This is a special order item, please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery.Solution-D: A Microphone Technology MilestoneNeumann 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.
All of the possible Solution-D system configurations are illustrated here.
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 parametersWith 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 processingAn
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 microphoneInformation 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.
A/D conversionDespite continuing improvements, integrated circuits available on the market still constitute a limiting factor in the conversion of
audio data from
analog to
digital form.
For instance, the best delta-sigma
A/D converters currently available as integrated circuits provide a
dynamic range of 115
dB to 120
dB (
A-weighted), for a theoretical
word length of 24 bits.
This can be compared with the
dynamic range of up to 130
dB exhibited by a high-quality
analog condenser microphone. In order to prevent the addition of
noise to the signal, a significantly improved
A/D converter is therefore required. The conversion process must simultaneously be optimized for the signal levels and source
impedance found in the
microphone.
When
A/D conversion is carried out in a
mixing console or other equipment, as a rule, loss of signal quality is to be expected, since the conversion occurs after
level matching has already been performed. As a result, the
dynamic range is affected by
headroom considerations and by the characteristics of the
microphone preamplifier and the
A/D converter.
The development goal was thus to effect high-quality digitization of the
capsule signal directly in the
microphone, so as to permit
level matching and other processing steps to be performed digitally. This is the only way of preserving the signal quality that is generated by the
microphone.
Synchronization
The AES 42 standard describes two modes of synchronizing the
microphone with the receiver (e.g. a
mixing console or
DMI-2 digital microphone interface):
Mode 1: The
microphone operates asynchronously, using the
sampling rate of its internal quartz
oscillator. In this case, a
sample rate converter is required at the receiver. However, this mode of operation should be used only if mode 2 synchronization is not possible, since conventional
sample rate converters will impair the signal quality, for instance in terms of
dynamic range and
latency time.
Mode 2: The
microphone is synchronized with a
master word clock, which can be either an external
word clock or the internal
word clock of the
DMI-2. In this case, a
frequency/
phase comparison of the
microphone signal with the
master word clock is carried out in the AES 42 receiver (
DMI-2). A control signal is then generated that is transmitted via the remote control data stream to the
microphone, where it controls the
frequency of the internal quartz
oscillator.
Via the
BNC output of the
DMI-2, the internal
word clock generator can be used to synchronize additional DMI-2s and subsequent processing equipment, such as a
mixing console.
KM D digital miniature microphonesThe KM D microphones are the
digital counterparts of the well-known successful miniature microphones of the 180 series. The KM 184 in particular is regarded as a standard-setting
analog miniature
condenser microphone, and is one of the most popular of all Neumann microphones.
With the
digital models
KM 183 D,
KM 184 D and
KM 185 D, three different
directional characteristics are being offered; the KK 131, KK 143 and KK 145
capsule heads do offer 3 additional characteristics. The modular construction of the new microphones permits the KM D output
stage to be combined with the various passive
microphone capsules.
In the
microphone, the Neumann
A/D converter which has been extensively proven in the D-01 receives the output signal directly from the
capsule. With a
dynamic range exceeding that of the
capsule, the converter permits optimal utilization of the
capsule qualities. This ensures that the
capsule signal is made available to the recording system without any
coloration, with a hitherto unknown transparency.
If required, the
DSP functions integrated into the
microphone can be configured and controlled remotely via the
DMI-2 digital microphone interface and the RCS remote control software. These functions include
gain setting, a
compressor/limter with an additional
de-esser function, and a
peak limiter. The
digital concept proves particularly beneficial here. The
peak limiter, which receives the output signal almost directly from the
capsule, acts as an automatic "safety valve", permitting safe exploitation of the entire available
dynamic range even in stressful recording situations.
For the purpose of clear identification, information concerning the name of the manufacturer, model, serial number and installed software version is transmitted by the microphones to the connected receiver.
The microphones are equipped with a 3-pin
XLR connector for transmission of a
bi-directional signal conforming to the AES 42 standard. This signal includes the
balanced digital microphone output signal, the
phantom power supply, and a remote control data stream that also contains a signal for synchronizing the
microphone with a
master clock.
Two versions of the
digital miniature microphones are available: Classic nickel, and black Nextel finish. All standard sampling frequencies are supported, from 44.1
kHz to 192
kHz.
S/PDIF and AES/EBU Connection KitsIn addition to the
DMI-2 digital microphone interface, Neumann is now offering attractively priced Connection Kits to permit easy connection of individual miniature microphones or a
TLM 103 to the widely used
S/PDIF and
AES/EBU interfaces. This makes it possible for numerous users to enjoy "Neumann
sound direct to disk", without the extensive functionality of the comprehensive
DMI-2. An upgrade to the
DMI-2, with its configuration capabilities and
DSP functions, is of course possible at any time. A plug-in power supply is included as a standard feature.
Attractive Starter Sets for an economical entry into the field of digital microphone technologyStarter Sets offer a straightforward introduction to
digital microphone technology at a very attractive price. They include a
KM 184 D or
TLM 103 D
microphone and a Connection Kit for either an
S/PDIF or
AES/EBU connection. An interesting aspect for those budgeting for future purchases of recording equipment is that an
A/D converter is already integrated into the
digital Neumann system, and that a
preamplifier is not required. Another advantage is the elimination of compatibility considerations. All of the components are available from a single source, so that the Neumann
microphone sound can be captured on a
digital recording medium with no
coloration.
The DMI-2 digital microphone interfaceEquipment that supports the new AES 42 standard can process the output signals of Solution-D microphones directly. In all other cases, the
DMI-2 digital microphone interface is used. The
DMI-2 is a separate, two-
channel device which converts the AES 42 data format supplied by the
microphone into an
AES/EBU signal.
The
DMI-2 is operated via the Neumann RCS remote control software, which is installed on a desktop or laptop computer. The computer is connected to the
DMI-2 via a
USB port and a
USB to RS 485
interface converter. If a large number of microphones is used, several DMI-2s can be cascaded. In this case, each
digital microphone interface can be addressed individually.
In addition to a
word clock input and output, the
DMI-2 also has an internal
word clock generator. If no
master word clock signal (e.g. from a
mixing console) is present at the input, the
DMI-2 internal
word clock is used automatically to synchronize the two
microphone channels, and the signal is switched to the
word clock output.
External commands such as "On Air" (red light) can be controlled via a 9-pin user port.
RCS remote control softwareThe
digital microphones can be controlled via the RCS remote control software, which is a component of the Solution-D system. The software runs as an independent program on a desktop or laptop computer.
All important parameters are displayed on the screen and can be changed at any time. During production, the
audio engineer can monitor the operating status and parameters of all connected microphones, and can change the settings quickly and easily if necessary.
The parameters displayed include the
directional characteristic, pre-
attenuation,
low-cut filter,
gain, various
microphone status indicators, command indicators, and
mute and
phase reverse functions. It is also possible to monitor signal levels on the screen.
Information transmitted by the
microphone, such as the name of the manufacturer, model and serial number, is displayed for clear identification of the
microphone. In addition, it is possible to input additional information, such as the name of the
sound source. Settings for the complete
microphone setup can of course be stored and retrieved as required.
Features:
- TRUE NEUMANN SOUND: The legendary Neumann sound in the digital realm.
Pure Neumann capsule sound.
- TRUE TO THE ORIGINAL: The satisfaction of recording the uncolored original,
with no "bottlenecks" between the capsule and the recording system.
- TRUE CONVERSION: The guarantee of having one of the best
A/D converters available.
- TRUE HANDLING SAFETY: Anti-clipping processing ensures handling safety,
and reduces stress.
- TRUE TIME SAVINGS: Reduced time requirements and personnel costs,
particularly due to faster post production processing.
- TRUE ECONOMY: Lower investment costs, since separate A/D converters and preamps are no longer needed. This also means space and weight savings (e.g. in the OB van).
General Specifications of the Solution-D microphones:
- Interface: AES 42
- Remote controlled1) functions:- Polar pattern5)- Low-cut: flat, 40, 80, 160 Hz- Pre-attenuation: 0 , -6, -12, -18 dB- Gain: 0...63 dB in 1 dB steps, clickless- Testsignal: 1 kHz, pink noise, white noise- Parametric compressor/limiter (incl. de-esser function)- Independent peak limiter avoiding any clipping- Switch functions: soft muting, phase reverse, signal lights- Signal lights: red5) and blue LEDs (switchable via RCS or User Port)
- A/D conversion: Neumann process (patented), 28-bit internal word length
- Digital signal processing: Fixed-point, variable internal word length 28 bits to 60 bits
- Synchronization: AES 42-Mode 2, Mode 1 (asynchronous), Asynchronous operation (free-running),
- basic frequency accuracy: +/- 25 ppm
- Synchronous operation, pull-in range: Min. +/- 100 ppm
- Power supply (phantom power complying with AES 42)
- Supply voltage range: +7 V to +10,5 V
- Output: XLR3M, 24 bits as per AES/EBU (AES 3)
KM 183 D / KM 184 D / KM 185 D Specifications:
- Acoustic transducer: KK 183/184/185 (known from Series 180)
- Directional characteristic: Omni/cardioid/hypercardioid
- Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Free-field sensitivity2) 3): -41/-39/-42 dBFS
- Equivalent noise level, CCIR4): 25/24/25 dB
- Equivalent noise level, A-weighted4): 13/13/16 dB-A
- Signal-to-noise ratio3), CCIR4): 69/70/69 dB
- Signal-to-noise ratio3), A-weighted4): 81/81/78 dB
- Maximum SPL at 0 dBFS: 135/133/136 dBSPL
- Sampling rates:
- Preset: 44.1, 48 or 96 kHz (with DMI-2 switchable: 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192 kHz)
- Preset Gain: 10 dB (variable with DMI-2)
- Current consumption: max. 150 mA
- Weight: approx. 80/84/88 g, Diameter: 22 mm, Length: 108 mm
KK 131 D / KK 143 D / KK 145 D Specifications:
- Directional characteristic: Omni free field equalized/cardioid wide angle/cardioid low frequency roll-off
- Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Free-field sensitivity2) 3): -41/-39/-40 dBFS
- Equivalent noise level, CCIR4): 24/24/24 dB
- Equivalent noise level, A-weighted4): 13/13/14 dB-A
- Signal-to-noise ratio3), CCIR4): 70/70/70 dB
- Signal-to-noise ratio3), A-weighted4): 81/81/80 dB
- Maximum SPL at 0 dBFS: 135/133/134 dBSPL
DMI-2 (Digital Microphone Interface) Specifications:
- 2 channels, Inputs: XLR3F, AES 42; Outputs: XLR3M, AES/EBU, 24 bit
- Control bus: RS485 via RJ 45 jack. Second RJ 45 jack for cascading purposes (up to 4 DMI devices today, 16 devices in future). Connection to the computer's USB port via Neumann USB485 interface converter (included).
- User Port: 9-pin sub-D, 3 functions per channel
- Synchronization: AES 42 - Mode 2 (PLL system using an external Word Clock and remote controlling the VCXO in the microphone, default mode), AES 42 - Mode 1, (asynchronous, needs a sample rate converter (SRC) at the receiver side).
- Word clock input: BNC, 75 ohms.
- Word clock output: BNC, 75 ohms, automatically set to the internal word clock master when no external word clock received. Selectable internal sampling rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz.
- External Word clock: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
or AES 11 format.
- Indicators: Data Valid (AES 42) and Sync Locked (Mode 2) for each channel, Power On and Ext. Word Clock.
- Power supply: 90-240 V, 50/60 Hz.
- Storage of the last microphone settings and reloading to the microphones after power on automatically without the need of the computer/RCS.
Features of the RCS (Remote Control Software):
- Communication via USB port (Win 2000/98SE/ME/XP, MAC OS version 8.6...10 on PowerPC)
- Up to 8 channels displayed simultaneously on the screen
- Controllable functions: polar pattern, low-cut, pre-attenuation, gain, test signals, limiter/compressor/de-esser, peak limiter, phase reverse, mute, sampling rate, synchronization mode, signal lights,...
- Display: peak level meter, gain reduction meter for compressor/limiter/de-esser and peak limiter, microphone properties (manufacturer, model, serial number, hardware and software revision, internal latency time), DMI properties, status signals (overload, limiter active, data valid, sync locked, power on)
- Saving/Loading of configurations
- Individual channel labelling
- Software update of Neumann microphones and DMI device
Battery Pack BP 04 N Specifications:
- 4 AA (rechargeable) batteries (not included)
- Weight: approx. 84 g (without batteries)
- Diameter: 43 mm
- Length: 105 mm
Connection Kit S/PDIF (AES/EBU) Specifications:
- Connector: input XLR3F, output Cinch (XLR3M)
- Weight: approx. 96 g (S/PDIF), approx. 130 g (AES/EBU)
- Width: 32 mm, Height: 26 mm, Length: 105 mm
- Power supply: 90-240 V, 50/60 Hz
- For remote controlling functions you have to use the DMI-2
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