When selecting a microphone and preamplifier system to measure sound or noise, you'll encounter numerous models and options. For some applications, multiple combinations of microphones and preamplifiers may be suitable. Learn more about microphone selection, maintenance, calibration, and more by downloading the comprehensive PCB Microphone Handbook.
Factors that influence microphone selection
- Assess sensors owned (acoustic, accels, pressure), power supplies & cables
- Environment for testing
- Indoors or outdoors
- Duration of test
- Background noise, and frequencies of background noise
- Humidity of the test area
- Temperature in test area
- Test object location and sensor positioning
- Location of the test object
- Location and positioning of the sensor relative to test object
- Characteristics of surrounding objects
- Proximity of surrounding objects to the sensor and to the object to be tested
- Minimum and maximum frequency and amplitudes required
- Preference for prepolarized or externally polarized microphones
- Your budget for microphones and the cost per channel of the system
There are three types of sound fields that influence microphone selection
Free Field:
- No reflections
- The primary direction of the sound source and the axis of the microphone are collinear
Pressure:
- Flush mounted inside a duct or acoustic coupler
- Similar to pressure transducer
Random Incident/Diffuse:
- Reflections
- Multiple sources are transmitting in multiple locations
Microphone Comparison
Choose PCB microphones and preamplifiers for your next acoustic test
We have a wide variety of acoustic sensors in our online shop in stock, ready to ship, with a best in class 5 year plus TCS warranty. To discuss specific applications, please contact us or request a quote.