GRAS 40AO 1/2" Prepolarized Pressure Microphone

Freq range: 3.15 Hz to 20 kHz
Dyn range: 20 dB(A) to 163 dB
Sensitivity: 12.5 mV/Pa

The 40AO is an IEC 61094 WS2P ½" prepolarized pressure microphone with rear-venting. Read about the externally polarized equivalent [40AG]. It is a high-precision condenser microphone made according to IEC 61094-4 requirements and is ideal for coupler measurements in both laboratory and production environments. It is extremely robust and reliable and can measure sound pressure levels up to 160 dB in the range of 3.15 Hz to 20 kHz. 40AO is individually factory-calibrated and delivered with a calibration chart stating its specific open-circuit sensitivity and pressure frequency response.

Technology

Typical applications and use

The broad working range and reliability has made 40AO the preferred prepolarized microphone for coupler and ear simulator setups and is the natural supplement or replacement of existing solutions. The 40AO is especially suited for audiometer calibration when using a sound level meter / analyzer without a 200 V polarization feature.

It is used for production line testing in coupler setups for test of hearing aids, earphones, headphones, and headsets.

The KEMAR Manikin can also be configured with 40AO for wide-band binaural sound quality recordings.

40AO can be used in

  • GRAS IEC 60318-1 Ear Simulator RA0039
  • GRAS IEC 60318-5 2cc Coupler RA0038 (incl. protection grid)
  • GRAS KEMAR Manikin 45BB

40AO is included in

  • GRAS IEC 60318-4 (60711) Ear Simulator RA0045-S1
  • GRAS IEC 60318-1 & -2 Ear Simulator System Type 43AA-S2

Other coupler systems can be configured with the 40AO and a CCP preamplifier on request.

The 40AO is a very versatile microphone when connected to the RA0067 Transmitter Adapter for ½" Microphones. The 40AO becomes a high-impedance sound source when the RA0067 takes a calibration signal directly from the signal generator and makes the microphone behave like an electrostatic loudspeaker. In a coupler, this gives a frequency response that is as good as when the 40AO behaves like a microphone.

A front-vented versions is available, the 40AO-FV 1/2" Prepolarized Pressure Front Vented Microphone.

Compatibility

The 40AO requires a standardized ½" or ¼" CCP preamplifier and an input module that supports this technology with a BNC, SMB, or Microdot connector.

System verification

For daily verification and check of your measurement setup, we recommend using a calibrator like GRAS Sound Level Calibrator 42AG.

For proper sensitivity calibration, we recommend using a pistonphone like GRAS Intelligent Pistonphone 42AP.

Calibration

When leaving the factory, all GRAS microphones have been calibrated in a controlled laboratory environment using traceable calibration equipment. Depending on the use, measurement environment and internal quality control programs we recommend that the microphone is recalibrated at least once a year.

We offer two kinds of calibration as an optional after-sales service: GRAS Traceable Calibration and GRAS Accredited Calibration.

GRAS Traceable Calibration is a traceable calibration performed by trained personnel under controlled conditions according to established procedures and standards. This is identical to the rigorous calibration that all GRAS microphones are subjected to as an integral part of our quality assurance.

GRAS Accredited Calibration is performed by the GRAS Accredited Calibration Laboratory that has been accredited in accordance with ISO 17025 by DANAK, the Danish Accreditation Fund.

If you want a new microphone set delivered with an accredited calibration in stead of the default factory calibration, specify this when ordering.

Learn more at gras/calib.

Quality and warranty

All GRAS microphones are made of high-quality materials that will ensure life-long stability and robustness. The microphones are all assembled in verified clean-room environments by skilled and dedicated operators with many years of expertise in this field.

The microphone diaphragm, body, and improved protection grid are made of high-grade stainless steel, which makes the microphone resistant to physical damage, as well as corrosion caused by aggressive air or gasses.

This, combined with the reinforced gold-plated microphone terminal which guarantees a highly reliable connection, enables GRAS to offer 5 years warranty against defective materials and workmanship.

Service

If you accidentally damage the diaphragm on a GRAS microphone, we can—in most cases—replace it at a very reasonable cost and with a short turn-around time. This not only protects your investment, but also pleases your quality assurance department because you don't have to worry about new serial numbers, etc.

Specifications

Polarization/Connection
0 V / CCP
Frequency range (±1 dB)
Hz
5 to 12.5 k
Frequency range (±2 dB)
Hz
3.15 to 20 k
Dynamic range lower limit (microphone thermal noise)
dB(A)
20
Dynamic range lower limit with GRAS preamplifier
dB(A)
25
Dynamic range upper limit
dB
163
Dynamic range upper limit with GRAS preamplifier @ +28 V / ±14 V power supply
dB
153
Dynamic range upper limit with GRAS preamplifier @ +120 V / ±60 V power supply
dB
163
Dynamic range upper limit with GRAS CCP preamplifier
dB
150
Open-circuit sensitivity @ 250 Hz (±3 dB)
mV/Pa
12.5
Open-circuit sensitivity @ 250 Hz (±3 dB)
dB re 1V/Pa
-38
Resonance frequency
kHz
32
Microphone cartridge capacitance, typ.
pF
20
Microphone venting
Rear
Temperature range, operation
°C / °F
-40 to 120 / -40 to 248
IEC 61094-4 Designation
WS2P
Temperature range, storage
°C / °F
-40 to 85 / -40 to 185
Temperature coefficient @250 Hz
dB/°C / dB/°F
-0.01 / -0.006
Humidity range non condensing
% RH
0 to 90
Static pressure coefficient @250 Hz
dB/kPa
-0.007
Humidity coefficient @250 Hz
dB/% RH
-0.001
Influence of axial vibration @1 m/s²
dB re 20 µPa
66
CE/RoHS compliant/WEEE registered
Yes / Yes, Yes
Weight
g / oz
6.5 / 0.229

 

Typical frequency response.

 

Free-field corrections for different angles of incidence

 

GRAS Sound & Vibration reserves the right to change specifications without notice.

Dimensions

Ordering info

GRAS 40AO

1/2" Prepolarized Pressure Microphone. This is the "standard" rear vented version

GRAS 40AO-FV

1/2" Prepolarized Pressure Microphone, Front Vented. This is the front vented version

GRAS 40AO-FV-S1

1/2" Prepolarized Pressure Microphone, Front Vented, High Level. This is a high level version with front venting.

GRAS CA0001

Traceable Calibration of Microphone

GRAS CA2001

Accredited Calibration of Microphone

GRAS Sound & Vibration reserves the right to change accessories without notice.