Best Measurement Microphones
Introduction
If you’re about to get your first measurement microphone, then of course you wish to ensure that the measurement outcomes are usable and you do not be in the wrong place. Precisely this question we’ll answer at this time is based mostly on measurements from practice.
A measurement microphone is like a usual microphone in the superficial options: it’s sometimes tubular, with a sensor at one end and a connector on the other, and the sensor itself is a light-weight diaphragm that’s excited by modifications in air pressure, responding in an approach that may produce an electrical signal.
However at this level, the two microphone types diverge: you won’t see a singer’s wireless mic measuring loudspeaker drivers in an anechoic chamber, and also you won’t see a comedian utilizing a measurement microphone for the mic drop on the end of his routine.
These types of microphones will help you to measure your room and your speaker’s frequency response and in the end, will help you out with getting information that is crucial for you to make room treatment and flatten your speaker’s response.
We just want to let you know that we’ll list these best measurement microphones reviews in no particular order. They’ll be randomized as we don’t wish to sort them from best to worst.
Listed below are our Top 10 Best Measurement Mics for 2023:
1. Peavey PVR 2 Measurement Microphone
This measurement microphone by Peavey is omnidirectional for creating a free-field measurement and it has a high-quality circuit with a 1/4 inch polarized condenser capsule. This microphone shows high stability and balance with minimum distortion and self-noise when in usage.
It is ideal for room analyzing, recording, and testing your room. It also features the standard 1/2 inch diameter and in nature is back connected condenser microphone. It has a frequency response range from around 20Hz to 20kHz. The maximum level of SPL is 132dB.
This measurement microphone is a great choice to test your room frequencies out and even out your speaker frequency output. With the right software to calibrate your room, this is a powerful tool that will improve your performance.
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Peavey PVR 2 Measurement Microphone |
2. Neumann MA 1 Monitor Alignment Microphone and Calibration System
Neumann’s Automatic Monitor Alignment MA 1 ensures the absolute best sound quality in any room – from home studios to professional management rooms. Utilizing the individually calibrated measurement microphone your acoustic atmosphere is analyzed in a guided process.
This streamlined speaker optimization system stores its calibration information immediately in your DSP-powered KH-series studio monitors so that you won’t have to futz around with a clunky plug-in to make it work.
In the event you demand optimum sound quality in each mixing atmosphere, the Neumann MA 1 automated monitor alignment system delivers, with handy, set-it-and-forget-it simplicity.
Notice: The Neumann MA 1 automated alignment system requires a stereo set of KH 80 DSP studio monitors or a KH 750 DSP subwoofer to function. An audio interface with balanced analog input, +48V phantom power, and two balanced outputs are required. The KH 750 DSP subwoofer additionally accepts AES3.
- Space-adaptive target curve
- Phase and amplitude optimization for analog Neumann monitors
- Frequency range: 20 – 20000 Hz
- Directional characteristic: Omnidirectional
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Neumann MA 1 Monitor Alignment Microphone and Calibration System |
3. dbx RTA-M Measurement Microphone
The elective RTA-M real-time audio analyzing mic is the right accessory device for the DriveRack PA sequence (PA, PX, PA+, PA2) and 260. Used at the side of the System Setup Wizard and Auto EQ Wizard the RTA-M is right for optimizing the sound high quality of even the most troublesome of acoustic environments.
The RTA-M Reference Microphone from dbx is an omnidirectional mic designed to be used with dbx DriveRack collection real-time analyzers (sold individually) to supply an acoustic picture of a room. It may be used to seize audio and fine-tune your sound system performance to match the response traits of the room for live sound and recording functions.
In addition, the RTA-M is constructed with a metal housing, requires phantom power (9 to 52 VDC), and features a mic clip together with a hardcover case. The RTA-M is a flat frequency measurement microphone and may pick up all frequencies from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ensuring correct real-time evaluation of your audio.
- Frequency range: 20 – 20,000 Hz
- Impedance: 250 Ohm
- Sensitivity: -63 dB + 3 dB (0 dB = 1V / microbar 1,000 Hz)
- 9-52 V phantom power required
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dbx RTA-M Measurement Microphone |
4. Audix TM1 Plus Omnidirectional Condenser Measurement Microphone
The TM1 is a 6 mm pre-polarized condenser microphone identified for its linearity, correct response, and consistency.
Used for checking and measurement purposes, the TM1 condenser microphone is supplied with a uniformly managed omnidirectional polar pattern designed to seize acoustic measurements for room evaluation software applications, real-time analyzers, and different sound management units.
With a flat frequency range of 20 Hz-20 kHz, a TM1 microphone is a superb instrument for sound engineers, sound firms, and recording fans. The TM1 omnidirectional test and measurement microphones are designed, machined, assembled, and examined by Audix within the USA.
Requiring 24-48 Volts phantom power for operation, the TM1 condenser mic includes a precision-machined 4-stage brass body and capsule housing, nickel plate end, Switchcraft or Audix XLR, shock-absorbent O-rings, and heavy-duty snap to the mic clip.
- Max SPL 140 dB
- For 18-52 V phantom power
- Output impedance 200 Ohm
- Dynamic range 112 dB
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store | For US Customers | For EU Customers |
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Audix TM1 Plus Omnidirectional Condenser Measurement Microphone |
5. Behringer ECM8000
The Behringer ECM8000 is a specialized condenser microphone designed to be used with real-time analyzers, reminiscent of our ULTRACURVE DEQ2496, and gives an instantaneous acoustic image of the room.
You’ll be able to then use your graphic EQ to fine-tune your sound system’s efficiency to completely match the response traits of the room. The ECM8000 is a high-precision, ultra-affordable measurement microphone that needs to be part of every critical audio engineer’s toolkit.
The ECM8000’s ruler-flat frequency response from 15 Hz to 20 kHz, and its omnidirectional pickup pattern provide you with a transparent, accurate reading of any room’s distinctive sound characteristics.
Like normal condenser mics used for recording or live efficiency, the ECM8000 requires phantom power (+15 to +48 V). It has included a microphone clip, stand adapter, and a rugged carrying case, for an extended lifetime of smooth operation.
The ECM8000 could very well turn into the one most-valuable tool in your bag of tips, and it’s ultra-affordable. Take the guesswork out of EQing, with the incredibly-accurate ECM8000 – each on the gig and within the studio.
- Balanced omnidirectional polar pattern
- Operatable with phantom power from +15 V to + 48 V
- Rugged construction in slim, modern design
- Low inherent noise XLR output with gold- plated contacts
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Behringer ECM8000 |
6. Beyerdynamic MM-1 Omnidirectional Condenser Measurement Microphone
The beyerdynamic MM 1 is a measurement microphone that has been designed particularly for measuring sound reinforcement and PA systems. It’s designed to work with analyzers and sound level meters for measuring frequency response and sound pressure levels of loudspeaker systems.
The MM 1 is the perfect microphone for the measurement of audio signals in the analysis, improvement, reverberation testings, and different functions. The slender tubular construction ensures that the microphone has a negligible effect on the sound area in order that an increase in sound pressure is averted with high frequencies. A pure reproduction is achieved because of the linear frequency response.
Using this microphone will help you to even out the sound pressure level in the sound field, especially around your mixing spot. With it, your measurements will be accurate and you can achieve great calibrated monitors.
- Max. SPL (sound pressure level): 128 dB
- Requires 12-48 V phantom power
- Current consumption approx. 3.4 mA
- Dimensions: 133 x 19/9 mm
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Beyerdynamic MM-1 Omnidirectional Condenser Measurement Microphone |
7. Earthworks M30 30kHz Omnidirectional Measurement Microphone
The Earthworks M30 is a precision-engineered 30 kHz omnidirectional measurement microphone ideally suited to acoustical measurements together with loudspeaker design and high-quality control, sound system setup and troubleshooting, room acoustics, or any application where a correct free-field measurement microphone is required.
Accuracy, consistency, and reliability have made the Earthworks M30 measurement microphone the primary alternative for live sound professionals, acousticians, and researchers all around the world for almost twenty years.
Used on numerous full-scale concert tours, in addition to in scientific analysis laboratories, and rocket testing services, the M30 and its M-Series siblings have been confirmed to be lab-grade audio instruments that may deal with any setting.
The M30’s audio performance is unparalleled. It has a flat frequency response that extends from 3 Hz to 30 kHz, an exceptionally constant omnidirectional polar response, 140 dB SPL score without distortion, and no handling noise. With temperature-compensated electronics, the M30 was constructed to deliver repeatable outcomes it doesn’t matter what the environment.
Each M30 is individually hand-tuned and examined and is delivered with its personal printed frequency response chart. An Electronic Calibration File (ECF) is generated for every microphone throughout final testing and could be downloaded free of cost after product registration.
- Frequency range: 5Hz – 30 kHz
- +-1/-3 dB
- Max. SPL: 142 dB
- 48V Phantom power required
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store | For US Customers | For EU Customers |
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Earthworks M30 30kHz Omnidirectional Measurement Microphone |
8. Presonus PRM1
The PRM1 uses a 1/4″ pre-polarized electret condenser capsule with an omnidirectional polar pattern. That is particularly useful when tuning your sound system to a selected acoustic space or venue because it permits the microphone to seize reflections in addition to direct signals from the sound source.
In contrast to mics you employ for recording and live sound, the PreSonus PRM1 has a slender dynamic range, since it’s meant to obtain test frequencies, akin to pink noise, at a set level. Consequently, it’s not advisable for recording or performance, nevertheless it’s the suitable mic for analyzing a sound system’s response.
The PreSonus PRM1 has a linear (“flat”) frequency response between 20 Hz and 20 kHz, which means it captures all frequencies equally inside that range. Because it neither boosts nor cuts frequencies, it doesn’t color the sound, making it ultimate for measuring what a room or speaker is doing to a sound system’s outgoing signal.
- Frequency range: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Sensitivity: -37 dB / PA
- SPL: 132 dB
- Incl. Microphone clamp, foam windscreen and hard case
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store | For US Customers | For EU Customers |
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Presonus PRM1 |
9. Sonarworks SoundID Ref Measurement Microphone
Designed for seamlessly built-in use with the Sonarworks SoundID software program, the Sonarworks SoundID Reference Measurement Microphone is a pre-polarised condenser armed with an omnidirectional polar pattern and 106 dB of dynamic range.
The SoundID Reference Microphone is tailored to be used in the speaker calibration setup by means of Sonarworks’ SoundID Reference Studio software program bundle and ensures that any audio system will be totally calibrated in 20 minutes flat.
As soon as complete, the calibration process imposes a flat frequency response goal throughout all audible bands making any consumer’s mix totally translatable between completely different studio monitors and even completely different listening devices.
Identical to anything to do with monitoring, a little bit of optimization can go a long way to getting essentially the most out of your chain, so for these utilizing speakers, make sure to put a little bit of time into establishing your listening setting and give SoundID Reference every alternative to do its thing.
- Sensitivity: 14mV / Pa
- Inherent noise: 24 dB
- Dynamic range: 106dB
- Max. sound pressure level: 132 dB
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store | For US Customers | For EU Customers |
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Sonarworks SoundID Ref Measurement Microphone |
10. IK Multimedia MEMS Microphone for ARC System
The ARC (Advanced Room Correction) system measures and calculates the acoustics in your room, then applies correction through a sophisticated EQ plug-in. Utilizing the included MEMS microphone, ARC System 2.5 software program measures your room’s acoustics and formulates corrections.
The system then uses a frequency/time-correction processing plug-in to work together with your DAW, providing you with “corrected” surroundings each time. If you want the most correct, optimum room for mixing, use ARC to make it.
Ever since you began mixing audio, you’ve got been chasing “excellent” acoustics, right? ARC System 2.5 has the potential to make any room sound extra accurate. Consider it this manner: when you’ve got no acoustic treatment, you may encounter all methods of acoustic anomalies like null factors, standing waves, asymmetrical reflections, and so forth
ARC System 2.5 features a high-precision MEMS measurement microphone. This omnidirectional microphone is tailored for ARC’s correction software program, so it gives optimum results which can be both dependable and repeatable.
And in contrast to normal condenser mics, MEMS technology is proof against delicate frequency response modifications over time. This microphone is extraordinarily durable and immune to humidity and temperature variations, so it’s going to proceed to serve you properly for years to return.
- Impedance: 100 Ohm
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 65 dB (A)
- Phantom power: 12 – 48 V
- Dimensions: 129.5 mm x 23 mm
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | For US Customers |
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IK Multimedia MEMS Microphone for ARC System |
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Conclusion on our Measurement Mic Selection
When it comes to measurement microphones, these are the ones that you can go for and get your room measured and trimmed to your taste. The sensitivity of these microphones is amazing since they will need to get the right sound pressure which will produce an accurate frequency response.
If you are serious about your work, it is no big deal to get such a microphone to get the best out of your mixing setting. For a really affordable price, you can get a mic that will most definitively improve your mixing decisions.
In case you are having any questions about this topic, please let us know in the comment section.
