Earthworks M23 G2 Omnidirectional Measurement Microphone

The Earthworks M23 G2 is a high performance free-field reference microphone designed for acoustical measurement applications such as sound system tuning, room acoustics, loudspeaker design, and SPL measurement. Exceptional audio performance, roadworthy stainless steel construction and XLR output have made Earthworks M-Series microphones the ideal reference for the Professional Audio world since 1995. Each microphone comes with its own individual calibration chart showing frequency response curve, 1 kHz sensitivity and 250 Hz sensitivity.

G2 ENHANCEMENTS

48 Volt Phantom Power (P48) current consumption is now 7.2 mA (reduced from Gen 1’s 10 mA). This increases wireless transmitter battery runtime, as well as adding compatibility with certain audio interfaces, especially when a large number of microphones are used. 1 kHz sensitivity has been reduced to -40 dBV/Pa (10 mV/Pa) for better compatibility with some commonly used audio interfaces that cannot handle higher input signal levels (above 10 dBV). This is important for SPL measurement and monitoring, where the entire input signal chain (microphone, preamp, interface) should be able to handle 140 dBSPL without clipping.

M23 G2 is a little over an inch and a half (4 cm) shorter than Gen 1, taking up less storage space and weighing less. The iconic and proven tapered tip design remains the same as Gen 1, with the length removed from the body section. M23 G2 microphones ship with a roadworthy carrying case and an OMW2 windscreen.

PHANTOM POWER

Earthworks microphones have active electronics and require phantom power to operate. The most common phantom power voltage is 48V (known as P48). Using P48 allows M23 G2 to cleanly capture audio at up to 140 dBSPL. Some devices such as wireless transmitters can also supply lower voltages, like 12V (known as P12). This can be a good way to increase wireless transmitter battery life, especially when using alkaline batteries. At 12V, M23 G2’s max SPL is reduced to 133 dBSPL, but audio performance is not otherwise affected.

EXTENDED FREQUENCY RANGE AND FLATNESS

M-Series microphones are individually tuned for the flattest possible frequency response. The rated flat portion (±1 dB) of the frequency range of M23 G2 is extremely wide, extending from 5 Hz to 23 kHz. Below and above the flat portion, the microphone’s response starts to roll off.

You can expect the following:

• -3 dB low-frequency cutoff will be 3 Hz or lower
• -3 dB high-frequency cutoff will be at least 40 kHz

1 KHZ SENSITIVITY

Sensitivity refers to a microphone’s output signal level when in the presence of a specific Sound Pressure Level (SPL). A microphone’s sensitivity typically is measured using a 1 kHz or 250 Hz sine wave at 94 dBSPL. Because 94 dBSPL is equivalent to 1 Pascal of air pressure, a microphone’s sensitivity is commonly specified in dBV/Pa (or mV/Pa). M23 G2’s 1 kHz sensitivity is specified as -40 dBV/Pa (10 mV/Pa), with a tolerance of ±2 dB. An M23 G2 microphone’s actual measured sensitivity is included on its calibration chart.

POLAR RESPONSE

Earthworks M-Series microphones have an omnidirectional polar pattern that is exceptionally consistent throughout the entire frequency range. This is especially beneficial for accurate room acoustics measurements, where sound reaches the microphone from all directions.

IMPULSE RESPONSE

Every aspect of an Earthworks M-Series microphone, from its small and light diaphragm, to the physical and acoustical design of the tip and body, to its internal electronics, is designed and optimized for the fastest and cleanest possible impulse response. This makes M-Series microphones especially good for time-domain measurements such as loudspeaker and PA system alignment and audio event identification and localization. It also provides an unparalleled level of accuracy and realism in audio recordings.

EARTHWORKS M23 G2 FEATURES:

• High performance free-field reference microphone
• 7.2 mA power consumption reduced from Gen 1's 10 mA
• 1 kHz sensitivity has been reduced to -40 dBV/Pa (10 mV/Pa) for better compatibility with some commonly used audio interfaces
• Slightly more than one and a half inches shorted than Gen 1
• Individually tuned for the flattest possible frequency response
• Omnidirectional polar pattern that is exceptionally consistent throughout the entire frequency range