Introduction
46DE is a low-sensitivity pressure microphone set for sound measurements at high levels and high frequencies. It consists of a 40DD 1/8″ pressure microphone and a 26CE 1/8″ preamplifier.
Normally a 1/8″ microphone is used with a 1/4″ preamplifier, but for 46DE GRAS has developed a 1/8″ preamplifier, making the 46DE microphone set the world’s smallest.
A front-vented version is available, 46DE-FV 1/8” CCP Pressure Standard Microphone Set, Front Vented.
Typical application and use
As the 46DE is smaller than any other measurement microphone, it can be used in any application where size constraints previously made it impossible to measure, be it separate microphones mounted in very confined spaces or a number of 46DEs mounted closely together for improved resolution. This fact opens the door to more application than we can suggest here.
46DE’s low sensitivity and small size makes it ideal for measurements of high levels and high-frequencies, and for measurements of im pulsive noise.
The low sensitivity and very small form factor makes the 46DE extremely versatile with respect to signal levels, frequency range and applications.
It can be used for measurements of turbulence and flow in wind tunnels and for engine testing. It is also ideal for measurements of impulsive noise from for example inflating airbags and noise from guns and explosives.
The very small size makes it possible to measure inside even very small scale models – it can be fitted inside small scale models with minimal disturbance to the sound field. Also, it can measure the higher frequencies used in scale model testing.
The 46DE is a pressure microphone set and as such optimized for acoustic measurements of sound pressure at a boundary or wall; in which case the microphone forms part of the wall and measures the sound pressure on the wall itself. However, if used as you would a free-field microphone, it can be used up to at least 20 kHz before you need to apply free field corrections.
46DE is also ideal where a large number of microphones on a small area is desired.
Design
The GRAS 46DE is a high-performance standard microphone set. In our clean-room environment the set is assembled and sealed with a label.
Microphone
The microphone cartridge is the high-quality GRAS 40DD 1/8″ Prepolarized Pressure Microphone, designed for long-term reliability in multiple environments.
Preamplifier
The preamplifier is the GRAS 26CE 1/8″ Preamplifier.
The extremely small preamplifier is divided into three parts, 1) an input section, (3mm in diameter) that is attached to microphone, 2) a length of cable and 3) the output section located at the other end of the cable in the same housing as the connector. In this way it has been possible to make the part of the preamplifier close to microphone very small, while the more space-demanding electronics in the output stage is located at the other end of the cable where it does not disturb the sound field or poses space-based restrictions on the mounting options.
The three parts constituting the preamplifier are factory assembled as a complete unit that cannot be disassembled. The cable between the input and output section is 1 meter, longer cable lengths are not available as they would influence the performance negatively.
This cable is a special multi-screened type spefically developed for 46DE. Despite the extra screening, the 46DE microphone set is a little more sensitive to EMC than microphone sets with conventional preamplifiers.
Compatibility
To perform as specified the GRAS 46DE 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 Microdot connector. Ready to use coax cable assemblies of various types and lengths are available in standard as well as customized lengths.
The 46DE is delivered with Generation II TEDS. The calibration data is programmed into the built-in TEDS according to IEEE 1451.4 using UDID I27-0-0-0U. If your measurement platform supports Transducer Electronic Data Sheets you will be able to read and write data like properties and calibration data.
Generation II TEDS chip (DS2431) may require updated system software.
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.