This article presents the development, calibration, and performance of a modified triaxial cell that is designed to measure the acoustic emissions (AEs) generated by soils during various testing stages and at different strain levels during shearing. The used triaxial system accommodates specimens ranging from 101.6 to 152 mm in diameter, with a maximum height-to-diameter ratio of 2.5. Modifications include integrating two resonant-type acoustic sensors embedded in custom-made aluminum top and bottom caps, ensuring protection from the pressurized cell water. The system was calibrated using an acrylic specimen to optimize both parameter-based and signal-based methods for reliable AE detection. Calibration results indicate a threshold of 45 dB, with recommended hit definition time and hit lockout time values of 600 µs. Triaxial tests were conducted on Ottawa sand under various confining pressures, relative densities, and drainage conditions to verify the system’s capability. The results showed comparable similarities between the deviatoric stress versus strain curves and the rate signal strength and root mean square versus strain profiles. The findings also revealed a suitable shear rate of 1 %/h for drained tests, whereas undrained tests on dense sands are recommended to utilize a slower shear rate of 0.5 %/h. The dual-function sensors, capable of acting as both the emitter and receiver, allow the measurement of P-wave velocity and attenuation, which were subsequently used to determine the location of AEs in one-dimensional vertical space during shearing. Thus, this system provides valuable insights into the acoustic behavior of soils during triaxial testing.