Type 1600MDN     Microphone dynamic range  Measuring System

Main Functions

TYPE 1600MDN can test the dynamic range of all kinds of microphones, which are: (1) Tests the distortion value and curve of the microphone at 100 ~ 160dBSPL; (2) Tests the inherent noise of the microphone.

Any type of microphones, including Electrets Condenser Microphone (ECM), Dynamic, Piezo, Ceramic and Carbon Microphones.

　| Catalogue | Example of Testing Screen |

Functions and Specifications of  Type 1600 MDN

1600MDN is used for testing the dynamic range of microphones. The dynamic range means one, distortion and two, noise.

(1)   Distortion : What is the upper sound level limit the microphone can receive on which the distortion of the output

electrical signal of the microphone is limited to a reasonable value? Usually this specification is expressed as the

input sound pressure level (SPL) while 3%, 5% or 10% output distortion is used as the “Reasonable value”. It is

true important that the sound source itself must generate much less distortion than the “Reasonable value” under

such high sound level.

(2)   Noise : The inherent noise of the microphone restricted the application of such microphone in low sound level. The

less the inherent noise and the better the S/N, which means the microphone may transfer clearly even in a very soft

and low level speech.

Since the manufacture of a high level - low distortion sound source is very difficult. Also to read out the noise as lower as the level of μV is very difficult, the measurement of the dynamic range of microphones is truly difficult technically.

The design of 1600MDN solves the above two difficulties masterly. It has the following features :

A. 1600MDN can generate 100 to 160 dB SPL at 1 kHz with very low distortion. Each 1600MDN is attached with a distortion chart. This was measured by a B&K 4134 microphone which was placed at the sound field generated by 169 sound source. The measured distortion should be the amount of B&K 4134 and SUNLIGHT Sound Source 169. The 1% distortion at 154 dB SPL means the distortion of Model 169 must be less than 1%. (Please note that the specification of distortion of B&K 4134 at 160 dB SPL is less than 3%, It is very difficult to keep the distortion as lower as 1% at 154 dB SPL, but the SUNLIGHT Type 1600MDN can do it!

Specification of the distortion of 1600MDN sound source Model 169 : ≦ 1% (100 to 150 dB SPL; typ.<0.7%)

Start/stop point of the high sound level scan : Can be set between 100 to 160 dB. Please note that 160 dB can be set only when omni directional microphones are measured. If unidirectional microphones are measured, the 160 dB may not be reached (several dB less) due to the direction pattern of the microphone.

Interval of the high sound level scan : Can be set from1 dB/step to 10 dB/step.

B. The isolating of the box of Model 169 is as high as 58 dB A measured by pink noise. This means the inherent noise of

the microphone can be measured accurately in a quiet ordinary room (e.g. < 50 dB A). It is not necessary to be used

in the anechoic chamber.

C.  After putting the microphone into the box, the user needs only press a key, then both distortion curve and inherent

noise will be measured automatically, continuously and quickly. It is so fast that the measurement is suitable for use

in production line.

D.  Because the inherent noise of the microphone is very small (in the level of mV), it is very difficult to measure such

small voltage using ordinary instrument. The special design of 1600MDN solves the difficulty, and makes the measurement much quicker and easier.

Distortion curve of the combination of B&K 4134 and SUNLIGHT Sound Source 169 of 1600MDN :

One example of the measured distortion and inherent noise of a Kara OK microphone :

Products list | brand | Model No. | Home