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Neumann TLM103 d

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Solution-D: A Microphone Technology Milestone

Neumann has repeatedly set new standards in the field of analog microphone technology. The first condenser microphone, switchable directional characteristics, the first stereo microphone and 48 V phantom power were all developed by Neumann, introducing new dimensions to the field of microphone and recording technology.

With the digital Solution-D microphone system, Neumann has now succeeded in bringing the dynamic range and signal fidelity of the best analog studio microphones into the digital realm. This means that, for the first time, the whole audio production signal chain is entirely digital.

Optimal A/D conversion, especially developed synchronization technology and the capability of controlling standard microphone parameters and various integrated signal processing functions remotely ensure that Solution-D meets the most demanding professional audio production requirements. The basic technological principle is to permit recording with no ?bottlenecks? associated with loss of signal quality.

The comprehensive features provided by Solution-D make it possible to achieve excellent quality with small digital productions with only a single microphone and a recording device.

The Solution-D digital microphone system is comprised of the following components: A digital microphone (available at the moment are the D-01 and TLM 103 D large-diaphragm microphones and the KM D small-diaphragm microphone), the DMI-2 digital microphone interface and the RCS remote control software, which operates and remotely controls the microphone. A PC or Mac can serve as the control computer, which of course can simultaneously be used to operate the actual recording system, for instance.

The signal and data transmission of the microphone conform to the new AES 42 standard. The introduction of this standard governing the transmission of output signals, the supply of power and the remote control of microphones with digital outputs provided the necessary preconditions for the development of digital microphone technology. Neumann made a decisive contribution to the drafting of the AES 42 standard.

Instead of being used with the DMI-2, the KM D small-diaphragm microphones and the TLM 103 D large-diaphragm microphone can alternatively be connected to the AES/EBU or S/PDIF interface of a recording system by means of a Connection Kit. However, if a Connection Kit is used, it is not possible to control the microphone functions remotely. Thus a control computer is not required. In this case, if it is necessary to synchronize several microphones, a sample rate converter must be used.

The Starter Sets, comprised of a KM 184 D or TLM 103 D and a Connection Kit, provide an economically attractive entry into the world of digital microphones. If the user later wishes to take advantage of additional switchable parameters and remotely controlled functions, the system can be expanded at any time by acquiring a separate DMI-2.

Any audio engineer who is familiar with digital technology can begin production with Solution-D immediately, without extensive training. The additional features provided by digital microphones open up new possibilities for production.

Remote control of standard microphone parameters

With the DMI-2 digital microphone interface, familiar microphone settings such as the directional characteristic, pre-attenuation and low-cut filter can be controlled remotely. Changing the settings of microphone parameters is greatly simplified, which facilitates rapid testing of different settings so as to optimize the sound quality. It is no longer necessary to make handwritten records of all of the settings.

Integrated digital audio signal processing

An A/D converter developed by Neumann, especially optimized for the capsule signal conditions, receives the output signal directly from the microphone capsule. Level matching required for subsequent devices is performed digitally, in the microphone itself. Analog components such as preamplifiers and A/D converters are thus no longer required, resulting in significant cost savings.

The immediate conversion of the analog signal results in a significant improvement in the dynamic range. This is perceptible throughout the entire signal chain, making level adjustments less critical.

Mixing console functions such as mute and phase reverse, which affect the microphone signal, are likewise integrated into the microphone. For the D-01, even commands such as "On Air" (red light) are executed by means of remotely controlled microphone LEDs. A particularly significant feature is the transient limiter function. For the first time, this function can be applied at the most effective point, at the signal source, in order to reduce harmful transients. In the case of analog microphones, in the subsequent signal path a great deal of headroom must be provided for such signals, which are very short but which have a large amplitude.

Data transmitted by the microphone

Information transmitted by the microphone includes the name of the manufacturer, the model, the serial number, the software version installed in the microphone, and a list of remotely controlled functions supported by the microphone. Status indicators such as certain warning functions and operating readiness are also transmitted.

During production, the audio engineer can continuously monitor the status of the microphones, since all the important parameters, including signal levels, are displayed on the screen. In addition, a text input field is provided, allowing a channel name to be assigned, e.g. indicating the sound source. All of the microphone settings can be stored in configuration files and retrieved as required.

Why digital signal processing?

The digitization of audio data began many years ago, at the end of the signal processing chain, with the development of the first digital recording equipment. Almost all audio signal processing components are now available in digital form.

It is well-known that digital signals provide the necessary preconditions for mathematically precise calculations and processing, permitting signals to be modified, copied, transmitted and stored as desired, with no loss of quality.

In contrast, analog signal processing is characterized by limited precision, error accumulation, a lack of redundant signal information, and the use of error correction procedures. Each analog signal processing step is thus associated with a degradation of signal quality.

This results in a gradual decrease in the dynamic range, due to the introduction of noise voltages and nonlinear distortion.

In addition, digital processing permits the performance of functions that are difficult or impossible to execute via analog signal processing. This applies particularly to functions that are based on intermediate data storage.

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