Simultaneous Primary Calibration on the Infrasonic Amplitude and Phase Sensitivities of Condenser Microphones and Comparison With Theoretical Results

Abstract

Low frequency primary calibrations of condenser microphones are the basis of accurate measurement of low frequency sound and infrasound. Prior arts on the primary phase calibrations differ greatly, simultaneous primary amplitude and phase calibrations are rarely seen. Recently, two infrasonic sensitivity models of condenser microphones based on the pistonphone technique, for the vent immersed in sound field and outside are derived. The relevant models can explicitly characterize the influence of pistonphone, microphone and environment on the voltage output and sensitivity of the microphone. On this basis, simultaneous primary amplitude and phase calibration tests are evaluable. Based on adequate performance tests of the designed laser pistonphone, this paper carries out in-depth primary microphone calibrations. The calibrated infrasonic amplitude and phase sensitivities are in good agreement with theoretical results, thus proves their values to reveal and quantify the influence of various factors on the calibration results based on the pistonphone technique.