I ran across this awhile back and thought I would share, while this wont replace preamps any time soon, it's still interesting to see the different directions that compines are going in.
A new milestone in microphone technology
Already in analog microphone technology, Georg Neumann GmbH Company, Berlin has set new standards many times. For example, Neumann developed the first condenser microphone, switchable polar response characteristic, the first stereo microphone, and the 48 V phantom power supply. These inventions paved the way to new dimensions in microphone applications and recording techniques.
With the Solution-D, Neumann has succeeded in transferring the dynamic range and fidelity of the best analog studio microphones into the digital domain, thus closing the last gap in the signal path for digital audio production.
Thanks to a revolutionary new A/D conversion process, a specially developed synchronization method, and remote control of typical microphone parameters and mixing console functions, Solution-D satisfies even the highest demands of professional audio production. The wide variety of Solution-D features permits small productions in excellent quality with just a microphone and a recording device.
Thus now as ever, Neumann is setting new standards in microphone applications and recording techniques.
The system of the Solution-D digital microphone generation consists of three components: the Digital Microphone D-01, the Digital Microphone Interface DMI-2, and Remote Control Software RCS that permits operation and thus remote control of the microphone. Signal and data transmission of the microphone conform to the new Standard AES 42-2001. The introduction of this standard paves the way to introduce digital microphone technology. It identifies the transmission of output signals, power supply for the microphones, and remote control of all typical microphone functions and parameters. Neumann was instrumental in the drafting of this AES 42-2001 Standard.
Every sound designer, who is familiar with digital recording technology, can begin using Solution-D immediately without a learning curve. As with analog microphones, the same acoustic principles and recording techniques apply. However, the additional features of digital microphones open up new possibilities during production.
Remote control of typical microphone parameters
It is possible to change remotely such standard parameters as polar response and low-cut filter. Solution-D greatly simplifies different adjustments to quickly find new settings that optimize the audio quality and tonal response. There is
no need to write down any settings.
Integrated digital audio signal processing
Neumann developed a completely new A/D converter specifically for the signal levels directly after the microphone capsule. Necessary gain adjustments can be performed inside the microphone in the digital domain. This eliminates traditional peripheral devices such as preamplifier and A/D converter. Of course, this means a significant reduction in cost.
The front-end conversion of the analog signal provides a marked improvement in dynamic range. This is noticeable throughout the entire signal chain and makes level adjustments less critical. Other signal processing functions, such as mute and phase reverse, which are usually inside a mixing console, are integrated into the microphone.
Other possibilities include the use of remote commands, such as an LED to indicate Red Light (“On Air”). A very special feature is the transient limiter. For the first time it is possible to apply this function at the most efficient point, that is, at the signal source. This can reduce damaging transients that are very short, however exhibit a large amplitude. Analog microphones require extremely large headroom in the following signal path to accommodate such signals.
Additional features will include a noise gate function and switchable test signals inside the microphone.
Data sent from the microphone
Information coming from the microphone includes, for example, the manufacturer of the mic, the model and serial numbers, current software version, and a list of all available remotely controllable functions. In addition, it is possible to monitor warning signals and ready state.
The operator can centrally control all microphones from the control room through a graphical user interface (Remote Control Software). The software can be part of a recording system, or run on its own desktop/laptop computer. During the production, the recording engineer has complete control over the status of all microphones, because all important parameters, including signal level, are shown on the screen. In addition, it is possible to add other notes, for example about the sound source and positioning of the microphone, or the set-up for the entire recording session. The software enables users to copy the configuration of one particular microphone to others and even grouping them together effortlessly (master-slave). This information can be stored and recalled anytime.
Why digital signal processing ?
Digital audio recording began more than 15 years ago. At that time, the digitizing process started at the end of the signal processing chain, with the first digital recording devices. In the meantime, almost all components in the signal path are available in the digital domain.
We know that digital signals provide a convenient basis for mathematical calculations and processing. Without degradation, these signals may be arbitrarily changed, copied, transformed, stored, and recorded.
In contrast, signal processing in the analog domain is always characterized by limited accuracy, error accumulation, lack of redundant signal information, and no error correction. In each step of the analog processing chain a loss of the original signal quality occurs.
The result is a gradual degradation of dynamic range, through addition of noise signals and non-linear distortion components.
In addition, the digital domain provides functions that are difficult or almost impossible in analog signal processing. This is especially relevant for functions that require temporary storage of data.
A/D conversion
Despite continuous advancement in commercially available integrated circuits, A/D converters are still rather inadequate. The best currently available Delta-Sigma-A/D-Converters (as ICs) provide a dynamic range of 115-120 dB (A-weighted) at theoretically 24 Bit.
In comparison, a high quality analog condenser microphone has a dynamic range of up to 130 dB. This requires a markedly superior A/D conversion to avoid adding any noise components to the audio signal. At the same time, this process must be matched ideally to the conditions of signal level and source impedance within the microphone.
If the A/D conversion occurs in the recording console, or some other device, one usually must accept a reduction in signal quality, since this conversion takes place after the signal levels have been normalized. Therefore, headroom and characteristics of preamplifier and A/D converter are part of the dynamic considerations.
The goal of the research was to develop a high-quality A/D conversion process of the audio signal inside the microphone, immediately following the capsule. This permits level adjustments and other signal processing functions within the microphone in the digital domain. Only this approach would guarantee to maintain the signal quality of the microphone.
Synchronization
Digital audio signals must be synchronized between the microphone and the digital mixing console. Therefore, it was necessary to develop a method of synchronization that is reliable and, above all, independent of the length that the interconnecting microphone cable may have. Here too, Neumann has contributed a significant solution to address this challenge, by developing a process that has become an important part of the AES 42-2001 Standard.
A master clock performs a frequency-phase comparison on the receiver side of the microphone signal. The result is a rather slow feedback signal, used to control a VCXO (Voltage controlled crystal oscillator) inside the microphone. This resembles a closed feedback loop similar in function to the well-known PLL (Phase Locked Loop). After equalizing and A/D-converting the control signal it becomes an integral component of the remote data stream to the microphone, as described in the AES 42-2001 Standard. This method is very reliable and leads to only negligible jitter amplitudes.
A new milestone in microphone technology
Already in analog microphone technology, Georg Neumann GmbH Company, Berlin has set new standards many times. For example, Neumann developed the first condenser microphone, switchable polar response characteristic, the first stereo microphone, and the 48 V phantom power supply. These inventions paved the way to new dimensions in microphone applications and recording techniques.
With the Solution-D, Neumann has succeeded in transferring the dynamic range and fidelity of the best analog studio microphones into the digital domain, thus closing the last gap in the signal path for digital audio production.
Thanks to a revolutionary new A/D conversion process, a specially developed synchronization method, and remote control of typical microphone parameters and mixing console functions, Solution-D satisfies even the highest demands of professional audio production. The wide variety of Solution-D features permits small productions in excellent quality with just a microphone and a recording device.
Thus now as ever, Neumann is setting new standards in microphone applications and recording techniques.
The system of the Solution-D digital microphone generation consists of three components: the Digital Microphone D-01, the Digital Microphone Interface DMI-2, and Remote Control Software RCS that permits operation and thus remote control of the microphone. Signal and data transmission of the microphone conform to the new Standard AES 42-2001. The introduction of this standard paves the way to introduce digital microphone technology. It identifies the transmission of output signals, power supply for the microphones, and remote control of all typical microphone functions and parameters. Neumann was instrumental in the drafting of this AES 42-2001 Standard.
Every sound designer, who is familiar with digital recording technology, can begin using Solution-D immediately without a learning curve. As with analog microphones, the same acoustic principles and recording techniques apply. However, the additional features of digital microphones open up new possibilities during production.
Remote control of typical microphone parameters
It is possible to change remotely such standard parameters as polar response and low-cut filter. Solution-D greatly simplifies different adjustments to quickly find new settings that optimize the audio quality and tonal response. There is
no need to write down any settings.
Integrated digital audio signal processing
Neumann developed a completely new A/D converter specifically for the signal levels directly after the microphone capsule. Necessary gain adjustments can be performed inside the microphone in the digital domain. This eliminates traditional peripheral devices such as preamplifier and A/D converter. Of course, this means a significant reduction in cost.
The front-end conversion of the analog signal provides a marked improvement in dynamic range. This is noticeable throughout the entire signal chain and makes level adjustments less critical. Other signal processing functions, such as mute and phase reverse, which are usually inside a mixing console, are integrated into the microphone.
Other possibilities include the use of remote commands, such as an LED to indicate Red Light (“On Air”). A very special feature is the transient limiter. For the first time it is possible to apply this function at the most efficient point, that is, at the signal source. This can reduce damaging transients that are very short, however exhibit a large amplitude. Analog microphones require extremely large headroom in the following signal path to accommodate such signals.
Additional features will include a noise gate function and switchable test signals inside the microphone.
Data sent from the microphone
Information coming from the microphone includes, for example, the manufacturer of the mic, the model and serial numbers, current software version, and a list of all available remotely controllable functions. In addition, it is possible to monitor warning signals and ready state.
The operator can centrally control all microphones from the control room through a graphical user interface (Remote Control Software). The software can be part of a recording system, or run on its own desktop/laptop computer. During the production, the recording engineer has complete control over the status of all microphones, because all important parameters, including signal level, are shown on the screen. In addition, it is possible to add other notes, for example about the sound source and positioning of the microphone, or the set-up for the entire recording session. The software enables users to copy the configuration of one particular microphone to others and even grouping them together effortlessly (master-slave). This information can be stored and recalled anytime.
Why digital signal processing ?
Digital audio recording began more than 15 years ago. At that time, the digitizing process started at the end of the signal processing chain, with the first digital recording devices. In the meantime, almost all components in the signal path are available in the digital domain.
We know that digital signals provide a convenient basis for mathematical calculations and processing. Without degradation, these signals may be arbitrarily changed, copied, transformed, stored, and recorded.
In contrast, signal processing in the analog domain is always characterized by limited accuracy, error accumulation, lack of redundant signal information, and no error correction. In each step of the analog processing chain a loss of the original signal quality occurs.
The result is a gradual degradation of dynamic range, through addition of noise signals and non-linear distortion components.
In addition, the digital domain provides functions that are difficult or almost impossible in analog signal processing. This is especially relevant for functions that require temporary storage of data.
A/D conversion
Despite continuous advancement in commercially available integrated circuits, A/D converters are still rather inadequate. The best currently available Delta-Sigma-A/D-Converters (as ICs) provide a dynamic range of 115-120 dB (A-weighted) at theoretically 24 Bit.
In comparison, a high quality analog condenser microphone has a dynamic range of up to 130 dB. This requires a markedly superior A/D conversion to avoid adding any noise components to the audio signal. At the same time, this process must be matched ideally to the conditions of signal level and source impedance within the microphone.
If the A/D conversion occurs in the recording console, or some other device, one usually must accept a reduction in signal quality, since this conversion takes place after the signal levels have been normalized. Therefore, headroom and characteristics of preamplifier and A/D converter are part of the dynamic considerations.
The goal of the research was to develop a high-quality A/D conversion process of the audio signal inside the microphone, immediately following the capsule. This permits level adjustments and other signal processing functions within the microphone in the digital domain. Only this approach would guarantee to maintain the signal quality of the microphone.
Synchronization
Digital audio signals must be synchronized between the microphone and the digital mixing console. Therefore, it was necessary to develop a method of synchronization that is reliable and, above all, independent of the length that the interconnecting microphone cable may have. Here too, Neumann has contributed a significant solution to address this challenge, by developing a process that has become an important part of the AES 42-2001 Standard.
A master clock performs a frequency-phase comparison on the receiver side of the microphone signal. The result is a rather slow feedback signal, used to control a VCXO (Voltage controlled crystal oscillator) inside the microphone. This resembles a closed feedback loop similar in function to the well-known PLL (Phase Locked Loop). After equalizing and A/D-converting the control signal it becomes an integral component of the remote data stream to the microphone, as described in the AES 42-2001 Standard. This method is very reliable and leads to only negligible jitter amplitudes.
