Newsletter: Product in the spotlight - railway and rolling stock - new solution at ISMA 2026

 

The Qohm is the lightest full-functional dodecahedron sound source on the market — weighing just 3.1 kg with a 265 mm diameter — yet it delivers the highest output across the entire frequency range 50 Hz to 16000 Hz. Its proprietary Qp4 driver technology provides high efficiency and power. This is correcting the weakness of all other dodecahedron solutions in the market with high output in the 50-100Hz bands and high frequency range of 2500Hz upwards.

In building acoustics, the small size and 3.1 kg provide unmatched portability. It enables any single-person on-site testing anywhere. Travelling by taxi, train, or airplane with a complete equipment set is now feasible.

Sufficient output from 50 Hz upwards eliminates background noise concerns and removes the need for a separate subwoofer in building acoustics evaluations. The high output level in the higher frequency bands allows accurate measurements of isolation. Superior omnidirectionality exceeds ISO 140, 3382, and 16283 standards for more accurate measurement data.

The Qohm can be combined with any amplifier in the industry, but the lightweight Qsources Qam measurement amplifier also provides full equalization, third-octave band tuning, pulsed mode, sine sweeps etc. all making building acoustics measurements more efficient. From theatres and factory halls to schools, offices, and machinery rooms, the Qohm enables controlled excitation of acoustics across spaces of all sizes. Qohm-Qam sets are in use worldwide, proving their practicality and reliability every day.

Railway and rolling stock

Steel-on-steel rail transport remains the most energy-efficient ground transportation solution, yet noise and vibration continue to challenge communities, passenger comfort, and equipment reliability. Improving cabin acoustics requires balancing sturdiness, weight, and cost while proving that each control measure is justified.

Qsources excitation solutions support efficient measurements across the railway domain. Along track infrastructure, they enable precise rail input acceleration and vibro-acoustic transfer measurements to compare sleeper, clamping, and bed solutions. Inside rolling stock, they facilitate airborne noise isolation testing of seals, windows, and doors, as well as structure-borne transfer from bogie, motor, or pantograph attachments. Disturbances like wheel unbalance can coincide with structural eigenmodes, and modal analysis of coaches, bogies, and roof panels helps prevent excessive sensitivity. Crucially, these measurements can now be performed on complete, operation-ready trains — something previously judged to be impractical.

See our new solution at ISMA 2026

We are pleased to announce that at ISMA 2026 Qsources will be introducing a new patented excitation device for tiny and very lightweight structures like smartphones and sensor assemblies, lightweight drones. The ISMA International Conference on Noise and Vibration Engineering, is taking place from 7 to 9 September 2026 in Leuven, Belgium. Organised by KU Leuven's Mecha(tro)nic SystemDynamics group, this biennial gathering brings together researchers and professionals from around the world who specialise in noise, vibration, structural dynamics, and modal testing.

We look forward to connecting with existing clients and new contacts alike, discussing your current measurement challenges, and demonstrating how our excitation solutions can support your ongoing projects. If you plan to attend the conference, please let us know so we can arrange a meeting at a time that suits your schedule.