From a technical perspective, the two mics need to be as identical as possible in frequency
response. A flat frequency response implies that there is no deviation in the output level versus
the input level at any and all frequencies across the audible spectrum.While a flat frequency
response is theoretically ideal, it is rarely achieved completely in any audio component. For
example,a mic might exhibit a 1dB boost at 1kHz and start rolling off 3dB per octave at 14kHz.A
perfectly matched pair would exhibit the same exact characteristics in both mics.Here again, such
an exacting match is rare.Therefore manufacturers each establish their own window of acceptable
deviation that they will certify as a being a matched pair there is no industry standard. (Please
note that we are actually talking about two different variables that are subject to interpretation and
little disclosureth e d eviation between two matched microphones of the same model, as well
as their deviation from the given manufacturers standard reference mic for that model.)
Even the most famous of classic microphones have exhibited disparities in frequency response of
6dB of more from unit to unit.In such circumstances, manufacturers must search through a batch
of mics to select a pair that is relatively close in responseo n the order of 2dB up or down for a
total window of about 4dB.It is often necessary to place a special order (and pay surcharge as large
as 20 percent of normal cost) for such matched pairs.This is not the case with M-Audio
microphones.In order to pass inspection, all mics in our line must be within +/-1dB of not only
each other,but of our golden reference mic for t hat mode lthe on e we wont sell for any price.
Higher standards
M-Audio is able to offer incredibly high quality and tight tolerances at affordable prices for several
reasons.The first is that highly skilled technicians use the latest computer-controlled equipment for
manufacturing and testing.
The reality of todays marketplace is that most companies manufacture their products offshore in
order to be profitable. Many microphones on the market today are made in China or other
countries where labor is less expensive even the ones that say that they are made elsewhere. At
M-Audio, manufacturing is a hybrid operation.The designs all start in the USA, as do the
manufacturing of all critical path elements like transformers,capacitors, resistors and diaphragm
material.We then complete the machining and assembly in our own facility in Shanghai.In this way
we attain the best of both worldsqual ity and a ffordable pricing.
While were on the subject of standards,lets talk about the frequency response graphs that are
often included with microphones.These graphs illustrate the deviation between input and output
across the frequency spectrum.The ideal is to have as flat a line as possible indicating as little
deviation as possible. Such graphs can be misleading because the industry has no universally
accepted measurement standards that factor in distance from the mic,volume, angle relative to
axes,and so forth. Moreover, there is no standard for rendering these graphs.Major deviations
apparent on a graph calibrated vertically at +/-10dB look much more like a flat line if displayed on
a graph calibrated at +/-100dB.So in a world where everybody draws nice looking graphs because
they feel they must in order to be competitive,we simply decline to play the game until such time
that standards exist that level the playing field.As stated earlier,all M-Audio mics are manufactured
to within +/-1dB of each other and our golden reference standard.Were confident that your ears
will tell you everything else you need to know.
11
Choosing & Using Microphones