Behind the Scenes: EMC Testing for Guitar Pedals
At Jinx, we’re all about building guitar pedals that inspire musicians to create and perform without limits. Building a product that sounds great is one thing, but crafting it in a way that meets global standards is a whole other challenge. That’s why we took on an EMC testing procedure at Idvorsky Labs, an essential step for achieving FCC and CE compliance.
This wasn’t just about ticking boxes – it was about proving to ourselves and our future customers that we’re serious about quality in every sense of the word. Here’s a look behind the scenes of what turned out to be a fascinating experience.
What is EMC Testing?
And Why We Had to Do This
Shortly, Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing is a process that serves to show that electronic devices operate as intended without causing – or being affected by – electromagnetic interference.
For guitar pedal manufacturers like us, going through this EMC testing procedure is crucial because it validates the reliability and performance of our products in various environments, and EMC compliance guarantees that our pedals won’t interfere with other audio equipment or be disrupted by external signals, providing a consistent and high-quality experience for our shoppers.
Meeting these standards is essential for market access in regions with strict regulations, reinforcing our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Thus, this was a no brainer for us.
EMC testing is something most musicians will never think about—but trust us, it’s a big deal, so for us, that meant testing our pedals to make sure they wouldn’t interfere with the rest of your equipment and could stand strong against interference themselves.
If we wanted to legally sell guitar pedals in the USA and the EU, this step was non-negotiable. But more importantly, it was a chance to validate everything we’d poured into our designs.
Finding the Right EMC Testing Lab
Let’s be honest—finding an EMC testing lab willing to test analog audio equipment wasn’t easy. These devices are not amongst your everyday household items, which, in turn, makes them tricky to test, and many labs avoid the hassle.
Add looking for a nearby lab in the Balkans – now that’s playing it in hard mode from the very beginning. But as luck would have it, we were fortunate enough to run into Idvorsky Labs for EMC testing, who proved to be competent and up to the task.
They were not only willing to tackle the complexities of testing our pedals but did it with expertise and professionalism. Their pricing was fair, their team was outstanding, and they understood the unique challenges of analog audio gear like few others. So, if you’re ever in the same boat, you know who to call.
How is EMC Testing Done?
We arrived at the Idvorsky lab with carefully prepared pedals and a mix of excitement and nerves.
EMC testing isn’t a glamorous process—it’s a meticulous, technical evaluation designed to push electronic designs to their limits.
Thankfully, the skilled and supportive team at the lab made the experience smooth and insightful, guiding us through the processes and allowing us to focus on the work at hand.
This process typically involves several stages to make sure that a device meets electromagnetic compatibility standards. These stages focus on both emissions (how much interference a device generates) and immunity (how well a device withstands external interference).
Stages of EMC Testing
Emissions Testing
Purpose: To measure the electromagnetic energy emitted by the device.
Details: The device is tested to ensure it doesn’t exceed allowable emission levels that might interfere with other nearby equipment.
Types of Emissions Tested:
Conducted Emissions: Interference that travels through power or signal cables.
Radiated Emissions: Electromagnetic energy radiated through the air from the device
For us, this test measured the amount of electromagnetic “noise” generated by our pedals. This is a crucial step to test that our products won’t disrupt other devices in a musician’s setup or violate regulatory standards. We’re proud to say that our pedals aced this test, proving they’re as clean and precise in their emissions as they are in their tone.
Immunity Testing
Purpose: To determine the device’s ability to function correctly when exposed to external electromagnetic disturbances.
Details: The device is exposed to controlled levels of interference to simulate real-world conditions.
Common Immunity Tests:
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD): Simulates static electricity discharges that might occur during handling.
Radiated Immunity: Tests the device’s resistance to electromagnetic fields from other sources, such as nearby electronics.
Conducted Immunity: Assesses resistance to interference entering the device through cables.
Surge and Burst Testing: Simulates power spikes or bursts caused by lightning strikes or electrical faults.
Immunity to Power Frequency Magnetic Fields
Immunity to electrical fast transients/bursts
Purpose: To evaluate the device’s immunity to electrical fast transients and bursts.
Details: Test if the device can withstand rapid, high-frequency voltage spikes without disruption, ensuring reliable operation in environments with switching transients.
This was the most interesting and intense part of the testing, but also the most rewarding. Our pedals were subjected to a variety of simulated real-world conditions to verify their resilience. This included exposure to static shocks, voltage spikes (including lighting strikes), nearby electrical equipment, radio frequency interference, harmonics and flicker measurement, etc.
These external interference and stress tests are designed to reveal any potential vulnerabilities, and watching our designs endure these trials was a mix of pride and humility—it reinforced how much attention to detail we’ve poured into making guitar pedals that can stand up to any environment.
Documentation and Compliance Reporting
Purpose: To ensure that all tests are documented and meet regulatory standards.
Details: The test results are compiled into a compliance report that certifies the device’s adherence to regional or international EMC standards.
Once your device passes these stages, you’re given the green light that your device is safe, reliable, and compatible with other electronics, helping it meet legal requirements for sale and operation in various markets.
What Getting FCC and CE Certification Means for Our Pedals
Passing EMC testing means that our pedals meet the highest standards of performance and reliability. For musicians, it is a promise that they can count on our gear to perform flawlessly without any unwanted interference.
For us as manufacturers, it’s a validation of our dedication to creating premium, handmade guitar pedals that hold their own in the demanding world of professional audio.
Summing It Up
Undergoing an EMC testing procedure wasn’t an easy process, but the experience taught us a lot.
First, it showed us the value of preparation: the hours we spent getting everything in order before the tests paid off in a big way. Second, it reinforced our belief that great results come from teamwork and collaboration—working with a skilled lab made all the difference. And finally, it reminded us why we started Jinx in the first place: to create something musicians can depend on, no matter where or how they play.
Every step we’ve taken has been about earning your trust and making sure our pedals stand the test of time—both sonically and technically.
At Jinx, we’re not just building pedals – we’re building a legacy.
What’s Next for Jinx
Now that EMC testing is behind us, we’re more excited than ever to share our pedals with the world. With our catalogue ranging from pedals for tone-shaping distortion to lush analog chorus and studio-quality compression, every pedal we release will carry the Jinx promise of quality and reliability.
Don’t settle for less— SHOP NOW for guitar pedals built to handle any stage or studio setup.
We’re just getting started, and there’s so much more to come!
A Special Thanks
To the team at Idvorsky Labs, thank you! Your willingness to take on the unique challenges of testing analog audio equipment and your commitment to excellence made this entire process smoother than we could have imagined.
