ABOUT CONTACT SUPPORT WAVES ONLINE LANGUAGE LOG IN TRANSDUCERS INSTRUMENTS SOFTWARE CALIBRATION SERVICES KNOWLEDGE TRANSDUCERS \ ACOUSTIC TRANSDUCERS \ MEASUREMENT MICROPHONES HIGH-END MICROPHONES SINCE 1945 MEASUREMENT MICROPHONES Brüel & Kjær measurement microphones are precision instruments of the highest quality. While the design of a microphone may appear to be quite simple, its production requires the utmost attention and control to preserve sensitivity and stability. Our pioneering experience, rigorous testing, and quality control ensure that you are provided with measurement microphones that set the standard to which others compare. Select the Right Microphone Microphone Set Microphone set combining a Brüel & Kjær measurement microphone paired with the ideal preamplifier built into a single unit ready to use for measurement. Microphones Cartridges Microphone Cartridges by Brüel & Kjær are supplied in 1 inch, 1/2 inch, 1/4 inch or 1/8 inch diameter size, and require a microphone preamplifier. Preamplifiers Microphone preamplifiers are combined with a a condenser microphone cartridge, to provide impedance conversion, filtering, and the capability to drive long cables without significant signal degradation. Hydrophones B&K Hydrophones are individually calibrated waterborne sound transducers, that have a flat frequency response, and are exceptionally omnidirectional over a wide frequency range. Outdoor Microphones Outdoor microphones (or exterior microphones) built to withstand changing weather-conditions, the ideal solution for outdoor noise monitoring. Special Microphones Our special microphone range is tailored for specific sound measurement applications, and feature microphones for outdoor applications array microphones and probe microphones. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Microphone Specifications 2. Standards 3. Dynamic Range 4. Magnetic Fields 5. Effects Of Temperature SELECTING THE RIGHT MICROPHONE Selecting the best microphone for a given application can seem to be an overwhelming task due to the many different types to choose from. Firstly, condenser microphones are either externally polarized or prepolarized. They come in different sizes: 1‐inch, 1/2‐inch, 1/4‐inch, or 1/8‐inch and are optimized for either free‐, pressure‐, or diffuse‐field. Microphones that do not directly match one of these classes are denoted as "Special Microphones". Not all positions in the matrix correspond to a type of number, for example, 1-inch microphones are normally externally polarized, since they were introduced before prepolarized microphones could be produced with sufficient stability. 1/8‐inch microphones are pressure types. Due to their small size, the free‐field and pressure response are approximately the same up to quite high frequencies (for example, the free‐field correction is less than 1 dB at 15 kHz). Brüel & Kjær Measurement Microphones are mapped in this matrix to provide a quick overview: Type of Microphone 1/8‐inch 1/4‐inch 1/2‐inch 1‐inch Polarization Free‐field 4954 4940 4176 4188 4189 4950 4966 Prepolarized 4939 4190 4191 4145 Externally polarized Pressure‐field 4944 4947 4948 4949 4953 4971 Prepolarized 4138 4938 4941 4192 4144 Externally polarized Diffuse‐field 4942 Prepolarized 4943 Externally polarized Special 4957 4958 4948 4949 Prepolarized 4941 4180 4193 4955 4160 4179 Externally polarized MICROPHONE APPLICATION AND SPECIFICATIONS Which kind of input module – classical or CCLD? CCLD (including DeltaTron and IEPE) can only work with prepolarized types, and classical input with both prepolarized and externally polarized cartridges. For portable instruments (such as sound level meters) and where high humidity is present, prepolarized microphones are preferred. For more general use in the laboratory or where high temperature is present, the use of external polarized microphones are recommended. More information on CCLD and Classical input is available on the microphone preamplifier page. Does the microphone have to fulfil any specific standard? If this is the case, please review the section on microphone standards listed below. Frequency range and maximum sound pressure level (SPL) will often determine which microphone size to use. Generally, a smaller microphone has a broader frequency range and a lower sensitivity. Please review the section on Maximum Limits and Dynamic Range below. For which sound field should the microphone be optimized? For measurements made away from reflecting surfaces, for example, when making outdoor measurements, or in acoustically well‐damped indoor environments, a free‐field microphone is best. But for measurements made in small closed couplers, or close to hard surfaces, a pressure‐field microphone is best. For measurements in enclosed areas where reverberation is likely, microphones optimized for diffuse‐field (random‐incidence) response are best. In some cases, pressure type microphones can also be found to have sufficiently flat random‐incidence response. This is because the random‐incidence response of a pressure‐field microphone is much flatter across the frequency range than that of a microphone optimized for flat free‐field response. Special applications A special case is the measurement of surface pressure where surface microphones would be the obvious choice. For applications that go beyond normal use-cases, a special microphone can be selected. As an example, laboratory reference microphones, outdoor microphones, array microphones, infrasound microphones, etc. MICROPHONE STANDARDS Laboratory reference microphones are specified in the international standard IEC 61094–1:2000. Measurement microphones are specified in the international standard IEC 61094–4:1995. These standards use the abbreviation WS for working standards, for example, measurement microphones used in daily routine measurements, while the abbreviation LS denotes laboratory standards. The digits following “WS” indicate as follows: 1 = 1‐inch microphone 2 = 1/2‐inch microphone 3 = 1/4‐inch microphone The letter “F” denotes a free‐field type and “P” a pressure‐ field type. Electroacoustic Standards The most relevant electroacoustic standard is the IEC 61672:2002 “Electroacoustics –Sound Level Meters”. Although the microphone is an important component in any system that has to comply with IEC 61672 there are many other factors to consider. Despite this, the following tables also show which microphones are suitable for system solutions that have to fulfil the requirements of IEC 61672. It is also worth considering other parameters such as phase response, venting, environmental exposure and documentation. IEC 61094 IEC 61672 ANSI A IEC 61094 – 4 WS1F I IEC 61672 Class 1 K ANSI S1.4 Type 1 B IEC 61094 – 4 WS2F J IEC 61672 Class 2 L ANSI S1.4 Type 2 C IEC 61094 – 4 WS3F M ANSI S1.12 Type M D IEC 61094 – 4 WS1P E IEC 61094 – 4 WS2P F IEC 61094 – 4 WS3P G IEC 61094 –1 LS1P H IEC 61094 –1 LS2P MAXIMUM LIMITS AND DYNAMIC RANGE Inherent Noise: Even if a microphone is placed in a “totally quiet” room there will be some Brownian movement of the microphone back-plate and diaphragm. These movements correspond to very small pressure fluctuations and will cause changes in the cartridge capacity which – if a polarisation voltage is present, will cause an output voltage from the microphone. The SPL corresponding to this output voltage is defined as the inherent noise of the cartridge. 3% Distortion Limit: Even though the condenser microphone is highly linear, at a certain pressure there will be some distortion of the output signal. At Brüel & Kjær we specify the 3% distortion limit as a recommended maximum limit for accurate measurements. 10% Distortion Limit: Increasing the sound pressure behind the 3% distortion limit will result in a further increase in distortion. In some cases, a 10% distortion limit is specified. In many practical cases, the 10% distortion limit is determined by the preamplifier. Maximum SPL: Due to mechanical forces acting on the cartridge there is a maximum pressure level which should never be exceeded or the long-term stability can be influenced and/ or mechanical damage can happen. The corresponding sound pressure level is called the maximum SPL. Dynamic Range of Microphone Set: In a practical application, the lower limit of dynamic range is determined by the combined noise from the cartridge and the preamplifier. The upper SPL limit will often be determined by the output voltage swing from the preamplifier. This is especially important when using CCLD (IEPE) preamplifiers, since here the maximum voltage is limited by the input stage compliance (open-circuit) voltage. A compliance voltage of, say, 28 V as used in many DAQ front-ends, such as our LAN-XI Front-ends, will limit the maximum voltage swing to around 20 Vpp. This may determine the real maximum limit of a microphone/preamplifier set. Brüel & Kjær defines the dynamic range as the range from the noise floor to the SPL resulting in a 3% distortion limit with a given microphone set, and nominal compliance voltage where relevant SPL limitations and microphone cartridge sensitivity using a CCLD preamplifier with 14 V pp output voltage swing Max. SPL dB 50mV/Pa 12.5mV/Pa 3.16mV/Pa 1mV/Pa 138 OK OK OK OK 150 OK OK OK 162 OK OK 172 OK Note: With classical input and 120V supply the maximum SPL is approximately 12 dB higher MEASURING IN MAGNETIC FIELDS When performing sound measurements in magnetic fields like on a hybrid or electrical car, close to wind turbine generators, close to big MR scanners or other similar equipment, it may be beneficial to use the latest Brüel & Kjær microphones made out of titanium. The titanium is much less susceptible to magnetic fields than metals normally used in microphones. The magnetic field impact is seen as noise and increases the noise floor of the microphone. For example: 1/4‐inch Array Microphone 4958 has a susceptibility to magnetic fields corresponding to an equivalent SPL of 40 dB for an 80 A/m, 50 Hz field 1/2‐inch Free‐field Microphone Type 4189 has a susceptibility to magnetic fields corresponding to an equivalent SPL of 6 dB SPL for an 80 A/m, 50 Hz field Titanium microphone Types 4955 and 4961 have no detectable influence from an 80 A/m, 50 Hz magnetic field THE EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE As temperature and humidity are both factors which pose the greatest threat to the performance of condenser microphones, pre-production microphones are thoroughly tested for resistance to these influences, typically in temperatures from −20° to +70°C and in humidity of up to 90% at 40°C. What happens at high temperatures (above +80 °C)? Electronic components may exceed their maximum junction temperature. This is very serious and should be avoided. Prepolarized microphones may lose electret voltage. This will result in permanent sensitivity loss, which means, externally polarized microphones should always be used if high-temperature tests are performed for longer periods of time. The diaphragm tension will reduce. This means increased sensitivity and changes in frequency response. The cable jacket and other isolators may melt. While this is not beautiful, it is not always catastrophic. In practically all cases, an exponential increase in the inherent electronic noise must be expected. The basic rule of thumb: Many temperature depending factors will double for every 10° temperature increase (Arrhenius' law). Microphones specified at 23 °C have a temperature coefficient that specifies how the microphone will behave with changed temperature. This parameter tells something about the microphone’s stability and quality. Our datasheets provide temperature coefficient information. General-purpose microphones, such as Microphone Type 4189, perform well within their specifications in the temperature range from –30 to +150 °C. General purpose preamplifiers have a relatively stable DC bias up to around 80 °C. They are specified from–20 to +60 °C (–4 to +140 °F), but work very well at temperatures of up to +80 °C, with some increase in noise. High‐temperature Preamplifier Type 1706 is designed to perform up to 125 °C. At high temperatures, it has a more stable DC bias point and no reduction of maximum SPL limit. The electrical noise increases at high temperatures, which affects the lower limit of the dynamic range of the microphone set, combining a microphone cartridge and preamplifier, limiting its ability to measure very low sound pressure levels. In regards to the use of microphone cables in high temperatures, PUR cables are not recommended. Instead, silicone cables are rated at 150 °C, and PFA cables provide realiable measurements from –75 to +250 °C, such as cable AO‐0406. What if it gets really hot (+125 °C)? You must get the preamplifier away from the hotspot Flush Mounting Kits UA‐0122 and UA‐0123 or Swan Neck UA‐0196 are great for this Sometimes Probe Microphone Type 4182 will do the job Type 4182 allow sound pressure measurements to be made in small or awkward places or in harsh environments with high temperatures (up to 700 °C). The probe microphone has a smooth frequency response from1 Hz to 20 kHz, with a very smooth high‐frequency roll‐off. Measurements can be performed extremely close to the sound source due to its small size. Measurement points can be closely spaced when it is necessary to have high spatial resolution. Measuring in extremely cold temperatures (–160 °C) Type 4944‐W‐005 is a special microphone that is designed to handle measurements down to –80 °C, which is perfect for use in, cryogenic wind tunnels. WANT TO KNOW MORE? For further details of the range, availability, and price, please use the link below to get in touch with your local Brüel & Kjær representative. Talk to your local Brüel & Kjær representative today! Selecting the right equipment for your measurement Equipment setup and measurement assistance General questions and support Ask an expert Support and Service Language CONTACT P: +45 77 41 20 00 F: +45 45 80 14 05 Contact Us Support Center FOLLOW US LinkedIn Facebook YouTube Copyright © Brüel & Kjær. All Rights Reserved. Legal Notices Accept We use cookies to ensure our website works properly, to measure traffic, and to collect user statistics that will enable us to make our site more user-friendly. If you continue to browse the site, you will accept our use of cookies. 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