Typical applications and use
The broad working range and reliability has made 40AO the preferred prepolarized microphone for coupler and ear simulator setups and is the natural supplement or replacement of existing solutions. The 40AO is especially suited for audiometer calibration when using a sound level meter / analyzer without a 200 V polarization feature.
It is used for production line testing in coupler setups for test of hearing aids, earphones, headphones, and headsets.
The KEMAR Manikin can also be configured with 40AO for wide-band binaural sound quality recordings.
40AO can be used in
- GRAS IEC 60318-1 Ear Simulator RA0039
- GRAS IEC 60318-5 2cc Coupler RA0038 (incl. protection grid)
- GRAS KEMAR Manikin 45BB
40AO is included in
- GRAS IEC 60318-4 (60711) Ear Simulator RA0045-S1
- GRAS IEC 60318-1 & -2 Ear Simulator System Type 43AA-S2
Other coupler systems can be configured with the 40AO and a CCP preamplifier on request.
The 40AO is a very versatile microphone when connected to the RA0067 Transmitter Adapter for ½” Microphones. The 40AO becomes a high-impedance sound source when the RA0067 takes a calibration signal directly from the signal generator and makes the microphone behave like an electrostatic loudspeaker. In a coupler, this gives a frequency response that is as good as when the 40AO behaves like a microphone.
A front-vented versions is available, the 40AO-FV 1/2″ Prepolarized Pressure Front Vented Microphone.
Compatibility
The 40AO 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 Sound Level Calibrator 42AG.
For proper sensitivity calibration, we recommend using a pistonphone like GRAS Intelligent Pistonphone 42AP.
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
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.