Quality Measurements, Versatile Design
Highlights:
- Quickly and easily change between ½” and ¼” IEC 61094-4 compliant microphone cartridges
- 15.5 dBA noise floor, 100 kHz capability based on microphone cartridge selected
- Fast rise times and transients for superior impulse responses
Applications:
- Loudspeaker Design (Rub and Buzz)
- Building Acoustics
- Real-time Analysis (Live Sound)
- Accurate Modeling
- High Definition Recording
PCB’s patented phantom powered preamplifier (426A14) has a unique modular design that mates with any ½” or ¼” IEC 61094-4 compliant microphone cartridge. This flexibility allows users to select the cartridge with performance required for a specific test while leveraging the investment in a single universal 48V preamplifier.
The 426A14 package includes four pieces: a preamplifier (that can be powered by 48V, 24V or 12V phantom power), a ½” microphone adapter, a ¼” microphone adapter, and a microphone holder. Add the preferred microphone cartridge, connect it to your XLR connector and you are ready to test. If a low noise floor is required, use a 377B02 ½” high sensitivity cartridge with a 15.5 dBA noise floor rating. If high frequency and amplitude capabilities are required, use a ¼” microphone to reach 100 kHz and 164 dB. Switch from free-field, to random incidence, to pressure field responses within seconds with the various microphone cartridges.
All of PCB’s prepolarized microphone cartridges are compatible with the 426A14 preamplifier. Every cartridge is designed to the exacting standards of Test and Measurement applications and has a flat response across a wide range of frequencies. This performance provides the truest representation of natural sound, and at the same time, provides accurate results for the modeling of other microphones or speakers.
Unlike the plastic diaphragms used in some phantom powered microphones, PCB® uses a stainless alloy which remains stable during temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure changes, yielding more accurate test results. Each system is qualified and comes with a traceable calibration certification. The metal alloy diaphragm provides easy calibration over the entire frequency range of the cartridge with the use of electrostatic actuators, which are common precision test and measurement grade calibration devices.
Stereo recording typically consists of set of microphones that are closely related in frequency, sensitivity, phase and spacing from each other. At low frequencies T&M mics are omni directional, but at higher frequencies they become more directional sensitive. With two closely related (matched) microphones, subtle high frequency ambient room characteristics can be picked up even when the microphones are placed further away from the sound source. This allows for a more pleasing, blended and realistic stereo sound.
Read AudioXpress Magazines Evaluation of PCB® microphones here.