GRAS 46BL-1 1/4" CCP Pressure Standard Microphone Set, High Sensitivity

 

Why is high-frequency measurement needed?

Acoustic quality requirements for telecom, audio, PCs and tablets are ever increasing, with a constant trend towards tighter production tolerances and the need to include higher frequencies in testing. The physical properties of smaller microphones not only make them a great solution for meeting those requirements and minimizing error in the data measured on the production line, they are more easily placed on the lines, where a small footprint is critical—smaller microphones can be fitted in smaller test setups.

 

Is smaller better?

There is no magic microphone that is perfect for all possible measurement scenarios, but the actual physical size of ¼″ microphones provides many benefits. The size-related properties reduce the pressure build-up effect on the diaphragm, but also significantly minimize error when when the sound wave is not 0° incidence and can inherently enable measurements at higher-frequency ranges and pressure levels. And when accounting for real-world conditions and measuring where there are many reflections and disturbances, such as in-cabin, the physical advantages of a ¼″ microphone can greatly increase accuracy and simplify post-processing data. For example, at 20 kHz, a ½″ free-field (FF) mic underrepresents the sound power of a 90° incidence wave by ca. 10 dB—a ¼″ FF mic, only by approx. 3 dB. This results in more accurate data in environments with random angles of incidence where corrections are difficult or impossible to estimate.

 

Benefits at a glance

• Reduced influence of the angle of incidence.

• Well-suited for high-frequency measurements.

• Minimal footprint for easy placement on a production line.

• Small diaphragms enable the possibility for testing miniature microphones, such as MEMS.

• Reduced influence on measurement environment due to their small size.

• Lowest noise in the industry for high sensitivity, pressure and free field.

• Enables extreme SPL measurement.

• Competitive pricing

Typical applications and use

GRAS 46BL-1 is ideally suited for production line testing of portable communication devices, such as cell phones, laptop computers, tablets, GPS receivers, and similar devices using microspeakers. 

It is also well suited for general acoustic measurements when high sensitivity and low noise are required. In particular, due to the properties of small microphones, GRAS 46BL-1 excels at in-cabin testing and measurement, and fulfills the recommendations of the Audio Engineering Society (AES) for infotainment system evaluation.

Regarding temperature range, see the specifications. If measurement at higher temperatures is required, a GRAS probe microphone, where the microphone and preamplifier can be isolated from the hot source.

 

In-car acoustic measurements

The AES Technical Committee on Automotive Audio [TC-AA] has developed some very useful guidelines for In-car Acoustic measurements in a whitepaper from 2023.
This paper is focused on measurements with microphones in the driver and passenger seat, both on methods and instrumentation.The RA0399 holder is specially designed to meet the specification in the whitepaper.Together with the GRAS 46BC high sensitive microphone ( or the high sensitive pressure microphone 46BL-1)set, it fulfills the complete test demands in the white paper.

Find more information on the RA0399 array and the typical use according to EAS whitepaper in this instruction manual: RA0399 H-shaped holder for 6-unit microphone array

Regarding temperature range, see the specifications. If measurement at higher temperatures is required, a GRAS probe microphone, where the microphone and preamplifier can be isolated from the hot source.

 

 NOTES:

• To achieve optimal performances GRAS 46BL-1 must be powered on for at least two minutes before starting a measurement.

• Unlike other CCP microphones, a positive pressure on the GRAS 46BL-1 diaphragm generates a negative output voltage.

 

Compatibility

To perform as specified, the GRAS 46BL-1 microphone set requires a constant current input module that can deliver 4 mA and 24 V unloaded CCP voltage supply. If the constant current supply is lower, the capability of driving long cables is reduced, and consequently, the upper frequency is reduced. If the voltage supply is lower, it will influence the upper dynamic range.

The microphone set is terminated with a 10/32 Microdot female connector. Ready-to-use coax cable assemblies of various types and lengths are available in standard as well as customized lengths.

The 46BL-1 is IEEE 1451.4 TEDS v. 1.0 compliant. If your measurement platform supports Transducer Electronic Data Sheets, you will be able to read and write data like properties and calibration data.

 

Quality and warranty

GRAS microphone sets are made of components from our proven standard portfolio and are all manufactured of high-quality material and branded parts that were chosen and processed to ensure life-long stability and robustness.

All parts are manufactured and assembled at the factory in Denmark by skilled and dedicated operators in a verified clean-room environment. The microphone diaphragm, body, and unique protection grid are made of high-grade stainless steel and make the microphone set resistant to physical damage as well as corrosion caused by aggressive air or gasses.

This, together with the enforced gold-plated microphone terminal, guarantees a highly reliable connection. Thanks to the high quality, our warranty against defective materials and workmanship is five years.

GRAS 46BL-1 1/4" CCP Pressure Standard Microphone Set, High Sensitivity- Datasheet Download