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29 Karma

Review on 🎀 UMIK-1 USB Measurement Calibrated Microphone by miniDSP by Brent Henderson

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Music sounds better with LESS NOISE!

I discovered this microphone while trying to optimize the frequency response of my stereo. Then I asked myself what bothers me more: the frequency response or all the frequencies that I couldn't hear because they were drowned out by household noise? Between HVAC systems, range hoods, bathroom fans, refrigerators, computer fans, and other appliances, homes are full of noise. Unfortunately, even with lengthy internet research, it is difficult to get a reliable comparison of the noises to be expected. For example, I found a website with noise ratings for dehumidifiers. They even described their testing methodology. I've tried a few systems they rated. In my opinion, the "louder" of the two was QUIETER in my house. Obviously I had to somehow deal with all this noise. It turns out that this microphone is the perfect tool for that. another example with a dehumidifier. I measured both devices with this microphone and the software REW (Room Equalization Wizard). I was able to reproduce the numbers from the ratings website by following their placement guides. I was then able to move the mic closer to where I would hear the devices. Of course, the overall RMS volume matched the review page. BUT this REW mic showed the noise quality of the device louder to me had a lot more sound at the frequencies where most of my music sounds and the best hearing! Therefore, this tool is great for controlling the noise in the environment. A house. I will continue to use this to measure things like noise from heating and ventilation fans and compressors or appliances. It would be great to hook this up to a laptop, go to a hardware store, ask them to turn on their quietest fridge, and then MEASURE the volume AND the quality of the resulting noise! Maybe I can use it when I'm done with it. look at the frequency response.

Pros
  • Rugged construction
Cons
  • Not automatic