MachineEar: Sound Comparisons

Does your fan sound different? Keep a personal sound reference and compare later recordings with MachineEar. MachineEar is an experimental sound-comparison tool for intact household fans. It compares a recording with earlier recordings of the same fan, using the same phone, operating mode and placement. It cannot identify faults or tell you whether equipment is safe. BUILD YOUR OWN REFERENCE Create a profile, note the operating mode and describe where you place your phone. Save three accepted reference recordings, then return on a different day to establish your reference. Recording-quality checks can reject unsuitable samples. COMPARE UNDER THE SAME CONDITIONS Record for up to 30 seconds with the app visible. Review measured differences and recording-quality information. A changed result asks you to repeat the check; an unsuitable recording produces an unable-to-compare result. Background noise, phone placement and normal changes in operation can affect results. KEEP YOUR RECORDS TOGETHER Add notes, review previous checks and keep separate profiles for different operating modes. Attach a placement photo, manage your local history and delete records when you no longer need them. PRIVATE, ON YOUR PHONE Sound processing happens on your device without an app account or cloud analysis. Audio is discarded after analysis by default. Optional saved audio and record contents are encrypted on your phone. You choose whether to export or share a report or password-protected archive. CLEAR LIMITATIONS Comparison thresholds have not been validated on physical appliances. Results can be wrong or incomplete. A similar recording does not mean the fan is working correctly. MachineEar is not a diagnosis, safety inspection, certification, maintenance instruction or prediction of failure. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and consult a qualified technician when concerned. RECORD FROM A SAFE DISTANCE Use a cool, dry, stable nearby surface. Never place the phone on, against or inside equipment. Do not record equipment showing smoke, sparks, burning smells, overheating, leaks, electric shocks, damaged cables, loose guards or violent movement. Keep clear and follow the manufacturer's or emergency-service guidance. English interface. Android 8 or later. Microphone permission is needed only for recordings you start. Available phone motion sensors may supplement a recording; they do not turn your phone into a calibrated vibration instrument.