iSEMcon

Microphones
Measurement
ice
The FOH cho

PRODUCT INFORMATION

EMX-7150
single use microphone,
matched pairs, triples, quads
06-14
Standard windshield included

1/4" acoustical port

High SPL capability

freefield calibration data
diffusefield calibration data*1

Long microphone body

reduces early reflection effects

All stainless steel body

Factory replaceable electronics &
capsule

O-Ring seal

Water tight connection

when using Neutrik*2 NC-3FX-HD
connector

*1: approximated by 90deg incidence

response
*2 The corporate names and names of
the products stated in this brochure are
trademarks or registered trademarks of
the respective companies.

AT A GLANCE

The EMX-7150 is a ¼” microphone made

from stainless steel and using state of the
art water tight Neutrik*3 connectors hav-
ing a very accurate frequency response
combined with the capability to
measure high sound pressure levels up
to 145dBspl.
It is a low impedance measurement
microphone that can be operated from
12…52 V Phantom Power which is
available on most professional micro-
phone preamplifiers and professional
computer interfaces. With its mechani-
cally robust design it is well suited for
harsh environment use such as open
air sound reinforcement measure-
ments. Its class 1 frequency response
(NOTE: NOT A CLASS 1 MICROPHONE)
makes it predestined for room acous-
tics analysis including recording studios
and home theaters. It can normally be
used without the included freefield
calibration data file for compensation.
In this case take the individual calibra-
tion data as proof of its superb per-
formance.

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
 Sound-power and sound-field analysis
 Industrial acoustics
 Room acoustics analysis
 Sound reinforcement
 Real time analyzers

FEATURES
Frequency range 10Hz…20kHz
Sensitivity 6mV/Pa typ.
Dynamic range ~30… >140dBspl
3% distortion limits >143dBspl typ.
Calibration chart and calibration data
files included on CD/USB stick.
IEC 61672 class 1 frequency response
Dimensions: acoustic port dia.¼” (7mm)
Microphone body 0.75” (19mm)
Overall length 6” (152mm)
Weight 0.3oz (75 grams)
PERFORMANCE ENVIRONMENTAL
Frequency Response Characteristic Free-Field Operating Temperature Range -10…+55°
Polarization Voltage Prepolarized Storage Temperature Range -20…+70°
Nominal Sensitivity @1kHz 6mV/Pa Operating Humidity Range 0…90%r.H.
Sensitivity Temperature Drift <0.015dB/K Axial Vibration Sensitivity ~ 50dB
Microphone Polarity Non-Inverting PHYSICAL
Frequency Response calibrated 10…20.000 Hz Housing Material Stainless Steel
Frequency Response IEC61672 *1 class 1 Sealing O-ring/Polyurethane/Epoxy
Inherent Noise100-10000 Hz <30dB typ. Output Connector XLR male
SPECIFICATIONS

Max. SPL. (3% distortion limit) > 141dBspl Dimensions Ø ¼“(7mm) x 6“(152mm)
Max. SPL. (3% distortion) typ. =143 dBspl Weight 0.3 oz (75g)
Max. SPL. (3% THD) @ 12V Phantom >140 dBspl CONFORMITY IEC 61000-6-1;
ELECTRICAL SPECIAL FUNCTIONALITY
Output Impedance < 200 Ω Voltage Surge Protection 
Values for 23° Celsius and 48V Phantom Power

Phantom Power 12…52Vdc EMC Noise Filter 

FREQUENCY RESPONSE

ISOBARS, typical
POLAR PATTERNS, typical
THD vs SPL, typical
k2, k3 and THD (blue/red/green)

THD vs SPL, typical

Equivalent Noise: FFT, 1/3 Octave, A-
weighted, ITU-R 468 RMS weighted
(magenta, blue, green, red)
THD , ref 1kHz CALIBRATION DATA FILE FORMAT

Human readable ASCII file: 1/12 octave

www.iSEMcon.com freefield
Sensitivity 5.88 mV/Pa @1kHz
10.00 -0.02
11.26 0.10
……….
19992.19 0.93
^ frequency (Hz) ^amplitude response (dB
TEMPERATURE STABILITY
The temperature characteristics of the sensi-
tivity of an electret condenser microphone
depends on the electrical characteristics of the
microphone capsule built-in impedance con-
verter and signal conversion circuitry as well
as the acousto-mechanical characteristics of
the diaphragm equivalent stiffness. iSEMcon is
one of the first microphone manufacturers
disclosing the secret about the temperature
behavior of electrets based measurement
microphones.
The range for the measurement was
set at -20° to 65° C which is more than
iSEMcon microphones are normally
used at. The most important tempera-
tures are 10 °C up to about 55°C
which covers indoor as well as open air
use. It will give you a good predictable
performance whether it is used in a
cold autumn night or if the hot summer
sun “burns” the microphone body.

The table below shows the microphone

sensitivity change @ 1kHz. The diagram
on previous page shows how tempera-
ture affects the frequency response
behavior of an EMX-7150 microphone.
The microphone capsule itself is the
part being responsible for most of the
temperature change. (see also: Tem-
perature characteristics of electret con-
denser microphones Acoust. Sci. &
Tech. 27, 4 (2006))

Microphone sensitivity vs. Temperature

typical
1kHz
-20°C 6,92
0°C 6,83
10°C 6,71
Tempera-
20°C 6,62
ture
35°C 6,60
45°C 6,57
55°C 6,50
NEW MATCHING MICROPHONES

iSEMcon now offers matching stereo

pairs as well as matching triples and
quads within a consistent tolerance.
While matching microphones , it is cru-
cial to ensure that the frequency re-
sponse and sensitivity is identical
within a specified tolerance . Some of
our competitors state that their micro-
phones are matching or sell matching
pairs and you are not informed about
how those microphones might be dif-
ferent in frequency response and mi-
crophone sensitivity.

iSEMcon’s matching tolerance

To ensure realistic sound field meas-
urement and multi channel audio ex-
perience, each microphone is individu-
ally calibrated and selected to meet
our standard matching tolerance. The
matching tolerance is applicable within
the microphone’s entire frequency
range.
For the EMX-7150 the matching toler-
ance on frequency response is +/-
0.5dB and 1mV on microphone sensi-
tivity.

The matching process (1-4):

The first stage of testing begins with the
selection of microphone capsules. We
filter capsules being close in their overall
performance (frequency and sensitivity).
The second stage is the microphone
manufacture using those selected cap-
sules.
The third stage focuses on final testing of
each microphone. This includes the cali-
bration procedure (individual frequency
response measurement) as well as sensi-
tivity measurement at 12V, 24V
Matching curve for a
EMX-7150 pair

Diagram A vs B vs
class 1 and 2 class
tolerances
and 48V Phantom power.
Finally we are selecting one reference
microphone (A) and compare the over-
all frequency responses of its potential
partners.
FOH: You measure and optimize the
acoustical sound field for the audience
together with SPL or better say Leq
monitoring….. Why not use one
matched pair for stereo recordings?

MATCHING PAIRS IN STEREO

RECORDING

Matched sensitivity is important when

you want center instruments to be
heard from the center between your
stereo speakers, rather than shifted
slightly left or right of center. A level
mismatch also can change the musical
balance between orchestral instrumen-
tation. Of course, you can compensate
for microphone sensitivity differences
with your recorder's level controls or
mixer's pan pots but not for frequency
response mismatch.
Matched frequency response is impor-
tant for the sharpest possible imaging.
The more closely the stereo micro-
phones are matched in frequency re-
sponse, the better the image focus and
localization. For example:
Suppose the left microphone is 3 dB off
at 200 Hz relative to the right micro-
phone. For an instrument in the center
of the musical ensemble, its repro-
duced low frequencies will shift to-
ward the left, while mid frequencies
will remain in the center . Localization
for this instrument will spread or will
cause blurring between the real (mid
frequency) image and the phantom
(low frequency) image.
CALIBRATION
Each microphone sold comes with its
individual calibration data. This includes a
calibration chart (pdf-file) as well as hu-
man readable calibration files for both,
freefield and diffusefield response.

Calibration prodecure step 1

Substitution Methode 500Hz … 20kHz

 Reference Speaker Measurement using

Reference microphone
 MLS Signal (Maximum Length Sequen-
ce) + Gating (No room response / re-
flections)
 Replacing Reference mic with EMX-
7150 microphone
 Calculating EMX-7150 frequency res-
ponse from impulse response data
Calibration prodecure step 2

 Pressure Chamber Method

10Hz...500Hz
 Direct compare of EMX-7150 against a
Lab Standard Refernce Microphone
using sine sweep signal *1

*1 Freefield microphones as well as pres-

sure response microphones have the sa-
me frequency response behavior at low
frequencies.
APPLICATION NOTES
FREEFIELD vs. DIFFUSEFIELD USE

Only a small percentage of all acousti-

cal measurements are performed in a
well defined and/or well controlled
environment of an e.g. acoustical labo-
ratory – on the contrary most acousti-
cal measurements are done under not
really controlled conditions. Here are
some hints on how to use our micro-
phone.

Sound Fields:
Free field: There are no reflec
ting objects, only the
microphone influen
ces the sound field.
Diffuse field: There are many re
flecting surfaces or
sound sources so that
the sound waves arri
ve from all directions.
Pressure field: This is found in small
confined spaces like
sound calibrators.

Depending on the nature of the sound

field an appropriate microphone, which
is optimized for the sound field could
be selected. Unfortunately there are
many practical situations where the
sound field is not really of a well de-
fined type. This application note should
give you an idea on how to measure
with a free field response microphone.

The free field microphone is the most

common in use, chosen on tradition
but we should know about the sound
field.
The following picture shows both the
free field and the diffuse field response
of a free field microphone.
A microphone’s random (diffuse) inci-
dence response can be approximated by
measuring the 90º incidence response
relative to a single sound source (as per
B&K literature).

The diffuse field response is not easy to

measure, because it is not easy to gener-
ate a truly diffuse sound field over a wide
frequency range but there is a known
procedure to estimate the diffuse fre-
quency behavior of a free field micro-
phone.
From literature we know, that a micro-
phone’s random (diffuse) incidence
response can be approximated by
measuring the 90 deg incidence re-
sponse relative to a single sound
source.

While it is an approximation only iSEM-

con has measured the 90deg response
of many EMX-7150 microphones and
used the averaged data to evaluate a
19th order polynomial. This is now used
to derive the “diffuse field” response
from the microphones free field re-
sponse data.

Typical freefield measurement:

Speaker measurement. The micro-
phone should target to the sound
source (speaker).

Typical diffusefield meas-

urements:
Concert SPL monitoring
(normally at FOH), Room
Acoustics measurement
(RT60): the microphone
should not target to the
sound source. Let it target
to the ceiling. This is the
most practical way.
MAINTENANCE

This microphone is a maintenance free

product but could require a recalibration
in case of a mechanical impact or perodi-
cal temperature cycling/use at the min
and max working temperature.
In an unlikely event of equipment failure,
please contact your local iSEMcon repre-
sentative or the iSEMcon factory located
in Germany (sales@iSEMcon.com).
Unauthorised dismantling of the mic-
rophone will invalidate the warranty.

ELECTRONIC WASTE

This electronic device should

be disposed separately from
your household waste at the
end of its lifetime. There are
various collection systems for
recycling in the European Union. For
further information please contact
your local authority or retailer where
you have purchased the product.

INSTALLATION

The EMX-7150 should not

be plugged or unplugged
into a mixer console or PA
system unless the input
channel is muted. If the sys-
tem does not have a muting option the
volume should be turned off. This
avoids loud popping noise that can
cause damage in speakers and/or af-
fect your hearing.
No Name Description
150010 EMX-7150 Bulk version: EMX-7150 microphone + WS-7XL windscreen + clamp w/ adapter
screw+ data-CD, mic in tube, polybag
800060 EMX-7150-CF1 EMX-7150 microphone + clamp w/ adapter screw + WS-7XL windscreen + 1/4" to
IEC 1/2" (13,2mm) calibrator adapter + calibration data on USB stick - pouch
800070 EMX-7150-CF2 EMX-7150 microphone + Shockmount w/ adapter screw + WS-7XL windscreen+ 1/4"
to IEC 1/2" (13,2mm) calibrator adapter + Calibration data on USB stick - Pouch
800080 EMX-7150-CF/MP 2x EMX-7150 microphone (MATCHED PAIR) + clamp w/ adapter screw + WS-7XL
windscreen , 1X 1/4" to IEC 1/2" (13,2mm) calibrator adapter + calibration data on
USB stick - Pouch
800081 EMX-7150-CF/MT 3x EMX-7150 microphone (MATCHED TRIPLE) + clamp w/ adapter screw + WS-
7XL windscreen , 1X 1/4" to IEC 1/2" (13,2mm) calibrator adapter + calibration data
on USB stick - pouch
800082 EMX-7150-CF/MQ 4x EMX-7150 microphone (MATCHED QUAD) + clamp w/ adapter screw + WS-7XL
ORDERING INFORMATION

windscreen , 1X 1/4" to IEC 1/2" (13,2mm) calibrator adapter + calibration data on

USB stick - pouch
 LIMITED WARRANTY

iSEMcon, Germany provides limited warranty

for the original iSEMcon product purchased.
If you wish to make a warranty claim for your
product, take it to the retailer from which you
have purchased the product or contact iSEM-
con Germany (sales@iSEMcon.com) In accor-
dance with the terms of this limited warranty,
iSEMcon guarantees that this product at the
time of initial purchase is free of material and
manufacturing defects. This guarantee is valid
for two (2) years from the date of purchase of
a new, unused product by the original end
user. As proof of purchase by all means please
keep your receipt of purchase. The date of
purchase and the name of the product have
to be indicated on the receipt. Without this
proof, which will be checked by iSEMcon, no
claims may be put forward. iSEMcon and its
partners reserve the right to charge a process-
ing fee if this product in accordance with the
warranty terms fails to meet the warranty
criteria.
The warranty undertaking consists at the
option of iSEMcon of the elimination free of
charge of material and manufacturing defects
through repair, exchange of parts or replace-
ment of the entire product. If iSEMcon re-
pairs the product, exchanges parts or replaces
the product, then the warranty claim for the
defect in question or the replaced product is
valid for the remaining duration of the original
warranty period or for ninety (90) days from
the date of repair, whichever is longer. The
repair or replacement claims may be filled
with functionally equivalent, reconditioned
products if the purchased product is no longer
available. The replaced parts or components
becomes property of iSEMcon. This warranty
claim is void if the product has been tampered
with by unauthorised persons or workshops.
This limited warranty is valid worldwide in all
countries in which in each respective case the
national laws do not conflict with these war-
ranty terms. Other or broader claims than
those set forth here may not be asserted on
the basis of this limited warranty. At the same
time,
you as an end user may in your country have
legal claims which are not limited by this lim-
ited warranty. The limited warranty limits
neither your legal rights nor the rights arisen
from the purchase contract between you and
the retailer.

Excluded from this limited warranty are:

· Minor defects or irregularities in the condi-

tion of the product which are insignifi-
cant as far as the quality and intended
use of the product are concerned.
· Accessories included with the product in-
cluding data storage media like CD and
USB stick.
· Rechargeable and non re-chargeable batter-
ies.
· Defects which have occurred through im-
proper use or misuse of the product in-
cluding faulty operation, mechanical
damage and applying incorrect operating
voltage.
· Defects in the product resulting from or in
connection with modifications made to
the product without prior agreement
and written statement .
· Defects in the product resulting from force
majeure.
· Defects in the product of which you were
already aware of at the time of purchase.
· Defects in the product caused by the use of
accessory components or peripheral
devices which are not among the original
accessories supplied by iSEMcon.

THERE EXISTS NO EXPRESS WARRANTY, RE-

GARDLESS OF WHETHER THEY ARE WRITTEN
OR VERBAL, BEYOND THIS PRINTED VERSION.
ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE ONLY VALID
FOR THE DURATION OF THIS LIMITED WAR-
RANTY. ISEMCON IS, TO THE EXTENT THAT AN
EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY IS PERMITTED, IN NO
INSTANCE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT OR CONSE-
QUENTIAL DAMAGES OF WHATEVER KIND,
INCLUDING-BUT NOT RESTRICTED TO-LOST
PROFITS AND ECONOMIC DISADVANTAGES.
In some countries/states the exclusion or
limiting of indirect or consequential damages
or the limiting of the duration of warranty is
not allowed. In this case the previously men-
tioned limitations and exclusions do not apply
to you.

Safety clause and unauthorized

applications

Products manufactured and/or

sold (herinafter products) by
iSEMcon GmbH and/or iSEMcon
LLC, (hereinafter iSEMcon) are
not designed for use as a compo-
nent in any life support, life safety, or other
comparable application. Our products should
not be used in any application where the fail-
ure or faulty performance of the product
might create a risk of personal injury or death.
Buyer assumes all risk of loss, damage or in-
jury alleged to arise from the failure or faulty
performance of an iSEMcon product in any
unauthorized application. Buyer agrees to
indemnify and hold harmless iSEMcon, and its
directors, employees, agents, representatives
and sales partners, from and against any and
all claims, costs, damages, losses and ex-
penses including attorney fees which arise
from or are alleged to have been caused by
any claim for personal injury or death con-
nected with buyer's use of an iSEMcon prod-
uct in any unauthorized application, including
claims which allege that iSEMcom has been
negligent in connection with the design or
manufacture of the product.
iSEMcon LLC iSEMcon GmbH
PO Box 607 Alexanderstr. 66
Sylvania, OH 43560 68519 Viernheim
USA Germany
Fon 1-877-309-1002 Fon +49 6204 911 24 91
Fax 1-419-517-5007 Fax +49 6204 911 24 90
sales@iSEMcon.com www.iSEMcon.com