GRAS 46AE 1/2'' CCP Free-field Standard Microphone Set

Introduction

The 46AE 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.

The wide frequency range makes it ideal for general acoustic diagnostics. 46AE conforms with IEC 61094 WS2F and IEC 61672 Class 1.

Regarding temperature range, see the Specifications. Should higher temperature limits be required, we recommend the GRAS 146AE 1/2" CCP Free-field Rugged Microphone Set which can be used up to 125 °C.

A front-vented version is available, 46AE-FV 1/2" CCP Free-field Front Vented Microphone Set.

Design

The GRAS 46AE is a high-performance 1/2” free-field standard microphone set for measuring medium sound pressure levels. 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 WS2F standardized GRAS 40AE 1/2" Prepolarized Free-field Microphone, designed for long-term reliability in multiple environments. The high sensitivity and reliability have made 40AE the preferred measurement microphone for sound level meters/analyzers with CCP-option and, as such, enables IEC 61672 Class 1 measurements.

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 26CA 1/2" CCP Standard Preamplifier with BNC 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 46AE 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  BNC connector. Ready to use coax cable assemblies of various types and lengths are available in standard as well as customized lengths.

The 46AE 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 instead of the default factory calibration, specify this when ordering.

Learn more at calibration.

GRAS HALT

When our R&D team develops a measurement microphone, it must undergo the most demanding tests to prove that it can withstand our customers' daily test conditions. Using a series of Highly Accelerated Lifetime Tests (HALT) we ensure that our microphones live up to the high quality and precision that our customers have come to expect and trust. Our HALT tests actively accelerate the lifetime of a microphone by simulating the handling and use it is exposed to in real-life situations.

For more about HALT, see HALT Stress Testing.

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.

 Optional items

GRAS Sound & Vibration reserves the right to change accessories without notice.