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SOLUTION-D: NEUMANN GOES DIGITAL
A NEW MILESTONE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF MICROPHONE TECHNOLOGY
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OLD LYME, CONNECTICUT:
This year at the AES 2001, Neumann will unveil a product that is the first
of its kind in the world: Solution-D, a new generation of digital microphones.
With 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 final gap in the all-digital signal path. As with the
advent of condenser microphones, the switchable polar response, and 48-volt
phantom power, Neumann is again setting new standards in microphone applications
and recording techniques.
Owing 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. Neumann will unveil the first product
in the Solution-D digital microphone family at AES. It consists of three
components: the Digital Microphone D-01, the Digital Microphone Interface
DMI-2, and the software that permits operation and remote control of the
microphone. The system conforms to the new Standard AES 42-2001.
"One of the last parts of the audio chain has yet to become part
of the digital revolution - the microphone." observed Karl Winkler,
of Neumann/USA. "At Neumann however, we have been developing a new
platform over the past three years. Solution-D is a new direction for
us, a truly revolutionary product that will change the face of the recording
arts for the better. Based on the new AES 42-2001 standard, this system
will likely be the beginning of an industry wide change in terms of how
microphones are perceived as part of the overall picture."
THE D-01 MICROPHONE
At first glance, the D-01 microphone looks just like its analog counterparts.
However, an A/D converter specially developed and optimized by Neumann
for the microphone capsule's signal level sits right behind the capsule.
Without any of the preamplification that is standard in analog microphones,
the signal transduced by the capsule is immediately converted into the
digital domain. The result is an internal digital 28-bit signal with a
dynamic range of more than 130 dB (A-weighted, microphone capsule included).
An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) built right into the microphone
will help process the digital signal. This means that the D-01 can digitally
implement and remote control such parameters as polar pattern, pre-attenuation,
low-cut, pre-amplification and various switching functions. Ultimately,
Solution-D eliminates the need for analog microphone preamplifiers and
A/D converters.
The microphone houses a three-pin XLR jack through which the supply voltage,
phantom power, and remote control data stream are transmitted. This data
protocol also contains the signal components of a control loop as required
for synchronous transmission. Output conforms to the
AES 42-2001 data format.
DIGITAL MICROPHONE INTERFACE DMI-2
Solution-D microphones connect directly to any device that supports the
new AES 42-2001 Standard. In all other situations, the Neumann Digital
Microphone Interface DMI-2 is necessary. This separate, two-channel device
converts the AES 42-2001 data format of the microphone into an AES/EBU
signal. Neumann remote control software running on a laptop or desktop
computer and connected to the DMI-2 interface via a USB connection will
operate the system. If a large number of microphones are used, it is possible
to cascade multiple DMI-2s and still provide each interface with an individual
address.
Besides word-clock input and output, the unit also has an integral master
word clock generator that will support sample rates of up to 192 kHz in
the future. If there is no word clock at the input, then the DMI-2 automatically
uses the internal master to synchronize both microphone channels. The
unit supplies either the externally or internally derived sample rate
as a time reference at the word-clock output. Users can control external
commands, such as a red "ON AIR" light, from a nine-pin user
port.
REMOTE CONTROL SOFTWARE
Remote control software operates the digital microphone. Ideally, this
software would run as one component in a recording system, but it can
also run by itself on a stand-alone desktop or laptop computer. The software
displays every important parameter on the screen and allows a user to
change a given parameter at any time. The parameters shown include polar
pattern, pre-attenuation, low-cut, pre-amplification, various indicators
of microphone status, command indicators, and mute and phase reverse functions.
It is also possible to follow signal levels on the screen. During production,
the recording engineer has complete control over the status and parameters
of all microphones and can change settings quickly and conveniently if
necessary.
In addition to the above-mentioned "functional" parameters,
the software displays additional information transmitted by the microphone,
such as manufacturer name, type, and serial number for use in positive
self-identification of the microphone connected. Moreover, it is possible
to add self-written notes (e.g. the name of the sound source and microphone
position). Of course, it is also possible to store and retrieve the setup
for an entire recording session.
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