At first glance, the Neumann D-01
appears similar to analog microphones. However, immediately following
the capsule is an A/D converter developed by Neumann, which is
especially optimized for the signal conditions of the microphone
capsule. The signal generated by the capsule is immediately converted
into a digital signal, resulting in an internal 28-bit signal with a
dynamic range of more than 130 dB (A-weighted, including the microphone
capsule).
By means of a field programmable gate array (FPGA),
the digital signal is then processed further in the microphone itself.
This means that parameters such as the polar pattern, pre-attenuation,
low-cut filter, gain and various switching functions can be set
digitally and controlled remotely. External components such as analog
preamplifiers and A/D converters are thus no longer required.
For
identification purposes, the microphone transmits information such as
the name of the manufacturer, the model, the serial number and the
software version to the receiver.
The microphone is equipped
with a 3-pin XLR connector. A bi-directional signal conforming to the
AES 42-2001 standard is transmitted, which contains the balanced digital
microphone output signal, the phantom power supply and a remote control
data stream. This data stream also includes a signal for synchronizing
the microphone with a master clock.
DMI-2 Digital Microphone Interface Equipment
that supports the new AES 42-2001 standard can process the output
signal of the Solution-D microphone directly. Otherwise, the Neumann
DMI-2 Digital Microphone Interface must be used. This is a separate,
two-channel device which converts the AES 42-2001 data format of the
microphone into an AES/EBU signal.
The DMI-2 is operated by
means of the Neumann Remote Control Software, which runs on a desktop or
laptop computer. The computer and the DMI-2 are connected via a USB
port and an interface converter (USB to RS 485). If a large number of
microphones is used, several DMI-2s can be cascaded, and each interface
can be addressed individually.
In addition to a word clock input
and output, the DMI-2 also has an internal master word clock generator.
If no master word clock signal (e.g. from a mixing console) exists at
the input, the DMI-2 internal master is automatically used to
synchronize the two microphone channels and is connected to the word
clock output. External commands such as red light for “On Air” can be
controlled via a 9-pin user port.
RCS Remote Control Software The
digital microphone is controlled via the Remote Control Software, a
component of the Solution-D system, which runs as an independent program
on desktop and laptop computers.
All important parameters are
displayed on the screen and can be changed at any time. During
production, the sound engineer has complete control over the status and
parameters of all the microphones and can change settings quickly and
conveniently if necessary.
The parameters displayed include the
polar pattern, pre-attenuation, low-cut filter, gain, various microphone
status indicators, command indicators, and mute and phase reverse
functions. It is also possible to monitor signal levels on the screen.
Information
transmitted by the microphone, such as the name of the manufacturer,
the model and the serial number, is displayed and serves to identify the
microphone. In addition, it is possible to input additional
information, such as the name of the sound source. The parameters for
the complete microphone setup can of course be stored and retrieved as
desired.
