#Product Trends
NEW - MicrophoneCenter - Management software for Microtech Gefell microphones with a digital USB connection
MicrophoneCenter is the new management software with a simple graphical user interface for MTG microphones with a digital USB connection
MicrophoneCenter is the management software for Microtech Gefell microphones with a digital USB interface.
Its simple graphical user interface enables an intuitive workflow for configuring, monitoring, and testing one or more USB microphones connected to a computer.
The software directly analyzes the digital output signal from the microphones as it arrives at the USB interface, allowing it to verify that the signal is being transmitted correctly before it is fed into measurement or recording software.
In MicrophoneCenter, USB microphones connected to the computer are automatically detected and displayed in a list with unique labels. Selecting a microphone opens a dashboard that clearly displays all microphone settings. This includes identification parameters such as manufacturer, model, and serial number; hardware and firmware parameters such as processor number and firmware version; and technical parameters such as sampling frequency and polarization voltage.
The input monitoring feature built into MicrophoneCenter displays the microphones' output signal, as well as its RMS and peak values. The microphones' internal digital signal generators or a sound calibrator can be used as the signal source. This allows for both an electrical and an acoustic check of the microphone chain. The microphones' internal signal generators produce a sound-pressure-equivalent sinusoidal signal with a frequency of 1 kHz and a fixed root-mean-square value of 1 Pa or an adjustable signal amplitude, which also allows for testing distortion-free transmission at full modulation.
Update functions for the software itself and the microphone firmware, as well as features for configuring microphone parameters, keep the systems up to date, ensure easy future expandability, and enable adaptation to specific applications.
MV 240 USB – The new generation of digital acoustic measurement technology
The MV 240 USB from Microtech Gefell, a further development of the MV 240 digital with an optimized new processor, is a sophisticated measurement microphone amplifier with integrated analog-to-digital converter, specially designed for precise acoustic measurements.
The range of applications for the MV 240 has been significantly expanded, for example, by the possibility of combining it with mobile devices.
Current development topics continue to include synchronisation via the time stamp of a GPS sensor,
for example for pass-by solutions.
The most important features and functions at a glance:
Technical highlights
• Measurement microphone amplifier (1/2") with USB interface and lockable LEMO® connector
• Analog-to-digital conversion with two level ranges, combined into a 32-bit USB output signal
• Dynamic range: 7 dB(A) to 160 dB – covers the entire range of typical measurement microphone capsules
• Sampling rates: 48 kHz, 96 kHz, and 192 kHz – suitable for measurements up to approx. 80 kHz
• Polarization voltage: generated internally, 200 V switchable or deactivatable for electret capsules
• Driverless operation: automatically recognized by Windows, macOS, and Linux
• Expansion of the application area through optimized possibility of combination with mobile devices
Special features
• Calibrated output: The digital output signal corresponds to already calibrated sound pressure values.
• Integrated generators: for checking the measurement chain and determining the reference point for 1 pascal sound pressure.
• Modular design: compatible with various capsule types (e.g., Microtech Gefell, Bruel & Kjaer, GRAS, PCB).
Areas of application, e.g.:
• Environmental and occupational safety measurements
• Room acoustics and long-term sound recordings
• Research & development, training, and industrial quality assurance
Noteworthy features include, for example:
- Digital measuring microphone with 32-bit data transmission
- Digital transmission of fixed calibrated sound pressure values
- Full dynamics of a newly developed low-noise 1/2“ capsule (with ¼” capsule insert – maximum sound pressure level 160 dB)
- User independence from special company software, possibility of using common measurement software and compatible with all common operating systems
MV 240 USB as a measurement microphone
Equipped with a new, specially developed high-end capsule with low noise and new integrated electronics (including an integrated AD converter) tailored to the capsules, the MV 240 USB significantly expands the circle of potential users as a measurement microphone.
The disadvantages of previous AD solutions, such as complex operation and time-consuming installation, potential sources of error due to the complicated coordination of multiple electronic components, and the resulting time and personnel costs, are eliminated.
The MV 240 USB replaces two analog measurement microphones, two analog front-end channels, and part of the digital signal processing, resulting in significant cost savings. In addition, no separate power supply is required, as is common with analog measurement microphones when their full dynamic range is to be used.
Wide range of applications
Current examples of applications include use in weatherproof microphone units of the WME 980 series for environmentally relevant noise measurements or in the field of study and training as well as in research and development.
In addition to noise measurements, the most important areas of application include test benches for outdoor noise measurements in the automotive sector, which are important for official vehicle registration, vehicle development, and quality assurance in production.
This is also relevant for study and training as well as for R&D. Access to high-quality measuring instruments and methods is essential for a sound university education of future technicians and R&D specialists with broad practical knowledge.
With the MV 240 USB, every student, researcher, and developer has access to a cost-effective, high-quality measuring device that is suitable for research and industrial applications and can be connected to standard computer technology with Windows® or Linux®-based operating systems without additional technical requirements, such as a digital sound interface.
Programming, measurement, and measurement evaluation are also possible in systems such as Phyton®, C++®, MATLAB®, or Labview® with the integration of the digital measuring microphone.
