Harman International - How to Listen [free ear-training software]

[theLimeyBrit]

I don't hang out in this area much, but it seems like the most appropriate place to post this. It's a nifty program to train your ears in identifying eq curves and various distortions that are applied to specific frequency bands. I've only tried one of the training sessions so far, but already it's really helped me get a better understanding of what sort of sounds are associated with which frequencies. Quality headphones or studio monitors are a must!

From the Invalid Link Removed:

How to Listen is a desktop software application developed by the Harman International R&D group for the purpose of training and selecting listeners used in audio product research, development, and testing. The software consists of a number of training exercises where different kinds of timbral, spatial and dynamic distortions commonly found within the recording and audio chains are simulated and added to music.

The listener’s task is to identify, classify or rate these distortions according to a number of well-defined perceptual attributes and scales. The software automatically adjusts the difficulty of each training task based on the listener’s performance.

We are happy to offer a free beta version of this software to audio enthusiasts in the hope that they will use it to improve their critical listening skills and appreciation for high quality sound reproduction. Enjoy!