GRAS 46BE 1/4″ CCP Free-field Standard Microphone Set

Introduction

Through a close cooperation with our customers, we know that data-safety is highly important because the costs related to unsuited and unreliable sensors may determine whether your project turns into a success or not.

For our users, data safety translates directly into requests for easier microphone selection, simple system configuration and reduction of measurement errors.

To meet these requirements, we invented the microphone set concept. It is simple, reliable and robust and consists of a microphone cartridge and preamplifier combination, which is calibrated as one unit. This eliminates errors because there is only one sensitivity value to account for and the risk of contaminating the interface is eliminated. Combine this with our unique and proven design and you have the most reliable measurement microphone sets available in the industry today.

Typical applications and use

The 46BE is a free-field microphone set and as such optimized for all acoustic applications, where the location of the main sound source is known and the microphone can be pointed directly at it ensuring 0° incidence. However it should be noted that the small size of the 1/4″ microphone body and diaphragm also enables pressure and random-incidence (diffuse field) measurements up to 20 kHz without removing the protection grid or need for further compensation. This all-use feature is very useful if you are not able to point out the nature of your sound field.)

The high cut-off frequency makes it ideal for ultra-sonic diagnostics and impulse measurements, where minimum distortion and high resolution are obtained by the small size and fast response of the diaphragm.

Regarding temperature range, see the Specifications. Should higher temperature limits be required, we recommend considering  the GRAS probe microphones where the microphone and preamplifier can be isolated from the hot source.

Design

The GRAS 46BE is a high-performance 1/4″ free-field standard microphone set for measuring high sound pressure levels at high frequencies. In our clean-room environment the set is assembled and sealed with a label. However, the microphone set can be dismounted, if  you wish to use the components separately.

Microphone
The microphone cartridge is the high-quality IEC  61094 WS3F standardized GRAS 40BE 1/4″ Prepolarized Free-Field Microphone, designed for long-term reliability in multiple environments.

The prepolarization is obtained through an electret that is inflicted on the microphone back-plate under highly controlled conditions. The electret is then charged to match the specified microphone sensitivity.

Preamplifier
The preamplifier is the GRAS 26CB 1/4″ CCP Standard Preamplifier with Microdot connector, and based on our well-known circuit board substrates. In the industry these are famous for their low self-noise, wide frequency and excellent slew rate performance.

Compatibility

To perform as specified the GRAS 46BE microphone set requires a constant current input module that can deliver 4 mA and 24 V unloaded CCP voltage supply. If the  constant current supply is lower, the capability of driving long cables is reduced and consequently the upper frequency is reduced. If the voltage supply is lower it will influence the upper dynamic range.

The microphone set is terminated with a 10/32 UNC Microdot female connector. Ready to use coax cable assemblies of various types and lengths are available in standard as well as customized lengths.

The 46BE is IEEE 1451.4 TEDS v. 1.0 compliant. If your measurement platform supports Transducer Electronic Data Sheets you will be able to read and write data like properties and calibration data.

System verification

The functionality of TEDS is very useful to determine which microphone is connected to which input channel. However, it is not a check of whether the microphone is within specifications or not. For daily verification and check of your measurement setup, we therefore recommend using a sound source like the GRAS 42AG Sound Calibrator.

For proper sensitivity calibration we recommend using a reference sound source like the 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 gras/calib.

Quality and warranty

GRAS microphone sets are made of components from our proven standard portfolio and are all manufactured of high-quality material and branded parts that were chosen and processed to ensure life-long stability and robustness.

All parts are manufactured and assembled at the factory in Denmark by skilled and dedicated operators in a verified clean-room environment. The microphone diaphragm, body and unique protection grid are made of high-grade stainless steel and make the microphone set resistant to physical damage as well as corrosion caused by aggressive air or gasses.

This, together with the enforced gold-plated microphone terminal guarantees a highly reliable connection. Thanks to the high quality, our warranty against defective materials and workmanship is 5 years.

Service

Should you by mistake damage the diaphragm on a GRAS microphone we will in most cases be able to exchange it at a very reasonable cost and short turn-around time. This not only protects your investment but also meets your quality assurance department since you do not have to worry about new serial numbers etc.