GRAS 40AE 1/2″ Prepolarized Free-Field Microphone

Introduction

GRAS 40AE is a high-precision electret condenser microphone made according to IEC 61094-4 requirements. The electret technology for microphones was introduced in the beginning of the 1960’s and has been continuously improved over the years. At GRAS, we have developed and refined our own techniques. This guarantees that our prepolarized microphones are as stable and robust as our traditional, externally polarized versions in daily use scenarios.

The 40AE’s design is based on the original reference ½” pressure microphone, but optimized for free-field measurements with a 12 dB increase of the sensitivity. The result is a nominal sensitivity of 50 mV/Pa, slightly longer microphone housing, and a natural reduced dynamic range.

40AE is the perfect free-field complement to the GRAS 40AD ½” Ext. Polarized Pressure Microphone.

40AE is individually factory-calibrated and delivered with a calibration chart stating its specific open-circuit sensitivity, pressure, and corrected free-field frequency responses.

Typical applications and use

The properties and robust design make 40AE the natural choice for an all-round free-field, high sensitive microphone suitable for both field-work and laboratory measurements.

The high sensitivity and reliability has made 40AE the preferred measurement microphone for sound level meters/analyzers with CCP-option and, as such, enables IEC 61672 Class 1 measurements.

Compatibility

The 40AE requires a standardized ½” or ¼” CCP preamplifier and an input module that supports this technology with a BNC, SMB, or Microdot connector.

System verification

For daily verification and check of your measurement setup, we recommend using a calibrator like GRAS 42AG.

For proper sensitivity calibration, we recommend using a pistonphone like GRAS 42AP Intelligent Pistonphone.

Calibration

When leaving the factory, all GRAS microphones have been calibrated in a controlled laboratory environment using traceable calibration equipment. Depending on the use, measurement environment and internal quality control programs we recommend that the microphone is recalibrated at least once a year.

We offer two kinds of calibration as an optional after-sales service: GRAS Traceable Calibration and GRAS Accredited Calibration.

GRAS Traceable Calibration is a traceable calibration performed by trained personnel under controlled conditions according to established procedures and standards. This is identical to the rigorous calibration that all GRAS microphones are subjected to as an integral part of our quality assurance.

GRAS Accredited Calibration is performed by the GRAS Accredited Calibration Laboratory that has been accredited in accordance with ISO 17025 by DANAK, the Danish Accreditation Fund.

If you want a new microphone set delivered with an accredited calibration in stead of the default factory calibration, specify this when ordering.

Learn more at calibration.

Quality and warranty

All GRAS microphones are made of high-quality materials that will ensure life-long stability and robustness. The microphones are all assembled in verified clean-room environments by skilled and dedicated operators with many years of expertise in this field.

The microphone diaphragm, body, and improved protection grid are made of high-grade stainless steel, which makes the microphone resistant to physical damage, as well as corrosion caused by aggressive air or gasses.

This, combined with the reinforced gold-plated microphone terminal which guarantees a highly reliable connection, enables GRAS to offer 5 years warranty against defective materials and workmanship.

Service

If you accidentally damage the diaphragm on a GRAS microphone, we can — in most cases — replace it at a very reasonable cost and with a short turn-around time. This not only protects your investment, but also pleases your quality assurance department because you don’t have to worry about new serial numbers, etc.