The Microphone Book, 2nd Edition

CHAPTER 7

MICROPHONE MEASUREMENTS, STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS

INTRODUCTION

In this chapter we discuss the performance parameters of microphones that form the basis of specification documents and other microphone literature. While some microphone standards are applied globally, others are not, and this often makes it difficult to compare similar models from different manufacturers. Some of the differences are regional and reflect early design practice and usage. Specifically European manufacturers developed specifications based on modern recording and broadcast practice using capacitor microphones, whereas traditional American practice was based largely on standards developed in the early days of ribbon and dynamic microphones designed originally ...