This booklet gives an introduction to the design features and

operating principles of measuring microphones. Some knowl-

edge about the measurement of sound would be an advantage
and so you might wish to consult our companion booklets
'Measuring Sound' and 'Sound Intensity'.

See page See page

Introduction ..... .......... ... ....... ....... ...... .... ... ................ ... .... ... .... 2 Accessory devices ............................................................. 27
What is a measuring microphone? ................................... 3 Microphone pairs for sound intensity ............................ 28
Construction and principle of operation ......................... 4 Matching specifications ................................................ 29
'Externally polarized' or 'prepolarized'? .. ......... .... ...... ..... 5 Vent sensitivity........ .... .... ... ... .... ........ ... .... .... ..... ..... ... ..... 30
Preamplifiers and power supplies .................................... 6 Standards relevant to measuring microphones ........... 31
Characteristics ..................................................................... 7 ANSI S1.12-1967 ............................................................ 31
Directivity and size .......................................................... 8 IEC-651 and AN SI S1.4-1983 ...................................... 32
Open-circuit sensitivity ............................................ 9-11 Microphone selection guide ............................................. 33
Frequency response ............................................... 12-16 Measuring-microphone specifications ................. Pullout
Dynamic range ......................................................... 17-18
Influences on characteristics ........................................... 19
The progress of time ..................................................... 20
Temperature .................................................................... 21
Atmospheric pressure ................................................... 22
Humidity ........................................................................... 23
Vibration .. .... ... ...... .............. ... ..... ...... ...... ... ... ...... ... .... ... ... 24
Leakage ............................................................................ 25
Other influences on characteristics ..... ... ...... ... ....... ... 26
,
Second Edition August 1994
 Introduction
BrOel&Kjrer measuring microphones are the most famous and
respected in the world; the most imitated too. But why?

Probably because BrOel&Kjrer microphones have earned an

unrivalled reputation for being trustworthy.

It takes a wealth of experience to build microphones that are

--
accurate, reliable and long-lasting. The BrOel&Kjrer design en-
gineers and craftsmen have gained this experience by working
at the frontiers of microphone technology for thirty years. The
vast catalogue of ideas developed over this period of time has
made the BrOel&Kjrer range of measuring microphones the
most comprehensive ever available.

2 871626/1
What is a measuring microphone?
A 'measuring' microphone is a calibrated microphone designed
for use with systems that quantify sound, for example sound Calibration
level meters. Measuring microphones are the most accurate Prepolarized COlndeniser
and reliable class of microphone available.
Microphone P-Sllrtri~'I'" K
Of course, the high performance of these microphones requires Type 4155
extremely high standards of engineering. The specifications of
measuring microphones are certainly in a different league from
other classes of microphone - but no microphone can ever be
perfect. This is why measuring microphones are calibrated, be-
cause then their characteristics are well-defined and their be-
haviour is predictable.

Throughout the microphone's working life its accompanying

calibration chart is a most important reference document. To
ensure that the calibration chart remains valid over a long peri-
od of time, a measuring microphone must have exceptionally
stable characteristics. Amongst manufacturers, Bruel & Kjeer
stands alone in producing measuring microphones of the nec-
essary quality - time has proven it.

,0 Hz
 Construction and principle of operation
Construction
All Bruel&Kjrer measuring microphones are condenser (or ca-
pacitor) designs which feature a tensioned-metal diaphragm aackplata Protection grid
supported close to a rigid metal backplate. In.ulator Diaphragm

The microphone's output-voltage signal appears on a gold-plat-

ed terminal mounted on the backplate which is isolated from
the microphone casing (or cartridge) by an insulator. The car-
tridge Internal cavity is exposed to atmospheric pressure by a
small vent and the construction of the microphone is complet-
ed with the addition of the distinctive Bruel&Kjrer diaphragm
protection grid.

Principle of Operation
The diaphragm and backplate form the parallel plates of a sim-
ple alr-capacltor which is polarized by a charge on the back-
plate. When the diaphragm vibrates in a sound field, the Output termlnel
capacitance of the capacitor varies and an output voltage is
generated.

The voltage signal replicates the sound-field pressure varia-

tions as long as the charge on the microphone backplate is
P,...Unl Voltltge
kept fixed.

Pntuunl yarlatlont Voltage yarlati_

IICtIng on diaphragm on output termlnel

Time Time

4 ,lI.
'Externally polarized' or 'prepolarized'?
There are two ways to fix the charge on the backplate and so
the Bruel&KjEBr range of measuring microphones is split into
two main categories: externally polarized and prepolarlzed.

Externally polarized microphones need a DC voltage across

the diaphragm-to-back-plate air-gap to fix the charge. A power
supply is therefore required. Prepolarized microphones, on the
other hand, require no external polarization voltage - the
charge is fixed by a thin layer of charge-holding electret mate-
rial on the backplate. This type of microphone is therefore pre-
ferred in 'hand-held' applications, such as sound level meters,
where the polarization voltage supply would be inconvenient.

So why do Bruel&KjEBr produce two types of microphone which

essentially do the same job? The reason is that while prepolar-
ized microphones are usually more convenient, their externally
polarized counterparts are easier to make and therefore less
expensive to buy. For measurements that require several mi-
crophones, externally polarized microphones provide the eco- Externally Polarized Prepolarlzed
nomic solution.
 Preamplifiers and power supplies
Measuring microphones are always used in conjunction with a
microphone preamplifler. The preamplifier converts the mi-
crophone's high output impedance to a low impedance suitable
for feeding into the input of accessory equipment. This imped-
ance conversion next to the microphone serves to minimize the
pick-up of noise in the signal cable to the accessory equipment.
Surprisingly, considering their name, most microphone pream-
plifiers actually attenuate the signal - but only by a fraction of
a decibel.

Microphone preamplifiers must be selected carefully so that

their own characteristics do not impose on those of the micro-
phone. Briiel&Kjc.er produce a range of low-noise microphone
preamplifiers to complement the range of measuring micro-
phones and all that we need suggest here is use the recom-
mended preamplifierl

Microphone preamplifiers require a 28V (DC) or 120V (DC) or

±14V to ±60V supply from a microphone power supply. The
power supply is either an independent battery- or mains-
operated unit or an integral part of the 'Preamp Input' of
BrOel & Kjc.er measuring amplifiers and frequency analyzers.
The microphone power supply also serves to provide the stabi-
lized DC polarization voltage for externally polarized micro-
phones.

6
Characteristics
Now that we have have discussed some general features of
measuring microphones, we can look in more detail at the
characteristics of measuring microphones. Characteristics de-
scribe the performance of a microphone and are found summa-
rized in the specification tables that appear on technical data
sheets and microphone calibration charts or discs.

To the untrained eye, microphone characteristics represent a

strange mix of jargon, numbers and units - there is a lot of
technical information filling a very small space. But the informa-
tion is absolutely invaluable if the best microphone is to be se-
lected for a measurement task or if a microphone's potential is
to be fully explored. The next few pages are therefore intended
as an enlightening guide to the various microphone character-
istics that are to be found in specification tables.

For your interest we have included at the end of this booklet ta-
bles of specifications relating to the Bruel & Kjeer range of
measuring microphones. Browse through it if you like - it is
the most comprehensive range of its kind and will act as a use-
ful standard against which to compare other measuring micro-
phones.

cartridge Thermal
Noise (dB(A»
 Characteristics - directivity and size
All Bruel & KjlBr measuring microphones are omnidirectional. to frontally incident sound). They are said to be 'less omnidirec-
That is, they are sensitive to sound arriving from all directions. tional' at these frequencies.
The omnidirectional 'pickup' pattem is an important design fea-
ture of measuring microphones because every sound arriving Unless small microphone dimensions are a particular advan-
at the microphone position is relevant - unlike for some types tage for measurements (e.g. in confined spaces or close to
of microphones (e.g. directional studio microphones) where sound sources), it is a microphone's characteristics (or per-
sound approaching from some angles may be 'unwanted'. formance specifications) which determine its selection for an
application. Since 1/2" microphones have good general-pur-
The smallest (1/8' and 1/4") measuring microphones have the pose characteristics, these tend to be a very popular choice.
best omnidirectional characteristics at audio frequencies. They The other microphone sizes generally have characteristics suit-
respond equally to all frequencies arriving from all directions able for more specialized measurements, e.g. at extremely high
because their physical presence in the sound-field is not a big sound-pressure levels and frequencies beyond the audio range
influence on incoming sound waves. The larger 1" measuring (1/8" and 1/4" microphones) or at low sound-pressure levels (1'
microphones, as a direct result of their size, are not so sensi- microphones) .
tive to the frequencies above about 5kHz which approach from
the sides and rear of the microphone (relative to their sensitivity

-J-

8
Characteristics - open-circuit sensitivity
An important characteristic which features prominently in the chart. Typical values are in the range 10 to 50mV/Pa, at
specifications for all measuring microphones is open-circuit 250 Hz. A highly 'sensitive' measuring microphone might have
sensitivity. The open-circuit sensitivity of a measuring micro- open-circuit sensitivity of up to 100mV/Pa at 250Hz, whereas
phone tells of the output voltage to be expected at the micro- the least sensitive microphones might have open-circuit sensi-
phone's output terminal for every unit of sound pressure acting tivity of 0.2 mV/Pa at 250 Hz. .
on the diaphragm (when the microphone is not attached to a
preamplifier). Units are mVlPascal and the frequency at which
the open-circuit sensitivity is valid is always stated even if the
frequency dependency is low.

Open-circuit sensitivity is a quantity to which many of the other

microphone characteristics are referenced - including frequen-
cy response. In view of this, BrOel&KjIBr accurately measures
(or 'calibrates') the open-circuit sensitivity of every one of its
microphones individually and states the result on the calibration
Loaded sensitivity and correction factor, Ko
Open-circuit sensitivity is a valid quantity if it can be assumed
that the microphone output terminal is looking into infinite elec-
trical impedance. In practice, of course, the output terminal is
connected to a microphone preamplifier which has very high
but not infinite input impedance. Loaded sensitivity is then a
more relevant quantity because it accounts for the presence of
the preamplifier. Loaded sensitivity can be calculated by adding
the preamplifier's gain factor, G, to the microphone's open-cir-
cuit sensitivity. 'G' for the various Bruel&Kja:lr preamplifiers is
printed in the Product Data Sheets and the Microphone Hand-
book.

Many measuring amplifiers and analyzers have an Internal ref-

erence signal and are designed to read correctly when the
loaded sensitivity of the microphone and preamplifier combina-
tion is -26 dB re 1V/Pa. Where the actual loaded sensitivity dif-
fers from this, a correction is automatically added to the
reading.

L-______~====~~================~ 11
 Characteristics - frequency response

Actuator-response curve
The microphone's actuator-response curve shows how open-
circuit sensitivity varies with frequency and represents the pres-
sure response of the microphone. The vertical scale features
units of decibels (dB) because these are convenient to use.
The simple relationship between mV/Pa and dB re 1 mV/Pa is Typical 'Individually calibrated' frequency-reapon •• curv.
given below:

Sensitivity, dB re 1 V/Pa = 20 IOg10 (Sensitivity, mV/Pa )

1000 mV/Pa

Most of the measuring microphone types in the Brael & Kj~r

range are supplied with their own unique (or 'individually cali-
brated') actuator-response curve. This is measured as part of
the quality-control procedure at the Brael & Kj~r laboratories
and proves that the microphone is performing to specifications.

The curve is factory-calibrated by using an electrostatic actu-

ator. This device fits to the front of a microphone and excites
the diaphragm in a similar way to sound pressure. The actua-
tor-response curves are plotted relative to a OdB reference-
sensitivity line (whose absolute value at 250 Hz is the calibrat-
ed value of open-circuit sensitivity of the microphone).
H. 50 10

12
Free-field and random-response corrections Frequency-response range
The electrostatic-actuator calibration procedure cannot simulate This is the range of frequencies to which a microphone usefully
the diffraction and interference effects that occur at the dia- responds. It is essentially a quantitative description of the fre-
phragm when a microphone is placed in a free or diffuse quency-response curve of a microphone that can be printed in
sound-field. Corrections are therefore added to the actuator re- a table of specifications. Here is a typical example of how fre-
sponses of free-field and random-response microphones quency-response range is written:
during factory calibration procedures to account for these ef-
fects. Type 4190 Frequency Range 3.15 Hz to 20 kHz (±2dB)
This statement does not mean that the curve fluctuates by
When the orientation of a free-field microphone to oncoming ± 2dB, but rather that the curve is smooth and flat apart from a
sound changes, the 0° incidence free-field corrections become gentle rise of up to 2dB (but typically much less than 2 dB) at
invalid. Free-field responses for different microphone-orienta- the higher frequencies and a gradual roll-off to -2 dB at
tions are not given on the calibration chart but are published in 3.15 Hz and 20 kHz. Since the Type 4190 is a free-field-re-
specialist literature that supports the Bruel&Kjmr range of mi- sponse microphone, the frequency-response range refers to
crophones. the free-field-response curve, not the actuator-response curve.

dB

+1
Free-II.ld relPons.
+0
-1
-- Random relponl.

Actuator pr.llure-
relponl.
-5

20 50 100 200 500 1 kHz 2 5 10 20

8716J 13
 Free-field-, pressure- and random-response
microphones ~ Free-field measurements I
Free-field-response microphones are used for measuring
sound coming mainly from one direction. Their frequency-re- F__eId mlonlpl\one
sponse curve is designed to compensate for the pressure
build-up at the diaphragm caused by interference and diffrac- \
tion effects. Measured sound-pressure levels are therefore 7W01\ B . ....
equal to those that would exist in the sound-field if the micro- 'ftmlcropnone
......u....... _mlaropllone
phone were not present.
\\
Pressure-response microphones do not compensate for the Iound_
pressure build-up at the microphone diaphragm - they meas-
ure the actual sound-pressure level at the diaphragm. Uses in-
clude measuring sound-pressure levels at a surface (if the .......I Measurements at a boundary I
microphone is flUSh-mounted), or in a closed cavity (where the
microphone is part of the cavity wall). Pressure-response mi-
crophones can be used as free-field microphones if they are
PNuu...rwpo_
oriented at right-angles to the direction of sound propagation - mlcropllone
but their effective frequency range is then reduced.

Random-response microphones have a flat frequency response

Sound _ _
in diffuse sound-fields where sound arrives from all angles.

~Mea.urements in a reverberant sound-field I--

Sound WIV.
~ ~ tI. Rendom InoIcIence
microphone
=C> oc=::=J

p~

14 BnB,IlI'
Low-frequency cut-off
D18phragm ,..pond,
The lowest frequency to which a microphone responds is large- to traqUlflclH above
ly dependent on the size of the static-pressure equalization about 3Hz
vent whose purpose is to prevent the diaphragm from bulging
if there is a change in atmospheric pressure.

At most frequencies in the audio range the vent is small

enough for its air resistance to prevent sound waves from en-
tering the microphone's intemal cavity. However, at lower fre-
quencies a small proportion of sound waves acting on the vent
do enter the cavity. The low-frequency sound·in the cavity then
starts to oppose the motion of the diaphragm anc! the micro-
phone's frequency-response curve 'tails-off' and its phase re-
sponse changes.

The low-frequency cut-off, or lower limiting frequency, is the

frequency at which the frequency-response curve has fallen to
3 dB below the 0 dB-reference line. This '-3 dB point' usually
occurs at between 1 and 3 Hz for BrOel&KjEBr microphones
and in production each microphone is individually checked and
adjusted, if necessary, to ensure that the specified Iow-frequen-
Frequenclee below 8bout 3 Nz -.eel 8t1ticopl'HlUre equalization Yent
cy cut-off is obtained. and tile d18phrallm cIMe not ,..pond

The microphone ceases to respond altogether when the instan-

taneous low-frequency sound pressure is the same on both
Calibration chart
sides of the diaphragm (because there must be a pressure dif-
ference across the diaphragm to make it move).
-3. ~dBr---r--r-r---r--r-+f
- 10 dB I----I---!--+---!---I--+-I

20 200

~================================~~15
 High-frequency cut-off
At higher frequencies the microphone's frequency-response
curve tails off after the diaphragm resonance. The high-fre-
quency cut-off is the frequency at which the frequency-re-
sponse curve is 2 dB below the 0 dB-reference line.

The diaphragm resonance frequency is fixed at the design

stage by controlling the diaphragm's mass, tension and stiff-
ness. At the resonance frequency, the microphone is particular-
ly sensitive. This is normally undesirable and so the resonance
is damped. Damping has the effect of squashing the reso-
nance peak on the frequency response curve so that it is flat-
ter.

The damping of the resonance is controlled by holes in the

backplate. The more holes there are, the less is the damping
effect on the diaphragm. Microphones with different amounts of
diaphragm damping are free-fleld-response microphones
(heavily damped) and pressure-response microphones (lightly
damped).

16
Characteristics - dynamic range
The difference between the highest and lowest measurable
sound-pressure levels in a measurement system is called the
dynamic range.

Lower limit of dynamic range

The lower limit of dynamic range for a microphone-preamplifier
combination is fixed by preampllfler electrical-noise and car-
tridge thermal-noise levels.

The preamplifier electrical noise depends to a large extent on

the capacitance of the microphone - the higher the capaci-
tance the lower the noise that is generated in the preamplifier.
This means that the larger 1" microphones have the lowest as-
sociated preamplifier noise because they are the biggest ca-
pacitors.

When a preamplifier has very low electrical-noise, the thermal

noise of the cartridge (generated by thermal agitations of the
diaphragm) becomes significant. In the microphone specifica-
tions, cartridge thermal noise is quoted as an 'equivalent'
sound-pressure level in units of dB(A).

The combined effect of the thermal- and electrical-noise levels

for a particular microphone-preamplifier combination are stated
as a 'lower limit of dynamic range' on the preamplifier data
sheet. You can see from the data-sheet extract shown opposite
that if a sound signal is filtered (e.g. in 1/3-octaves) then the
lower limit is considerably improved - a negative dB value in-
dicating that the lower limit of dynamic range is below the 0 dB
(SPL) threshold of hearing.

17
 Upper limit of dynamic range
The upper limit of the dynamic range is set by the distortion
limit of the measuring system. In the microphone-preamplifier
combination, distortion results from non-linear behaviour of the Damage-rlak limit
188 dB
diaphragm and/or amplifier 'clipping'. These effects only occur 10% distortion limit
when the microphone is exposed to very high sound-pressure
levels.

Distortion that arises in the microphone cartridge is specified as

~...--B - ~~'
172 dB
"" \
__
"' ' \ \ \
3% distortion
\ limit
the 3% open-circuit distortion limit at 100Hz (units are dB re
20JlPa). The limit is defined as the sound-pressure level at
which harmonic distortions amount to 3% of the amplitude of
the main signal. The value of the limit is generally related to the
size of the microphone - the smaller the microphone the high-
er the open-circuit distortion limit.
Damage-rlak limit
180 dB

152 dB
'f
The 3% distortion limit is not an absolute limit to the sound-
pressure levels that can be measured. In fact, preamplifier
148 dB
specifications state the 10% distortion limit for the various com-
binations of Bruel&Kjrer microphones and preamplifiers. How-
ever, above the 10% distortion limit there is greater risk that the
microphone diaphragm will be forced against the backplate,
possibly causing permanent damage.

112" v. w
1
~
Microphone MicroPhone~
cartridge cartridge ;;;
?!.
~

~
Preamplltier Pre8mplltie~
~
18. ''""
~
<
Influences on characteristics
Once the characteristics are embodied in a microphone, it re-
mains for the manufacturer to state how measurement results
will be affected by passing time or changing environmental
conditions. This is done by publishing time, temperature, pres-
sure and humidity coefficients to describe the influence of the
environment on microphone sensitivity. External influences on
the sensitivity of BrOel&Kjoor microphones are minimized by
careful design. The specific intention of the BrOel&Kjoor micro-
phone designer is to have the smallest possible coefficients so
that measurement results need not be continually corrected for
environmental changes.

The various coefficients described in the following pages are

stated in the microphone specifications. They are not measured
individually for each microphone since the production quality of
the BrOel& Kjoor measuring microphones is very consistent.
This consistency permits BrOel & Kjoor to publish information
that is useful to users whether their microphone was manufac-
tured yesterday - or several years ago.
 Influences on characteristics - the progress of time
Perhaps one of the most important requirements of a measur-
ing microphone is that it should have good long-term stability.
The calibration chart can then be trusted over a long period of
time.

The long-term stability of Bruel & Kjeer microphones is the esti-

mated time (usually many hundreds of years) it will take for the
microphone's open-circuit sensitivity to change by 1 dB. Obvi-
ously, this quantity is hard to verify, but periodic checks on the
sensitivities of microphones kept in storage since 1967 confirm -25.5
.~
:"
that the long-term stability of BrOel&Kjeer microphones is excel- I 11 11 11 1I 1I 11 11 11 1I 1I 1I 11 11
11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11
lent. .. ·11 u ' U _lIlIIIr-1I -11, 11" u ·11·0,./11 .....
The most likely contributor to the instability of a microphone is
o'
11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11
-.28
i 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11
a 'creeping' (or 'floating') diaphragm where changes in dia- : , 11, 11 , 111111 1111 111111 11
phragm tension affect the sensitivity of the microphone. The
.., . , •• .si. • .. • ,. • , ,

creep rate of a diaphragm is fast when the diaphragm has

been newly tensioned, but decreases over a period of time.
BrOel & Kjeer stabilise the sensitivity of the microphone by artifi- -28.5
;
cially ageing the diaphragm so that, by the time the micro-
phone is calibrated, creep is insignificant.
I
~
Bruel & Kjeer has pioneered the art of artificially ageing micro- -27.0
_ ~ ::'II
' . n -n n 11" "
·n 11· ..
·
phones. The microphones produced at the BrOel&Kjeer factory .' 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11
are without doubt the most stable available. LII,.. II ··U u II ..H . U 11 11 11. U· U U .11 11
-

'74'75'7877'78'79'80'81 '82'83'84'85'88 '87 '88 '89'90'91

Tlme(ye.r)

871BIIII1.
20
Influences on characteristics - temperature
It is essential that temperature variations do not cause perma-
nent changes to the sensitivity of measuring microphones, oth-
erwise the long-term stability suffers. Materials used in the 0.5
construction of the Bruel & Kj~r measuring micropho.nes are R..pon.. (dB)
therefore chosen very carefully, with the result that temperature 0.0
changes have virtually negligible effect on the mechanics and
hence the sensitivity of Br(jel&Kj~r microphones. -0.5

This is easily demonstrated by looking at the mean tempera- -1.0

ture-coefflcients of the Bruel&Kjc.er 1/2" microphones, which
-1.5
are very small at between -0.002 and -0.007 dB/cC (averaged
over the temperature range -10 to +50°C). The minus sign of
-2.0
the coefficient denotes that sensitivity decreases for every de-
gree rise in temperature. -2-5
-50 0 50 100 150 200 250 300
The mean temperature-coefficient is frequency-dependent and Tempel'llture (DC)
so its value is quoted in the microphone specifications at a fre-
Typical variation In senaltlvlty (at 250 ·C) a. a function
quency of 250 Hz. For most general measurements, however, of tempel'llture, ratatlve to the aen.ltlvlty at 20 ·C
the temperature coefficient is small enough to be disregarded.
It is only at extreme temperatures that curves such as that
shown opposite need to be referenced.
1.0
Microphones which are operated outside the recommended R..ponae(dB)
temperature range are at risk of permanent damage. Normally, 0.5
this will not be a concern until temperatures reach about 150°C
where the electret layer can be partly discharged and 'metal 0.0
creep' can introduce irreversible changes in the diaphragm. Ex-
-0.5
ternally polarised microphones of the Falcon™ Range can be
used up to 300°C. . -1.0
500Hz 1k 10 k 50k
Frequency (Hz)

Typical variation In O' -Incldanca frea-ffald re.ponae

(normalized at 250 DC) a. a function of temperatura,
relative to the re.pon.. at 20 · C
8718,7/,. 21
 Influences on characteristics - atmospheric pressure
As ambient pressure varies, so does the stiffness of the air in
the cavity behind the diaphragm. The resulting effect on micro-
phone sensitivity is described by the ambient-pressure coeffi-
cient.

BrOel&Kjaar 1/2" microphones have ambient-pressure coeffi-

cients of between -0.00025 and -0.002 dB/mbar (at 250 Hz).
The minus sign indicates that the sensitivity will decrease with
increases in ambient pressures. For most general measure-
ments, then, small changes in ambient atmospheric pressure
have negligible effect on the sensitivity of BrOel&Kjaar micro-
phones.

The coefficient is stated at a fixed frequency of 250 Hz since it

~
is frequency-dependent. Curves showing the corrections to add
to a microphone's frequency response at different ambient
'static' pressures are available. Uses of such a curve might in-
clude correcting measurements made in an aircraft.
--=-)

-----_.-
HUll •.. "•• " ,." .. ,.

~--
- '. '. ~. "

22.
Influences on characteristics - humidity
BrOel & KjfBr research has lead to the production of micro-
phones whose calibration charts state simply that 'the influence
of humidity does not exceed 0.1 dB in the absence of conden-
sation'. This is an impressive statement when you consider that
measurements made one day at a Relative Humidity (RH) of
5% can be repeated the next at 95% RH without undue influ-
ence on measurement accuracy.

For some BrOel&KjfBr microphone types, the effect of humidity

on microphone sensitivity is specified more closely by the
humidity coefficient. For example, 0.000008 dB/%RH for the
1/2" reference-standard microphone Type 4180.

Shown opposite are the changes in open-circuit sensitivity of a

typical BrOel&KjfBr 1/2" microphone (Type 4133, mounted on
preamplifier Type 2639) when exposed to different humidities
at the elevated, but not uncommon, temperature of 40°C. On
the same diagram is the performance of an apparently similar
microphone from a manufacturer who has not specified the mi-
crophone's humidity coefficient.
11
Condensation
In measurement situations where condensation is likely to form
inside the internal caVity, a backvented microphone may be
used with a dehumidifier. The dehumidifier is a unit which
contains a drying agent and it fits between the preamplifier and
microphone cartridge. Some BrOel&KjfBr backvented micro-
phones also have their diaphragms coated with a very thin film
of quartz to protect the diaphragm in very moist environments.

Sen,llIvlty (et 250 Hz) .. a 'unction 0' relative humidity, 40°C.

",,1923
 Influences on characteristics - vibration
When a microphone is vibrated, it produces a small output volt-
age whose magnitude is related to the mass per unit area of
the diaphragm. The sensitivity of a microphone to vibration is
quantified in terms of an 'equivalent' sound-pressure level, i.e.
the sound-pressure level that would produce the same output
voltage as the vibrations.

In specifications, the influence of vibration is quoted as the

equivalent sound-pressure level produced by an RMS acceler-
ation amplitude of 1 m/s2 (acting at right angles to the dia-
phragm in the frequency range 10 Hz to 2 kHz). An acceleration
amplitude of 1 rn/s 2 might be experienced by a microphone if it
were clamped to the casing of an electric motor - hopefully an
unlikely situation. So how helpful is this specification? The an-
swer is that since it is stated for all BrOel&Kjer measuring mi-
crophones (and microphone preamplifiers) it is useful for
making comparisons between microphones when low vibration
sensitivity is a selection requirement.

24
Influences on characteristics - leakage
Leakage is the name given to the ion currents which can flow
across the diaphragm-to-backplate air-gap and across the sur-
face of the backplate insulator. Uncontrolled leakage affects the
open-circuit sensitivity of externally polarized microphones and
reduces the effectiveness of the backplate insulator.

Bruel&Kjmr stops leakage by thoroughly cleaning and polish-

ing the microphone backplate to inhibit the formation of leak-
age paths and prevent arCing. Additional measures against
leakage, such as specially coated backplate insulators, mean
that leakage paths remain inhibited even in very humid condi-
tions. The result of this attention-to-detail is a very high insula-
tion (or leakage) resistance.

BrOel&Kjmr factory-tests the insulation resistance of every mi-

crophone constructed, to ensure that leakage has been control-
led.

Leekege I. controlled by thorough poIl.hlng .nd cleenlng

01 the microphone'. b.ckplete

8en.ltlvlly 8en.IIIVIlY~
BrOel a Kjar
.......~ Od.

Undefined
I_-frequency
cut ott
20Hz 210Hz 20Hz 210Hz
Frequency Frequency
A B
The effect 01 uncontrolled (A) end controlled (B) leekege
on microphone open-clrcull Hn.lllvlly
mm 25
 Other influences on characteristics

Magnetic fields
The microphone specification relating to the influence of mag-
netic fields is expressed as the equivalent sound-pressure level
that is produced when the microphone is exposed to a magnet-
ic field of strength of aOA/m (at 50 Hz) acting at right-angles to Preamp. Input Preamp. Input
its diaphragm. The magnetic field strength 25 cm away from Pol. vohage
typical shop-floor machinery is generally less than 30A/m.
2OOV~
28V
Dirty diaphragm OV
Small specks of dust often settle on microphone diaphragms
but these have no effect on microphone performance. Heavier
dust particles or liquids that contaminate the diaphragm may be
cleaned away carefully with a piece of cotton wool.

Incorrect polarization voltage

A Bruel&Kjc:er prepolarized microphone will not be damaged if
supplied with the wrong polarization voltage - but its open-cir-
cuit sensitivity will be different from that stated on the calibra-
tion chart.

Externally
poIartzed
(O~
-
PrapoIartzad

~ polarization)

26
Accessory devices
In some situations, measurements cannot be made without the
use of accessory devices because of local environmental con-
ditions. Such devices subtly change the frequency~response of
microphones and so Bruel&Kjesr publish frequency-response
curves showing the effects of these devices.

The Bruel&Kjesr rain cover fits onto 1/2" microphones and,

when combined with a permanent outdoor windscreen and
suitable microphone, long-term outdoor measurements are
possible. A special microphone for outdoor measurement Type
4184 is available.

While windscreens are effective at attenuating general wind-in-

duced noise, a nose cone is more effective at reducing noise
caused by high winds blowing past the microphone in a known
direction. A turbulence screen , on the other hand, is an im-
provement on the nose cone when measurements are required
in, for example, air-conditioning ducts which have flow noise
caused by turbulence.

Another type of accessory is the random-Incidence corrector

which improves the omnidirectivity of 1" microphones at higher
frequencies and modifies the response of certain 1/2" free-field
microphones so that they may be used as random-response
microphones.

Turbulence screen 87162211 27

 Microphone pairs for sound intensity
Bruel&Kjcer produce special pairs of microphones for use in
sound Intensity probes. These microphones are similar in
most respects to other Bruel&Kjcer measuring microphones -
except that these matched pairs are selected to have similar
open-circuit sensitivity, frequency- and phase-response charac-
teristics.

BrOel&Kjcer matched pairs are easily identified by the small

'screw studs' on their diaphragm protection grid. These are
used to secure the microphone spacer which is part of the
sound intensity probe assembly. The two microphones in the
matched pair are additionally labelled Part 1 and Part 2 respec-
tively. The two parts are uniquely matched - so don't separate
or lose them!

BrOel&Kjcer produce both 1/2" and 1/4" matched microphones.

1/2" matched pairs are the most popular choice for general
sound intensity measurements. 1/4" matched pairs are selected
for high-frequency sound intensity measurements and for use
in slde-by-slde probe assemblies. The side-by-side arrange-
ment enables the microphones to be used much nearer to a
source than the more common and more acoustically ideal
face-to-face probe assembly.

L.-_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _-:;.;;;;;..._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 87'12..,'.

28
Microphone pairs for sound intensity - matching specifications
Ideally, the 'matched pair' microphones used for measuring
sound intensity should have identical characteristics. In prac- Matching .peclflcatloll8 for a Brllel a KJ.r 1/2" mlcrophona pair
tice, there are slight differences documented by the following
microphone matching specifications:

Amplitude-response difference, normalized at 250 Hz

This describes the maximum difference between two frequen-
cy-response curves when they are aligned (or normalized) at
250 Hz. For a typical BrOel&Kjalr 1/2" microphone pair, the
amplitude-response difference is <0.4 dB (20 Hz to 5 kHz).

Phase-response difference (or 'phase matching')

The closeness of the phase-response matching is perhaps the
biggest influence on the accuracy of sound intensity measure-
ments - and is therefore the most telling specification. The
BrOel & Kjalr 1/2" matched-microphone pairs have the best
phase-response difference of any microphone pairs - phase-
response differences are <0.05° between 20 Hz and 250 Hz
Phaae-dllterence calibration chart
(the frequency range where the influence of phase differences
are most critical). The success of these BrOel&Kjalr micro-
phone pairs is largely due to their very low vent sensitivity
which makes the phase responses of each microphone in the
pair extremely stable.

87tB25 29
 Microphone pairs for sound intensity vent sensitivity
The vent-sensitivity specification states how much sound en-
ters the static-pressure equalization vent relative to the sound
level at the microphone diaphragm.

It is desirable for matched microphones to have very low vent Soundwavea

sensitivity because they can then be pointed in any direction in
a sound-field without the vent influencing their phase response.
A matched-microphone pair then has a constant phase-re-
sponse difference when assembled into an intensity probe (e.g.
in the face-to-face configuration).

Since it is only lower frequencies which can enter the vent,

vent sensitivity is usually only a consideration below about
250 Hz. BrOel&Kjrer always quote the vent sensitivity of micro-
phone pairs at 20 Hz (the lowest frequency in the audio range)
where the vent is at its most sensitive.

Bruel &Kjser phase correctors

Typica l vent sensitivities are < - 60 dB (at 20 Hz) for
BrOel & Kjrer matched microphones. This is a very low value
and has been achieved by including phase correctors in the
microphone design. A phase corrector attenuates the low fre-
quencies that enter the microphone vent. Microphones that
have phase correctors are capable of measuring sound intensi-
ty at least one octave below the lowest value measurable by
other microphones, and with greater accuracy too.

BrOel&Kjrer microphones fitted with these unique phase cor- Black stripe Indicating
rectors are marked with a thick black line on the microphone that the mlcrophona has
cartridge. a phase corrector unit

30
Standards relevant to measuring microphones
When selecting a measuring microphone, you would normally
consider whether or not you require it to fulfil standardised
specifications such as ANSI S1 .12-1967 (Specifications for
Laboratory Standard Microphones) or IEC-651 and/or ANSI
S1.4-1983 (Specifications for Sound Level Meters). By choos-
ing a microphone which does fulfil a standard, you are assured
that it has certain minimum acceptable specifications and a
recognised grade of precision and environmental robustness.

ANSI S1.12-1967
This standard specifies microphones that are suitable for cali-
bration by absolute methods and for laboratory-type measure-
ments. The table opposite lists the BlUel & Kjeer microphones
which fulfil the standard. The four classes of microphone de-
fined in the standard are summarized below:

Type L: Precisely calibrated reference-standard with a closely

specified outer diameter (to enable use in couplers).
Type XL: As above, but with no specified outside diameter.
Type M: For measuring sound-pressure magnitudes of the or-
der 0.1 N/m2, or higher. Better high-frequency and high sound-
pressure performance than for Types L and XL. Copes with rel-
atively large ambient-pressure changes.
Type H: For applications in which diffraction errors in the
measurements must be small or in which the sound-pressure Outside diameter 0' mlcrophollH cla..lfled .. 'ollowa:
magnitude is of the order of 0.5 N/m2, or higher. Copes with
relatively large ambient-pressure changes. Type XL 1.5000" maximum
Type L 0.938" :1: 0.002
Type M 0.827" maximum
Type H 0.285" maximum

871B3011. 31
 IEC-6S1

TyPe 0: Lat>oratol}' reference standard. L____-:::;:;;--;; '-rmlcrop

hones fulfilling
Bnlel & K.-
sound level meter standards
"".Whe
and/or
USe " ..'ntended
COntrol/ed. espedally
/he a_beal 10, Ia""'a,o", use, and
enW""'ment '0'
can be Closely SPSCiffie'd
... ~----I---~IEC-651

'~dhas been s'gn"''''''n,ydet"'m'ne

TyPe 2: For general field apPlications.

e~<shed no~e 'm,

"". 3, Pnman,y. ""
an 8 1.4_ 983
AN8/ 1
nOIse SO",""s to Whe/he,
Violated.

TYPe 0 (labo"to'!' Stano.,O), 'ntended as a 'O,.,ence

stanoa,.
tal reqUIrements of othernot
and /he"""", types.
"",UI..., to satisfy /he en",on_.
and
TYPem21the(P_'on),
laboratol}'. Fo, aceu"'e m...U.....n/s In /he r""d
TYPe . ( " -...,
dommate.
Of
Pt"".,,), Fo, gene.,. fie..
/ypICaJ enwmnmental SOunds When hIgh
me'SU"men~
"""""nc;.. donot

32
Microphone selection guide
Inside the backcover is a table of measuring microphone spec- Useful selection hints are as follows:
ifications. To help you find your way quickly and easily, we
have included references to the pages which explain particular Requirement Type
features of the table. Permanent outdoor measurements ..... 1/2"4188,4184, et al.
Extremely Iow-level measurements ... .......................... 1" 4179
For those of you who are perhaps seeing such a specification Extremely high-level measurements ......................... 1/4" 4136
table for the first time, it might be useful to know that 1/2" mi- Very low-frequency measurements .......................... 1/2" 4193
crophones are generally selected for the majority of measure- High altitude measurements ..................................... 1/4"4136
ment tasks. The most popular Bruel&Kjoor microphone is the Laboratory reference-calibrations ................ 1" 4160, 1/2" 4180
1/2" Type 4190 which has excellent all-round performance. Very low noise ............................................ ..... 1" microphones
(Please note that omissions from the table include the Type Excellent pulse response .............. 1/4"4135&4136,1/8"4138
4182 probe microphone and the sound intensity microphone Low vibration-sensitivity ........................... 1/4" 4135, 1/8" 4138
pairs.) No polarization-voltage ............................... prepolarized types

33
 We hope this booklet has answered many of your questions
and will continue to serve as a handy reference guide. If you
have other questions about BrOel & Kjar measuring micro-
phones. please contact one of our local representatives or write
directly to:

Bruel &KJmr
2850 Narum
34 Denmark
 Type no (Page) 4144 4145 4160 4179 4133 4134
Nominal Diameter 8 1"
Free-field Free-field Free-field Random
Frequency Response
D· D· D· Incidence
Characteristic 14 Pressure Pressure
Incidence Incidence Incidence & Pressure
Open Circuit Frequency 2.6Hz 10 2.6Hz 10 Up 10 8kHz 10Hzlo 4Hzlo 4Hz 10
13
Respons'· (± 2 dB) 8kHz 18kHz ±ldB 10kHz·· 40kHz 20kHz
Open mVIPA 50 47 100 12.5
Circuit
9
Sensitivity dB re lVlPa -26 -26.5 -20 -38
Lower Limiting
15 1102Hz 1102Hz+ 5107Hz 1103 Hz
Frequency, - 3 dB
Cartridge Thermal
17 9.5 10 9.5 -2.5··· 20 18
Noise (dB(A»
Open Circuit
DIstortion Limit, 3%, at
18 >146 140 >160
100 Hz (dB re. 20 j.IPA)
Polarization Voltage (V) 5 ~

Polarized Cartridge
55pF 66pF 55pF 40pF 18pF 18.5pF
Capacitance at 200 Hz·
Mean Temperature
Coefficient (at 250 Hz)
21 -0.003 -0.002 -0.003 -0.004 -0.002
-1010 +50 ' C (dBI"C)
Equlvalenl Air Volume
148 130 148 400 10
at 250 Hz, 1 atm. (mm 3)
Expected at 20'C > 1000 years/dB > 1000 years/dB
Long-term
21 250y/dB
Stability at 150 'C b >2 hours/dB >2 hours/dB
Influence of Static Pressure
! at 250 Hz (kPa)
Influence of 1 mis' Axial
22 -0.016 -0.015 -0.016 -0.007

24 67 60 67
Vibration (dB re. 20 j.IPa)C
Typ. Influence of 50 Hz, 80 Aim
26 18 12 20
magnetic field (dB re. 20 j.IPa)
Influence of <0.1 dB in Ihe absence of
23 0.0025dB/l00%RH
Relative Humidity condensation
a) Not for random incidence c) Typical value
b) 12S· Cfor41BB d) With preamplifier Type 2639
 4165 4166 4180 4135 4136 4138 41551' 4176 P 4188 4189 4190 4191 4192 4193
1/2" 1/4" 1/8" 1/2"
Free-field Random Free-field Random Free-field Free-field Free-field Free-field Random
O· Incidence & Incidence 0- & & O· Incidence
Pressure Pressure
Incidence & Pressure Random & Pressure Incidence Random Random Incidence & Pressure
2.6Hz 10 2.6Hz 10 upl020kHz 4Hzlo 4Hzlo 6.5Hz 10 4Hz 10 7Hz 10 8Hz 6.3Hz 3.15Hz 3.15Hz 3.15Hz 70mHz
20kHz 10kHz ± 1.5dB 100kHz 70kHz 140kHz 16kHz 12.5kHz 12.5Hz 20Hz 20kHz 40kHz 20kHz 20kHz

50 12.5 4 1.6 1.0 50 31.6 50 50 12.5 12.5 12.5

-26 -38 -48 -56 -60 -26 -30 -26 -26 -38 -38 -38
0.5Hzlo 0.5Hz 10 0.0110
1102Hz 1103Hz+ 0.3103Hz 1103Hz 1105Hz 2104Hz 1102Hz 1102Hz 1102Hz
5Hz 5Hz 0.05Hz

I 14.5 15 18 29.5 30.5 - 14.5 13.5 14.2 14.6 14.6 20 19 19

>146 >160 >164 >172 >168 146 142 >146 >146 >148 >162 >162 >162

)0 - 0 200

19pF 21pF 17.5pF 6.4pF 3.5pF 15pF 12.5pF 12pF 14pF 16pF 18pF

-{l.007 -{l.002 -{l.01 -{l.006 -{l.004 +0.005 -{l.001 -{l.007 -{l.002

I
40 9.3 0.6 0.25 0.1 40 50 65 46 46 11.6 8.8 8.8

>600 years/dB >1000 y/dB >IOOOy/dB > 1000 years/dB

i >1 hours/dB
>400 y/dB - >400 y/dB >250 y/dB
>10 h/dB >2h/dB > 100 years/dB

I -0.01 -0.007 -0.007 -0.0025 -0.01 -0.01 -0.02 -0.021 -0.010 -0.010 -0.007 -0.005 -0.005

I 60 65 59 69 58 60 63.5 62.5 62.5 65.5 65.5 65.5

I 30 20 30 38 40 30 7 6 4 16 16 16

0.0008dBI <0.1 dB in Ihe absence of < 0.1 dB in Ihe absence

0.004dBI100%RH <0.1 dB atl00%RH
100%RH condensation of condensation
Individually calibrated
+ Vent exposed to sound field
-- wnh frequency response compensation networK built in to Preamplifier Type 2660
Prepolarized
. -- A-weighted noise floor of combined assembly (4179 + 2660)
Bruel & Kjmr . .
HEADQUARTERS: DK-2850 NiI!I\lm . Denmark · Telephone: +454580 05 00 . Fax: +4545801405 Internet http://www.bk.dk . ...mail: InfoObk.dk BR 0567-12
Printed In Denmal1< by K. Larsen & Son AlS