tonal accuracy (0 - 120 points) Tracks 8, 9, 10 and 11 ........................... 10

4.5

Overall Spectral Balance (0 - 30 points) ................................................... 13

4.6

Listening pleasure (0 - 30 points) ............................................................. 13

4.7

Adjustments ............................................................................................. 14

4.8

Ergonomics .............................................................................................. 15

LAST BUT NOT LEAST EXPLANATIONS TO THE COMPETITORS................ 16

Explanations of the terms for the judge to the participant ......................................... 22

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EMMA Sound Quality Judge Book, Edition 2024

Welcome to the European Mobile Media Association
4.0 Preface
This manual is designed to describe the exact procedure, used for judging a vehicles soundsystem, according to EMMA Rules and regulations and will be continuously updated.
Introduce yourself in a polite way to the competitor.

Follow the procedures and rules in chapter 4 as described in pages 38 & 39 in the Rulebook.
4.1

Pre-Judging Check

4.1.1

Check Charger Y / N

Ask the competitor to disconnect the battery charger (if any) from his/her system anddocument it into the checkbox on the score sheet.
4.1.2

Verification of Reasonable Driving Position Y / N

Check the competitor9s ability to operate the gearstick, the steering wheel & the pedals withthe given driver's seat adjustment and document it into the checkbox.
4.1.3

Channel Verification

The judge will use Tracks 2 & 3 of the CD to check left and right integrity. If they arereversed, the competitor is given up to 5 minutes to repair the fault.
Intro and Welcome Track 1:

This track is a first impression of the sound, which is fast, clean, and full.
The voice sounds clear, warm, and direct, placed in the centre of the sound system.
4.1.4

Calibration of Volume

The Competitor suggests the Volume to be listened at by the sound judges.
The Judges should use this Volume!
Only in case that the suggested Volume is too loud (more than 80dB unweighted slow
measurement with pink noise), the Judges must take a measurement to correct the Volume.
In case the suggested volume is too low, it is the competitor9s decision to keep it or ask you
to adjust the volume.
Furthermore the equipment used for reproducing the EMMA Sound Quality source will be
noted on the score sheet.
4.1.5

Limited viewwww.emmanet.com

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The judge will sit in the designated listening position and check if anything from the Audiosystems Installation is interfering with the view. This rule applies to the windscreen and thetwo front side windows. Windows within the A-Pillar/ additional windows in the front of thefront doors will not be considered if the height of the window is not more than half the heightof the side window at the highest point (height is measured perpendicular to the road).

If the view is restricted,
the Judges deduct 3 Points
for each not OK Situation.

- the view to the side mirrors should not be blocked (if no passenger side mirror installed, therear view mirror must allow a full view back)How to Judge
The measurement will be taken as follows:• 4 cm perpendicular height taken 90 degrees to the road surface, when checking fromthe bottom of the screen or the side windows.
• When measuring on the windscreen the measurements are always taken from theedge of any opaque areas which are part of the screen. IE the LAST, smallest blackdot• 4 cm from the A-pillars at 90 degrees to the A-pillar.
Hint:• This does not include the actual screen used for media playback.
• If the audio build is greater than the 4 cm measurement but is still NOT obscuring theroad, (e.g. it is obscuring only the car bonnet), then this is acceptable.
How to score (deduction):
3 points will be deducted per build that obscures the view to a maximum of 6 points.

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4.2

Imaging Characteristics

4.2.1

Imaging - Positions (0 to 25 points)

Track 2 to 6: Technical Tracks for Positions and Focus
The sound stage is divided to 4 equal distances by 5 positions in the following order:
Left, Right, Center, Left center, Right center
The Left and the Right positions of the sound stage are relatively easy to score.
Center, Left center and Right center positions are more difficult to be in their exact place.
The 5 different sounds appear at each position in the following order:
Instrument

Frequency

Electronic BassElectronic Guitar
FluteCelesta
Triangle

40 – 100 Hz
100 - 250 Hz
1 kHz - 250 Hz
1 kHz - 2 kHz
2 kHz – 4kHz plays >20kHz

Please note that these are the main frequencies of the instruments and of course theylower and higher frequencies also.

How to score?
The 5 tones on tracks 2-6 should be heard on their positions.
The height is NOT scored here.
When a tone can be heard in multiple places score 0 points for that instrument.
If the initial sound of the same instrument is in the right place but the 2nd or 3rd sound is
not in the same place, then score 0.
On the diagram above, A is correct and gets full points.
B, C, and D get 0 points.
Hint:
Every sound starts at one small point which indicates its location, and then spreads
equally round it.
Score the location that every sound starts.
The attack is for position, the attack with the swing out is for focus determination
4.2.2

Imaging – Focus (0 - 25 points)

Tracks 2 to 6: Technical Tracks for Positions and Focus
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The technical tracks 2-6 for positioning and focus will be used to define the five positions.
The centre position should be exactly in the middle between the ultimate left and ultimate
right. Left centre should be exactly in the middle between ultimate left and centre. Rightcentre should be exactly in the middle between centre and ultimate right. This means that all
positions should be evenly spaced. When the sound is not coming from the position where it
should appear, less points will be given for that position. For each correct position of each
instrument the judges will score 1 Point.
Focus means correct size of each instrument, relatively to one another. The instruments
should appear exactly on their designated position. If they are out of focus the judge will note
0 points.
Do not confuse size with volume. Louder does not mean bigger.
Each different sound in each position should be distinct with the correct focus-size.
The size of the focus is relative to the size of the stage. If the stage is very small also all
focus should be smaller. If the stage is very wide the focus should be bigger in size. In any
case all instruments should appear within the boundaries of the stage.
Relative sizes are:
Electric Bass: big size
Electric guitar: smaller than above
Flute: smaller than Guitar
Celesta: quite smaller than the flute
Triangle: smaller like a Celeste
Size of each tone should be considered, relatively to one another.
Please note that if the size is not fitting in, the position may be wrong too.
4.3

Sound Stage and Imaging Characteristics Track 7

4.3.1

Sound Stage - Distance to the Soundstage (0 - 15 points)

This is the distance between the listener and where the soundstage begins.
Track 7: Technical Track for Width, Height, Distance and Room Information
This is a track with moving instruments!
Instruments in stable position:
Vibra Slap (rattle like sounding Percussion) marking the starting points and endpoints ofcowbell and overtone flute movements at 0:26 min, 0:52 min and 1:13
Tuned Glass bottles 0:00 min - 0:22 min, and also from 1:13 min - 1:23 in being processedwith a ping pong like delaying effect and therefore moving quickly from left to right and viceversa
Shaker (Percussion). From 0:52 min. To 1:23 minDrum set including Conga and Timbales from 0:20 min to end
Electric Bass
Clean Electric Guitar from 0:31 min. -1:13 minwww.emmanet.com

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Piano from 0:31 min to 0:52 min
Distorted Lead Guitar 0:15 min - 0: 31 min tuned lower
Bowed Double Bass Tone dressed in Atmospheric Sound from 8sec to 25 secs
Extra deep Drum from 5secs to 20secs
Clapping wood blocks from 4secs to 20 secs
Spring drum (Thunder sound effect) at the End
Instruments moving:
Cowbell (big), Overtone FluteDescription of moving instruments:
00:26 – 00:52
Cowbell: Moving from left to right for 10 bars
00:52 – 01:13
Overtone Flute: Moving from right to left for 8 bars; starting at 0:52 min an ending at 1:13 min

Listen to all Instruments.
The instrument that sounds the nearest/closest to you is the instrument that is judged in thissection. It can be a moving instrument OR a stable instrument.
How to score?
15 points
14 points
13 points
10 to12 points
9 points
7 to 8 points
6 points
4 to 5 points
3 points
2 points
1 point
0 point

Is well out of the front windshieldIs just out of the bottom end of the front windshield
Is at the bottom end of the front windshield
Is between the beginning of the dashboard and the windshield
Is where the dashboard begins
Is between the top of steering wheel & the beginning of the dashboard.
Is on top of steering wheel
Is between the top of steering wheel and the listener's body.
Is touching the face or chest of the listener.
Is on the head/body of the listener.
Is anywhere behind the listener.
No sound.

Avoid scoring 0 or 1 unless it’s absolutely necessary.

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4.3.2

Sound Stage - Width of sound stage (0 – 15 points)

This is the distance between the left and the right side of the soundstage.
Track 7: Technical Track for Width, Height, Distance and Room Information
How to score?
Left: One of the instruments that is furthest to the center is your point to judge.
Right: One of the instruments that is furthest to the center is your point to judge
For scoring follow the vertical lines on the diagram. Add left and right points.
Never score 0 and avoid scoring 1 unless it is absolutely necessary.

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4.3.3

Sound Stage - Height of the sound stage (0- 15 points)

Ideally the stage height should be stable at horizon level from left to right, with some verticalspread below and above that level. It means, that some instruments may appear a little lower
or a little higher than most of the others who appear at horizon level.
Track 7: Technical Track for Width, Height, Distance and Room Information
All instruments should be on the same height. All stable AND moving instruments. Ideally oneye level.
How to score:
Follow all moving instruments and use the stable instruments too. Some moving
instruments can fall a little bit down on some positions. Deduct 1 point for every
instrument that is NOT on eye level at any position.

Be careful: Score only the height – NOT the positions.
4.3.4Sound Stage – Room Information(1 to 5 points)

Track 7: Technical Track for Width, Height, Distance and Room Information
This is the sense of space around the music created by room reverberations (aka echoes), in
which the recording took place or created by the engineer.
Either way you should close your eyes and imagine the room size you are listening in.
Imagine the size of the room.
You should sense the size of the room and the reflections of the sound on the side walls,(left-right & front-rear) and the floor - ceiling. Within Track 7 the impression of an existing
room shall be created. The spring drum in the end is making a big room feeling and is far
behind the Instruments in the center position. In an ideal scenario is if it sounds like drifting
away from the listener. Also the moving instruments are closer and should not appear on asimilar distance to the listener like the stable instrument. This feeling of a room sizes thesource for the scoring.
How to score:
Start with 1 point and add on the following points
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2 Points
3 Points
4 Points
5 Points

there is some room audible but not big
a room is to feela big room is audible
the impression of an extraordinary big room is audible

A FEW THINGS ABOUT TONAL ACCURACYPHASEIn the car we can detect phase differences, mostly from the passenger side.
Small phase problems: Most people cannot detect them as they are too small, andyou must concentrate on details to spot them.
We can describe these problems in the same way as we do in Medium, but theeffects described are a lot less hearable.
Medium phase problems: most people detect that something is wrong about themusic but cannot describe or explain what.
The music sounds like as it is coming from further away, creating an ambience as if
we were in a small or big church.
Or you feel that an instrument is moving forward or backward depending on thefrequency.
Some instruments sound natural, but some others sound unnatural, depending on thefrequency.
Small or big emptiness in low frequencies are easier to detect.
A phase difference on only one frequency makes instruments sound unnatural on thisfrequency only.
It can also be that the same sound e.g., Floor Tom comes from Subwoofer with a timedifference than from Midbass.
Big phase problems are easier to detect as they make music sound completely
unnatural and annoying.
We can describe these problems as in Medium, but on a superlative degree.
EMPTINESS IN SOUND
For the low frequency instruments, the Subwoofer and Mid-Woofer, Frequencies are
responsible.
For human voices and mid frequencies instruments, the Mid-Woofer and theMidrange Frequencies are responsible.
For human voices and High Frequency Instruments, the Midrange and HighFrequencies are responsible.
BASS & BASS DRUM
Most of the time, Bass Drum and Bass, hit at the same time in same or similar tones.
On well-adjusted systems you will be able to distinguish & separate them from one
another.
They affect the SUB & MIDBASS area.
ATTACK
Describes the feeling that the reproduction speed playing on the soundstage isaccording to the instrument playing. This means how fast the attack is coming andhow fast it disappears and is no longer audible.
Some sounds come in very fast (snare, cymbal), while others come in, slower (piano,bass).
A good system can reproduce all of them very realistically.
DECAY
All sounds, even the sharpest ones after the initial attack/strike have a continuation ofsound (decay - ambience) after they finish called Decay.
The slower sounds have bigger decay while the fast ones have smaller decay.

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SUGGESTION FOR THE SOUND JUDGES

Judge Tonal Accuracy by using tracks 8, 9, 10 and 11
Every instrument & voice should sound very natural & distinct, without affecting thesound of another.
GENERAL THINGS ABOUT RECORDINGSThe Bass Drum, the Bass and the Lead Vocals of all tracks are mostly at center
position. The Bass Drum is always behind the Bass.
Bass Drum has a quite big focus; Double Bass has bigger focus in lower tones, but
smaller size & more precise focus on higher tones.
Electric Bass is about the same size with bass drum on low tones and has more focus
on higher tones.
When Bass Drum sounds, Bass sounds at the same time. You should be able todistinguish these 2 different sounds very clearly & easily.
Train your ears: Focus on the Bass Drum alone. Focus on the Double Bass alone.
Now focus on both.
The Lead Vocals are in front
Track 8: Classic Mendelssohn - Narita
Only a Grand Piano Steinway B and a very clear Voice
Track 9: Hungry Bird
Vocals and backing Vocals. Jazz Drums played with Brushes and Sticks, Acoustic
Bass, Grand Piano Yamaha C7(sounds different than Steinway B), Harpsichord, Jaw
Harp, Percussion, Ukulele, Resonator Guitar, Electric Guitar, Tuba, Trumpets, Flute,
Clarinet and Birdy Flute
Track 10: Carero
Vocals and backing Vocals, Grand Piano Yamaha C7, Electric Bass, Electric Guitar,
Congas, Bongos, Timbales, Cabasa, Cowbell, Guiro, Organ and Handclaps
Track 11: Mama Nature
Vocals and backing Vocals, Drums, Electric Bass, Electric Guitar, Keyboards,
Keyboard Strings, Tambourine and Synth FX
4.4

Tonal accuracy (0 - 120 points)

Tracks 8, 9, 10 and 11

Sub-bass - 10 to 60 Hz (0 - 30 points)
Instruments: Double Brass, Tuba, Trombone, French Horn, Woodwinds, ElectricBass, Bass Clarinet, Contrabass, , Bass Violin, Cello, Harp, Big Drums, Piano, Organ,
Viola, Harp
Mid bass - 60 to 200 Hz (0 - 30 points)
Instruments: Voices, Bass, Brass, Tuba, Trombone, French Horn, Trumpet,
Woodwinds, Clarinet, Oboe, English Horn, Alto Sax, Bass, Bass Clarinet, Contrabass,
Tympani, Bass Violin, Cello, Guitar, Viola, Violin, Harp, Piano, Organ, Tambourine,
Drums, Floor Tom, Harp
Midrange - 200 to 3000 Hz (0 - 30 points)
Instruments: Voices, Bass, Brass, Tuba, Trombone, French Horn, Trumpet,
Woodwinds, Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, English Horn, Alto Saxophone, Bass, Strings,
Cello, Guitar, Viola, Violin, Harp, Piano, Organ, Piccolo, Bells, Drums, Tambourine,
Cymbals, High Hat, Ride, Shaker, Rattle Snake, Tom Tom, Floor Tom, Harp
High Frequencies - 3000 Hz to inaudibility (0 - 30 points)
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Instruments: Voices, Woodwinds, Piccolo, Flute, Clarinet, Strings, Violin, Triangle,
Brushes, Harp, Piano, Organ, Bells, Tom Tom, Cymbals, High Hat, Ride, Shaker,
Rattle Snake, Harp
Use the following scoring guide to score Sub-Bass, Mid-Bass, Midrange, Highs, &Overall Spectral Balance.
A

29 to 30 points. 98% to 99% Joyful, amazing, wonderful, shuddering, unbelievable
tuneful, substantial, sexy, full of emotion
Life Like - Completely Natural & Clear, generate full feelings, emotions, shuddering,
warm, inviting, relaxing sound, Voices/instruments breath, with space aroundthem,99% Harmonically & Musical,
All details are there, All Instrument tones are 100% Distinct & Separate, The s,x,f,csound perfect,
The hardware disappears; nothing comes between you & the music, completely
effortless soundFull of endless Energy & Dynamics, all tones start & stop with great precision &energy. Perfect Instrument Size, Real Vocals in full body with flesh and bloodB

27 to 28 points. 95% to 97% it feels extremely close to, but just a little bit less than
the above
Very Close to Completely Natural & Clear, Generate almost full feeling, shuddering,extremely close to the above, almost 99% Harmony & Musicality
Almost all details are there, All Instrument tones are almost 100% Distinct &Separate, The s,x,f,c sound almost perfect
The hardware almost disappears, Almost Effortless,
Almost full of Energy & Dynamics, almost all tones start & stop with great precision &energy. Very close to Perfect Instrument size, Real vocals with almost full bodyC

24 to 26 points. 90% to 94% Everything is there in very good proportion, but just notgood enoughA great deal of Naturalness & Clarity, generate a lot of feelings, no shuddering, a lotof space & atmosphere, but not enough, a great deal of Harmony & Musicality.
Most of the details are there, Most tones are very Distinct & Separate, The s,x,f,csounds a little bit thicker or thinner than normal,
Wide open window to the sound, the hardware adds tiny coloration, little effort in a
few tones,
A great deal of Energy & Dynamics, most tones starts & stop with great precision &energy,A little smaller or bigger Instrument size, Close to real vocals with close to full bodyD

21 to 23 points. 85% to 89%. Almost everything is there in good proportion, butsomething is obviously missing, or is too much.
Fair Naturalness & Clarity, generate fair feelings, Space is medium or little larger thannormal, Fair Harmony & / or Musicality
A few details are missing, Most tones are almost very Distinct & Separate, The s,x,f,csound thicker or thinner than normal
Almost open window to the sound, the hardware adds little color, Little Effort in a lot of
tones.
Fair Energy & Dynamics, some tones start & stop with great precision & energy
Fairly smaller or bigger instrument size, Close to real vocals with little less body.

E

18 to 20 points. 80% to 84% Sounds correct, but there are missing things or does
not give much music feeling
Little Naturalness & Clarity, Generate little feelings, little space & atmosphere, little
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A few details are there, a lot of tones are very Distinct & Separate, the s, x,f,c sound a
lot thicker or thinner than normal.
A couple of tones behind a curtain, colorations more obvious, Fair Effort in a few
tones, Little Energy & / or Dynamics, only a couple of tones start & stop with great
precision & energy.
A few Instruments smaller or bigger size, good vocals with half size body.
F

15 to 17 points. 75% to 79% Sounds nice but some tracks sound nicer than others.
Only some tones Natural & / or Clear, Generate feeling only in a few tones, Space &atmosphere only in some notes & / or instruments, Harmony & / or M in a few tones
Details only in few tones, a lot of tones are almost very Distinct & Separate, the s,x,f,csound a little blur or whistling.
Some tones behind a curtain, colorations obvious, Fair Effort in a lot of tones
Energy & / or Dynamics in only a few tones, Acceptable transients.
A lot of Instruments smaller or bigger size, good vocals with very small or very big
body.

G

12 to 14 points. 70% to 74% Sounds acceptable, nothing annoying but not so clear.
Not Natural but clean, generate feeling only in little tones, too much space, Harmony& / or M musicality in little tones,
Very little details, A few tones are Distinct & / or Separate, the s,x,f,c sound blur orwhistling.
A lot of tones behind a curtain, many colorations, a lot of effort in a few tones
Energy & / or Dynamics only in a couple of tones, acceptable transients only in a
specific range.
Quite smaller or bigger Instrument size, Acceptable vocals with no body.

H

9 to 11 points. 50% to 69% Sounds acceptable, almost nothing annoying
Not Natural but almost clean, no Feelings, no Space, or enormous Space, Almost No
Harmony & / or Musicality
Almost no details, Little tones are Distinct & / or Separate, The s,x,f,c sound blur orwhistling a lot.
The curtain is quite obvious, A lot of effort in a lot of tones,
Almost no Energy & / or Dynamics, Poor transients.
Half or Double size Instruments, almost acceptable vocals with no body.

I

5 to 8 points. 30% to 49% Sounds annoying in only some tones or tunes
Not Natural, some tones clean, some opposite feelings, Space & Atmosphere noteasy to detect, No Harmony & / or Musicality
Hard to detect details, Almost no Distinction & / or Separation, the s,x,f,c soundharsh,
The curtain is heavy, big effort in a few tones,
No Energy or Dynamics, very poor transients,
Very big differences in instrument size, poor vocals with no or enormous bodyK

1 to 4 points. 1% to 29% Sounds annoying in almost all tunes and tracks
Not Natural, bad feelings, Space not detectable, No Harmony & / or Musicality
No details, no distinction & separation, Hard to listen to,
The curtain is very thick & heavy, Big effort in a lot of tones,
No Energy & Dynamics, No transients,
Cannot detect instrument size, cannot detect vocal size.

L

0 points. No Sound

0%

Additional hints:
Mistakes or miss-adjustments in the crossover area should result to lower score on
both e.g. Midrange and High Frequency sections
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Never score 0 if there is a sound and avoid going lower than (5 to 8) unless it isabsolutely necessary.
4.5

Overall Spectral Balance (0 - 30 points)

Here we judge all the above (Sub, Mid-Bass, Midrange, & Highs) as a whole - as one thing.
How all the frequencies - the entire bandwidth - are blended/combined. How is the sound as
a total? Are they well linked together, or not?
Track 11: Mama Nature
Well balanced track with some effects. All instruments should sound clear and rich.
The position of every single instrument is spot on.

Overall Spectral Balance at higher volume (0 - 30 points)
The same as the above, but at 6db louder volume level.
If the sound is better than SB in normal volume, add 1 to 3 points, if not deduct
1 to 3 points. In case of bigger difference contact the head judge.
The suggestion to the judges is to step up the volume by at least 2 to 3 steps.
This may vary from head unit to head unit.
Additional hints:
Although it appears so, Overall Spectral Balance is not a point average, given to Subbass, Mid-Bass, Midrange & High frequencies
Small point differences between Sub-bass, Mid-Bass, Midrange & Highs, gives apoint result in Overall SB that looks like a point average of the above.
Big point differences between Sub-bass, Mid-Bass, Midrange & High frequencies cangive a lot lower points in Overall Spectral Balance
Overall Spectral Balance scoring can never be higher than the highest point in Tonal
Accuracy
Overall Spectral Balance scoring can be lower than the lowest point in Tonal
Accuracy
Never score 0 if there is a sound and avoid going lower than (5 to 8) unless it isabsolutely necessary.
4.6

Listening pleasure (0 - 30 points)

It8s the pleasure and joy that music can generate to the listeners.
Considering all musical tracks, score the following:
Naturalness
Harmony &Musicality
Atmosphere & Emotions
Clarity
Effortless soundDynamics & Energy
Distinction & Separation
Body of Voice & Instrumentswww.emmanet.com

0 to 3 points
0 to 3 points
0 to 3 points
0 to 3 points
0 to 3 points
0 to 3 points
0 to 3 points
0 to 3 points
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Transparency
Details

0 to 3 points
0 to 3 points

How to score:
0 points for no Naturalness at all
1 point for little Naturalness
2 points for fair Naturalness
3 points for perfect Naturalness
Hints:The scoring here seems to have a connection with the Overall Spectral Balance scoring.
These 2 scorings are not directly connected, but the actual scorings cannot be far awayfrom OSB under normal circumstances.
You must score listening pleasure from a different point of view.
Do you get pleasure from the music you are listening to? Or you do not?
Under most cases listening pleasure will score proportional to Overall Spectral Balance
points at higher level. E.g., SB=20 points LP=18 to 20 points
It can be that a system not so good in SB gives some listening pleasure & can score
proportionally a little higher. E.g., SB=18 points, LP=20 to 22 points
It is not realistic to score 18 on the Overall Spectral Balance and score 25 on listening
pleasure.
It is not realistic to score 28 on the Overall Spectral Balance, and score 12 on listening
pleasure.
A sound system that sounds very good or excellent, should be able to show it throughout
the whole score sheet.
On a sound system that does not sound so good, you have to point this out in detailthroughout the score sheet.
Never score 0 and avoid scoring below 5 unless it is absolutely necessary.
Even a bad (not a very bad) sounding car should score around 10 points.
4.7

Adjustments

Track 12: Zero Bit Track
Engine-off Testing - Switching Noise (-6 - 0 points)
Potential noises can be:
Turn-on / turn-off noise, switching pops -- a popping, thumping, or clicking noise, that isheard through the system's speakers when the system is powered up by the source unit's
on/off switch or switching pops - a clicking or popping noise that comes through the
speakers when adjustments are made to the audio system's volume or track selection
controls. Zipper, digital search, or stepper noises, which are inherent in some digital volume
control designs, are beyond the scope of being corrected by proper installation techniques
but are not considered acceptable and will result in point deduction.
A noise that is emulated from or by the audio system, the vehicle, or the vehicle
environment and that is not recorded on the EMMA Sound Quality CD.

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Potential noises can be:
Rush, hum, hiss, cracks, floor noise, rattling panels, loud fans, mechanical noise etc.
Points are not to be deducted for mechanical noises such as relay clicks, or automatic
motorized covers being activated.
How to score:
0 points
1 to -2 points
3 to -4 points
5 to -6 points
4.8

No audible noise
Barely audible noise
Audible noise
Disturbingly audible noise

Ergonomics

System Handling(0 - 6 points )System Handling – Visibility (0 - 3 points)
All relevant information about the music track must be in the same area. Even if it is morethan one display all Information like, Track Title, Volume etc. must be clearly visible for thejudge.
3 points when in this grey area

2 points when in this grey area

1 point when outside of this grey areawww.emmanet.com

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0 point for very bad visibility or NO display

System Handling - Control (0 - 3 points)
3 Points - Very easy to access and operate the system. (Extra Remote) Controls can be
adjusted with hands on the steering wheel. (Extra Remote) control unit should be proper
mounted (should not move when adjusting).
2 Points - Easy to access and operate the system. (Extra remote) control is installed
and properly mounted (should not move when adjusting). A loose handheld remotecontrol is not accepted.
1 Point - Easy to access and operate the system. No remote control
0 Points - Hard to access and operate the system. Source unit out of reach
LAST BUT NOT LEAST EXPLANATIONS TO THE COMPETITORS

The competitor will always receive a realistic description of the quality of his/her sound by thejudgesYour conversation with the competitor should be done in a very kind & polite way.
Please choose your words in such a way that are not offensive for the competitor or his
equipment. The Judges should explain in a simple & fast way, the points that you gave forhis system.
Your explanations should be done in a way that the competitor is able to understand themeaning. The competitor may not know what a phase difference is and how many points
deductions that causes. Never use brand names or installer's names while explaining.
But you can recommend them to listen to another car - NOT FROM HIS CLASS - thatsounds good to hear the difference. Never tell the competitor that the system sounds very
good by scoring only 15 points in Tonal Accuracy. Sounds very good = for the competitormeans close to the top.
So please choose your words very carefully!

Addendums and updates to the rules will be published at www.emmanet.com
Musicians:
Kozue Sato:

Flute, Intro Voice,Anka Draugelates:

Vocals (Hungry Bird)

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Misaki Kobayashi:

Vocals (Klassik)

Dany Fuchs:

Lead & Backing Vocals (Mama Nature)

Steffi Bahringer:

add. Vocals (Mama Nature)

Matthias Veit:

Piano Klassik

Matthias Müller:

GuitarArmin Metz:

Electric Bass

Gary Wilton:

Electric Bass

Roland Duckarm:

Drums, Congas , Bongos, Percussion

Harry Zawrel:

Guitar Solo Mama Nature

Joe Edelmayr:

TrumpetChristian Pleines:

Vocals, Piano, Electric Bass, Electric Guitars, Percussion,
Saxes, Keys, Overtoneflute

Mixed and Mastered by Christian Pleines @ Cap a´Pie Studios, Neutraubling/Germany

Picture of some of the used Instruments:

Harpischordwww.emmanet.com

Caxixi(left) - egg
shaker17

Spring Drumcopyright by EMMA GmbH 2024

EMMA Sound Quality Judge Book, Edition 2024

CabasaBottles
Glockenspiel

Conga
Grand Piano

Triangle

Pocket-Trumpet

Birdy Flute

Jaw-Harp

Tongue Drum Wooden
Tambourineswww.emmanet.com

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Clarinet
Cowbell-big

Eletronic Guitar

DrumsetAcoustic Bass

Flute

Tenor Saxophon

CelestaOvertone Flutewww.emmanet.com

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BongosResonator Guitar

Electrical Bass

Tuba

Trumpet

Guiro beech

UkuleleVibra Slap

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Thoughts about Music Reproduction
Reference: ITU-R Report ITU-R BS.2399-0
The complete paper can be found at the following link
https://www.itu.int/pub/R-REP-BS.2399-2017www.emmanet.com

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Explanations of the terms for the judge to the participant
AttackTransient response. Specifies whether the
drum beats and percussion, etc. areaccurate and clear i.e. if you can hear theactual strokes from drumstick, the pluckingof the strings etc. it is also expressed as theability to reproduce each audio source
transients cleanly and separated from therest of the sound image. Imprecise Attack isunderstood as unclear or a muted impact.
Scale: Imprecise – Precise

Bass Precision

Are instrument impacts from the bass drum
and bass precise, crisp and without
distortion, are the impacts tight and welldefined? Bass precision may be defined as
Attack in the bass region. Imprecise meansthat the attack speeds in time and the peakof the impact is softened. Scale: Imprecise –PrecisePunch

Specifies whether the strokes on drums andbass are reproduced with clout, almost as if
you can feel the blow. The ability toeffortlessly handle large volume excursions
without compression (compression is heard
as level variations that are smaller than one
would expect from the perceived original
sound). Scale: A little – A lot

Powerful

The ability to handle high sound levels,
especially when striking the drums and bass.
Indicates whether the Punch, Attack andBass precision are maintained at highvolume. Scale: A little – A lot

Localisability

The degree of precision to which the positionand extent of a source or ensemble can be
identified. This attribute is typicallyassociated with sources or ensembles,
rather than scenes. For a spatially imprecise
sound the listener may be unable to identify
the position (and extend) of the source or
ensemble For a spatially precise sound, thelistener can confidently state the positionand extend of the source or ensemble.
Scale: Imprecise – Precise
A clap in a dry environment may be spatiallyprecise. Listening to rain fall in a forest
maybe spatially imprecise.

Clarity

The impression of how clearly different
elements in a scene can be spatially
distinguished from each other.
Scale: Unclear-clear
A singer and a piano performing a duet in a
dry acoustic, may be perceived as clear.
When listening to a choir from the rear of thechurch, the sound of the individual signers
maybe unclear.

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Presence

Does it sound as if the sound sources arepresent and not distant or absent? Scale: A
little – A lot

Clean

It is easy to listen into the music, which istimbral clear and distinct. Instruments andvocals are reproduced accurately anddistinctly. The opposite of clean: dull, muddy.
Scale: A little – A lot

Detailed

A well-resolved sound rich in detail.
Instruments, voices etc. can easily beseparated.
The music has many details, details thatcannot be measured, details that give themusic "soul". It may be small audible
nuances: Breathing from a singer, fingers
wandering across the guitar strings, the flaps
from the clarinet, embouchure sound of thesaxophone, the impact from the piano's
hammers when they hit the strings. Scale: A
little – A lot

NaturalSounds reproduced with high fidelity.
Acoustic instruments, voices and sounds,
sounds like in reality. The sound is similar tothe listener's expectation to the original
sound without any timbral or spatialcoloration or distortion, "Nothing added –nothing missing." The soundstage is clear inspace and brings you close to the perceived
original sound experience. Scale: A little – A
lot

ShrillTreble Distortion. Very sharp ssounds, cymbals etc. Scale: A little –A lot

Rubbing

As the sound of something scraping
on a (rough) surface. Scale: A little –
A lot

Rough

A hoarse off-sound unintentionallyaccompanying the reproduced sound.
Bass distortion. Scale: A little – A lot

Buzzing

A zzz-like, undesirable soundtypically in the low and midrange
frequencies. Scale: A little – A lot

ClippedThe harmonics are to pronounced
and sharp. Scale: A little – A lot

Distorted

Additional and undesired sounds that
add a sharpness to the reproduction.
Scale: A little – A lot

Compressed

Limited dynamic range leading to alack of natural peaks. Dynamic
compression may be heard as a
pumping effect. Scale: A little – A lot

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