NEW – uPrecisionMic is a complete re-design of our precision USB connected microphone.

uPrecisionMic is a USB-C connected precision test and measurement microphone that meets ANSI and IEC electrical and acoustic Class 1 standards. It works with Windows PCs, Apple Macs, Android devices, and iPad (using the Camera Connection Kit).

uPrecisionMic is factory calibrated to +/-0.1dB using a NIST traceable pressure-compensated calibrator. The calibration factor for both high and low ranges are recording on the factory calibration card in dBFS, so that application software can be calibrated to provide an absolute SPL level.

The uPrecisionMic body is built of beautifully finished nickel-plated solid bronze tubing that is threaded to accept a standard 1/2” microphone capsule.

All of the active electronics are in the microphone body, including the microphone preamplifier using a 5 gigaOhm input impedance resistor, precision 24-bit A/D converter, and the logic circuitry required to communicate over a USB digital audio link.

uPrecisionMic connects to the USB host device with a USB type C connector using a 1m (39”) cable. If your device does not have a USB  C connection available, you can use any standard passive USB C – USB A or micro adapter.

For more information about using uPrecisionMic, see our page on iPrecisionMic. uPrecisionMic is essentially iPrecisionMic modified to connect to USB-C devices.

Audio Output

uPrecisionMic includes a unique USB microphone feature, an analog output. This output is availabe for sending audio test signals to devices being tested. The connector is a standard 1/8” (3.5mm) stereo jack. Note that the output is line level, and is not designed to drive headphones.

The output level can be set from the device that it is connected to, for example on Mac, the system preferences panel, or on Windows, the audio output  control pael.

uPrecisionMic will be available very soon. Pre-orders are being accepted now.

Applications

Loudspeaker Analysis — With its extremely flat and stable frequency response, usbPrecisionMic is the ultimate tool for loudspeaker setup and room analysis. Unlike typical plastic-diaphragm microphones, usbPrecisionMic does not any correction curve to be applied. Correction curves are only valid for one orientation, and at one SPL level. usbPrecisionMic provides flat response throughout its SPL range, and at a much wider incidence angle. It is also very stable over time and temperature, so its results can be trusted in all situations. Use usbPrecisionMic when the absolute best performance is required.

Live Concert Audio — usbPrecisionMic works with Smaart by Rational Acoustic, as well as other PC/Mac software, for applications such as live concert audio. Use usbPrecisionMic when the highest level of accuracy is required.

Noise Studies — usbPrecisionMic is also very useful for noise studies, given its low 18 dBA noise floor. Use it to identify noise sources, knowing that the results are reliable and can be used for reporting noise violations.

Android Apps — usbPrecisionMic works with any Android application that is able to select USB audio input. Later in 2015 Studio Six Digital will begin releasing audio analysis apps for Android that will be designed to work with usbPrecisionMic.

iOS Apps (iPad only) — usbPrecisionMic will also work with iPads when used with the Apple Camera Connection Kit.

Performance and Specifications

A microphone is only as good as its capsule, and we use a special hand-selected thread-on capsule with a metal diaphragm built for us by ACO Pacific. Every microphone ships with its own calibration graph.

usbPrecisionMic is very low noise, guaranteed to be below 18 dBA, for measuring room noise. It is also very flat, with a 3 dB rolloff below 3 Hz. The preamp self noise is typically 5 dB below the capsule noise floor.

usbPrecisionMic has one fixed gain range.

uPrecisionMic has these specifications:

• Response Characteristic Free Field response 0°
• Omni-directional
• Temperature Coefficient -10°C to 50°C, 0.01dB/°C
• Influence of Humidity <+/-0.1dB (non-condensing)
• Long Term Stability at 20° >250 years/dB
• Dynamic Range (3% THD) 18 dBA – 109 dBA
• Frequency Response +/- 1dB 10 Hz – 20 kHz
• Fixed-USB Type C interconnect cable length 1m
• Made in USA

Typical frequency response curve included with each microphone

Computer / USB Interface

uPrecisionMic uses the built-in standard USB audio drivers on all platforms, so no installation is required before using it. If your device does not have a USB  C connection available, you can use any standard passive USB C – USB A or micro adapter.

Android Interface

uPrecisionMic will work with most Android-based devices. To use with Android, follow these steps:

• Make sure your audio application supports USB Audio Devices. Check with the App developer if you are not sure.
• Update to the latest Android operating system. 
• If you are not successful, try connecting through a powered USB hub. Not all Android devices are able to supply power to a USB audio device. Samsung S5 and S4 work fine, but Nexus did not in our tests, until we powered usbPrecisionMic with an external hub.

Power

uPrecisionMic is powered directly from the USB host device. It uses less than 90ma while audio is active, and much less when idle. 

It is not possible to supply power to the host device from usbPrecisionMic.

Class 1 Certification

At this time we do not provide Class 1 certification for uPrecisionMic. If you connect uPrecisionMic to a computer running software that meets Class 1 specifications, you should be able to get the system certified as Class 1, since the uPrecisionMic transducer and electronics are designed to meet those specifications.

Accessories

We have the following accessories available:

• 20dB pad to allow extremely high SPL readings (148dBA)
• Weatherproof windscreen
• Weatherproof remote location mounting kit

Pricing

uPrecisionMic                  $1099.99

Available now. Contact your distributor for details.