Most often, making a measuring microphone with their own hands is decided by those who need not only to check, but also to correct the amplitude-frequency characteristic of a living space, studio, concert hall or any other room. In such a situation, the product is used in combination with a test signal generator and a powerful spectrum analyzer. It should be noted that the latter unit can be presented as a separate hardware device. Some craftsmen have learned to replace it with computer programs. Recently, high-quality monitor processors have gained immense popularity. These are advanced software and hardware solutions. They may include measurement microphones, test signal generators and software. Due to this, you can adjust the amplitude-frequency characteristics.
Description
Before you start making a measuring microphone with your ownhands, you need to study which parameters are the main ones in the unit. Experts note the following characteristics:
- Working principle and purpose. The finished microphone can be used in different industries, which is why certain requirements are imposed on the unit. In each case, there are positive and negative characteristics that the user can adapt to suit their needs.
- General focus. This is a peculiar ability of the device to respond to even the smallest changes in sound pressure relative to the direction of the sound. The final parameter depends on the design of the capsule, which is the basis of the entire product.
- Sensitivity. This ability characterizes the overall efficiency of the product in converting incoming sound pressure pulses into current. Due to this, a specialist can understand what kind of voltage will be at the output of the unit at a certain sound pressure. The higher the sensitivity, the higher the resulting readings will be.
Every beginner who decides to build a measuring microphone with their own hands should know that this device converts changes in sound pressure into electrical current. For work, you can use the simplest scheme.
Direction
This parameter displays the sensitivity of the product to the main sound location. Today, every master can build a measuring microphone with his own hands, which will fit a certain direction:
- Supercardioid. The sound is perceived quite narrowly, partially picking up the noise that comes from the back of the unit.
- Cardioid. The microphone only picks up sounds coming from the front. Hypercardioid. The "back" zone prevails over all the others.
- Eight. The product is equally good at picking up sound from the front and back.
Homemade measuring microphone can be omnidirectional. Such products perfectly perceive sound from any point. Advanced models can be equipped with a universal switch that allows you to adjust the necessary parameters.
Food
Some microphones may be classified as "phantom" when the required current is supplied through the cable that connects the unit itself to the receiving installation. This option relieves the user of the need to independently monitor the battery charge level. Freedom of movement directly depends on the length of the network cable. Products with high-quality batteries are in the greatest demand. But you need to remember about regular recharging. The master can make a measuring microphone for frequency response analysis, which will work from two power sources at once. This is the most profitable and multifunctional solution.
Features
Measuring microphones differ in their level of sensitivity. It can be measured in decibels, as well as millivolts per pascal. The master musttake into account the rated resistance of the unit to alternating current. It is on this parameter that the compatibility of the microphone with the existing equipment to which it is connected depends. Impedance is especially important in a professional environment. If the product is paired with a smartphone, computer or laptop, then the nominal voltage is not such an important parameter.
Classic scheme
If you prepare all the necessary tools and materials in advance, then at home it will be possible to build a homemade measuring microphone from WM60. To avoid the most common mistakes, you need to familiarize yourself with the elementary scheme in advance. The capsule is powered through a powerful 15k resistor. In parallel, a ceramic capacitor is included in the unit, which independently eliminates high-frequency interference and interference. After that, the signal enters the first stage of the amplifier.
Main steps
As a solid base, you can use a chrome-plated metal tube, as well as a housing from an old probe or sensor. The classic version consists of 2 basic parts. The first is a rugged chrome-plated tube microphone housing. An electret capsule and a printed circuit board are necessarily installed in the internal compartment, on which the components of the first stage of the amplifier, as well as the voltage stabilizer, are pre-soldered. The second part is represented by a small box with an XLR connector, a printed circuit board with matching stages. You must always remember that everythingparts are designed for specific cases, which is why some mechanisms may simply not be suitable. When going through the ways to install the measurement microphone, you need to remember that the power will come through the XLR, from a 48 V phantom source.
Equipment
The measuring microphone can be equipped with a receiver, which is perfectly compatible with various audio equipment. Many DIYers prefer to use a transmitter, which is ideal for compact, wireless-powered units. This is a great option for professionals, as many working nuances are greatly simplified. You can also build a holder for a stand or tripod. This approach will appeal to those who work in the instrumental and vocal industry. The product will also be useful in concert activities.
Functionality
The presence of a flexible leg allows you to freely change the position of the main capsule without first moving the microphone itself. For these purposes, a rigid leg with a universal swivel mount can also be used. The user can connect a microphone to his computer to conduct conferences over the Internet. The radiation pattern can be controlled by switching the DN. In professional products, this function is actively used to switch between different fronts of work. If the master has sufficient skills, then he can also build a headphone output, making the product universal. This option is typical for studio equipment, as it allows you to control the quality of the vocalrecords. It is worth noting that headphones are most often connected via a mini-Jack. If you need to reduce the signal level at the output, then you simply cannot do without an attenuator. Technicians use this device for high-quality sound attenuation so as not to overload the equipment.
