Already in the analog microphone technology Neumann has repeatedly set new standards. The first condenser microphone, switchable directional characteristics, the first stereo microphone and the 48-V phantom power developed by Neumann and paved the way to new dimensions in microphone technology and recording techniques.
With the digital Solution-D microphone system, it is Neumann managed to transfer the dynamic range and signal fidelity of the best analog studio microphones into the digital domain, thereby closing the signal chain in the digital audio production.
Through an optimal method of A / D conversion, especially developed synchronization technology and the possibility of remote control standard microphone parameters and various integrated signal processing functions Solution-D the highest standards of professional audio production requirements. The technological principle allows recordings without any "bottlenecks" in the signal chain.
The comprehensive features of the Solution-D enable smaller digital productions in excellent quality - with only a microphone and a recording device.
The digital Solution-D microphone system consists of the following components: The digital microphone (available at the moment are the large diaphragm microphone TLM 103 D and
D-01 and the KM D small-diaphragm microphone), the Digital Microphone Interface DMI-2 and an RCS remote control software that enables the use and remotely controls the microphone. As a control computer, a PC or Mac are, of course, for example, at the same time can be used to operate the actual recording system.
The signal and data transmission of the microphone conform to the new AES 42nd With the introduction of this standard for the transmission of output signals, power supply and remote control of microphones with digital output, the condition for the introduction of digital microphone technology has been created. Neumann has contributed significantly to the determination of the AES 42 standard.
The small diaphragm and large diaphragm microphone Mikrohone KM D TLM 103 D can be an alternative to the DMI-2 also has a so-called "Connection Kit" will be connected to the AES / EBU or S / PDIF interface of the recording system. This is no remote control of the microphone functions is possible. A tax calculator is not needed in this case. To synchronize several microphones must then be made to a sample rate converter.
All possible combinations of the Solution-D system are here and here graphically.
A price very attractive entry into the world of digital microphones offer the "Starter Kits" that a KM 184 D or TLM 103 D and a Connection Kit. If the user later revealed the desire for the additional adjustable parameters and remote control functions, the system can be expanded by acquiring a separate DMI-2.
Any audio engineer who is familiar with digital technology can produce directly, without extensive training with Solution-D. The additional features of digital microphones open up new possibilities in production.
Remote control of standard microphone parameters:
The digital microphone interface DMI-2, the familiar microphone settings such as polar pattern, attenuation and filter can be controlled remotely. Changing the microphone parameters is greatly simplified, allowing rapid testing of different settings to optimize the sound quality. The handwritten note of all settings deleted.
Integrated digital audio signal processing
A von Neumann developed A / D converter, optimized for the signal conditions of the microphone capsule, is located directly behind the capsule. The required level of adaptation to the subsequent devices are in the microphone in the digital domain. Thus no longer required components such as analog preamplifiers and A / D converter, resulting in significant cost savings.
Due to the direct conversion of the analog signal, a significant gain can be achieved in dynamic range, which is noticeable throughout the entire signal chain. This level adjustments will be less critical.
Switching functions of the mixer such as mute and phase reverse, which affect the microphone signal, are likewise integrated into the microphone. Commands like for example Red light are realized by means of remotely controlled microphone LEDs (D-01). As a special feature of the transient limiter function is emphasized. For the first time at the effective point, at the signal source, a measure to reduce harmful transients. For analog microphones was for these signal components - which appear only briefly, but with large amplitude - an excessive amount of headroom in the subsequent signal path is required.
Data sent from the microphone:
The information transmitted from the microphone, for example, include the manufacturer's name and the type and serial number, software version implemented in the microphone and the list of remotely controlled functions supported by the microphone. Furthermore, status indicators, such as certain warning functions and operating transfer.
During production, the sound engineer can continuously monitor the state of the microphones, since all the important parameters, including modulation are shown on the front panel. In addition, a text entry box is available, where the channel name can be entered, eg indicating the sound source. All of the microphone settings can be stored in configuration files and retrieved when needed again.
Why digital signal processing?:
The digitization of audio data began many years ago at the end of the signal processing chain, the first digital recording devices have been developed. Now are almost all components of the audio signal in digital form.
It is known that digital signals provide the basis for a mathematically precise calculations and processing, permitting signals to be changed arbitrarily without loss, copied, transmitted and stored.
In contrast, the analog signal processing level characterized by limited precision, error, lack of redundant signal information and error correction procedures. Thus, in the analog signal with each processing step, a deterioration of the signal connected.
This is characterized by a gradual decrease in the dynamics by the addition of noise voltages and nonlinear distortion.
In addition, digital processing functions can be performed in the analog signal processing is difficult or not feasible. This applies particularly to functions that are based on a cache of data.
A / D conversion:
Despite continuing improvements, which is available on the market integrated circuits are still a limiting factor in the analog / digital conversion of audio data dar.
The best currently available Delta-Sigma-A/D-Converter (as ICs realize), for example, a dynamic range of 115-120 dB, A-rated at a theoretical word length of 24 bits.
For comparison, a high-quality analog condenser microphone has a dynamic range of up to 130 dB. It is therefore an A / D conversion is required, which have to avoid adding even more noise must be significantly better behavior. At the same time this process needs to be ideally suited to the microphone in the existing voltage and source impedance ratios.
The A / D conversion in the mixer or in other devices must be tolerated loss in signal quality in general, because the conversion takes place only after the level adjustment. Accordingly go headroom issues, and the characteristics of the microphone preamps and A / D converter into a dynamic considerations.
The aim of the development it had to be thus realizing a high-quality digitization of the capsule signal directly in the microphone so that level adjustments and other processing steps are performed in the digital domain. The only way to stay in the receive signal generated by microphone quality.
Synchronization:
The AES standard describes two types of synchronization 42 to the microphone to the receiver (eg mixer or Digital Microphone Interface - DMI-2):
Mode 1: The microphone works unsynchronized with the sampling rate of its internal quartz oscillator required at the receiving end, a sample rate converter (sample rate converter). This mode, however, should only be used if synchronization for Mode 2 is not possible because deteriorate usual sample-rate converter, the signal quality (dynamic range, latency).
Mode 2: The microphone works in sync with a master word clock. This can be an external or the internal word clock of its DMI-2. Here, in AES 42 receiver (DMI-2) carried out a frequency / phase comparison with the Master Word Clock. It creates a control signal which is transmitted via the remote control data to the microphone and regulates the frequency of the internal crystal oscillator.
The internal word clock generator can be used on the BNC output connector to synchronize additional DMI and subsequent processing equipment (eg mixer).
TLM 103 D digital large diaphragm microphone:
The TLM 103 D is now a classic in home recording and project studios in digital version.
In the microphone - just behind the capsule - is already in the D-01 proven Neumann A / D converter, the dynamic range over which the capsule is located, and allows optimum utilization of the capsule qualities. This ensures that the capsule signal completely unaltered - in a hitherto unknown transparency - the recording system available.
If required in connection with the digital microphone interface DMI-2 and the RCS remote control software configured the microphone integrated in the DSP area and controlled remotely. This includes functions such as gain setting, a compressor / limiter with additional de-esser function, and a peak limiter. In particular here, the digital concept play a large advantage. The almost directly from the capsule, peak limiter acts as an automatic "Airbag", which enables even in stressful recording situations the safe exploitation of the entire available dynamic range.
To clearly identify the microphone sends information such as manufacturer name, type, serial number and software version implemented in the connected receiver.
The microphone is equipped with a three-pin XLR connector. It is transmitted bi-directional signal according to AES 42, which contains the balanced digital microphone output signal, the phantom power supply and a remote control data. This data also a signal for synchronization of the microphone is included with a master clock.
The TLM 103 D is available in two colors: classic black and nickel. It supports all standard sampling frequencies from 44.1 to 192 kHz.
S / PDIF and AES / EBU Connection Kit:
Addition to connection via the digital microphone interface Neumann DMI-2 now offers a very attractive price so-called "Connection Kit", which is the simple connection of a single microphone (KM D or TLM 103 D) to the widely used interfaces S / PDIF and AES / EBU allow. Without the extensive functionality of the "great" DMI-2 so many users can easily benefit from "Neumann sound direct to disc".
There is of course always the option to upgrade to the DMI-2 "" in order to then access the configuration options and DSP functions. Power is supplied standard with an AC adapter included.
Attractive Starter Sets for inexpensive entry into digital microphone technology:
A simple and very price attractive entry into the digital microphone technology offer include the "starter sets", a KM 184 D or TLM 103 D and a Connection Kit for S / PDIF or AES / EBU connection. For the beginner who is planning his future just budget-recording equipment, it is an interesting fact that in the digital system of the Neumann A / D converter is already integrated and pre-amp also no longer required. Apart from that eliminates the agony of choice. All components come from one source. This ensures that the Neumann microphone sound gets captured on a digital recording medium.
Digital Microphone Interface DMI-2:
Equipment that supports the new AES 42 standard can process the output signals of Solution-D microphones directly. In all other cases, the Digital Microphone Interface DMI-2 is used. This is a separate, two-channel device, which converts the AES 42 data format from the microphone into an AES / EBU signal.
The device is operated with the help of the Neumann RCS remote control software that is installed on a desktop or laptop computer. The connection between the computer and the DMI-2 is produced via the USB port and an interface converter (USB to RS 485). If a large number of microphones is used, several DMI-2s can be cascaded. Here at each interface can be addressed individually.
Addition to a word clock input and output, the device has an internal word clock generator. If no master word clock, for example of a mixer at the input, the internal master is automatically used to synchronize the two microphone channels and, on the word clock output.
Over a 9-pin user port allows external commands such as to red light ("on-air control).
RCS remote control software:
The control of the digital microphone via the remote control software, which is part of the Solution-D is and will be launched as an independent program on desktop / laptop computers.
All important parameters are displayed on the user interface and are subject to change. The sound engineer has all connected microphones during production with their operating status and set parameters in mind and can, if necessary, quickly and easily change the settings.
The parameters shown include the polar pattern, attenuation and filter, gain, various microphone status indicators, command ads as well as mute and phase reverse. The modulation of the signal can be tracked on screen.
The information sent from the microphone, such as manufacturer name, model and serial number are displayed for clear identification of the microphone. In addition, the input of their own information, such as the name of the sound source possible. Of course the setup can be saved and retrieved the complete miking.
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