Upgraded MK Series Microphones Raise Precision Acoustic Measurement to New Heights

Key Specifications at a Glance - 4 Performance Metrics

Product Overview - New Quality Productivity in High-End Acoustic Measurement

The BSWA MK Series Microphones represent a technological breakthrough for new quality productivity in high-end acoustic measurement, delivering IEC 61672 Class 1 accuracy with upgraded dynamics, superior signal-to-noise ratio, and 200V polarization for long-term stable performance^[1]. The MK201 1/2" free-field microphone achieves 8–10 dB improvement in dynamic range compared with the MPA series, capturing both faint noise floors and high sound pressure levels with exceptional fidelity.

Featuring classic 200V externally polarized design without electret elements or charged backplates, the MK Series eliminates aging-related performance decay that affects pre-polarized microphones over time. Paired with the dedicated MV201 preamplifier with intelligent TEDS support, the system provides plug-and-play integration for precision acoustic research, industrial noise testing, and quality control applications^[2].

Key Advantages - 4 Core Strengths

Upgraded Dynamics & SNR: 8–10 dB Improvement

The MK Series delivers dynamic range increased by 8–10 dB compared with the MPA series, enabling accurate capture of both faint noise signals and high sound pressure levels within a single measurement^[2]. The expanded 17 dBA to 146 dB dynamic range means researchers and engineers no longer need to switch between microphone configurations for different measurement scenarios, improving workflow efficiency and data continuity.

200V Polarization: Superior Long-Term Stability

The classic 200V externally polarized design uses no electret material and no charged backplate, fundamentally avoiding the aging and performance decay issues inherent in pre-polarized microphone designs^[2]. This ensures consistent sensitivity and frequency response over years of use, reducing calibration drift, maintenance costs, and the need for periodic microphone replacement in long-term monitoring installations.

IEC 61672 Class 1 Accuracy: Full-Band Precision

Full compliance with IEC 61672 Class 1 requirements ensures the MK Series meets the highest internationally recognized accuracy standard for acoustic measurement instrumentation^[1]. Wide frequency response from 3 Hz to 20 kHz with ±2 dB tolerance and low distortion characteristics deliver reliable, traceable data suitable for formal reporting, regulatory compliance, and academic publication.

Professional Compatibility & TEDS Integration

The MK201 works with the dedicated MV201 preamplifier, which supports intelligent TEDS (Transducer Electronic Data Sheet) for automatic microphone identification and plug-and-play system integration^[2]. TEDS eliminates manual sensitivity entry, reduces setup errors, and accelerates field deployment by allowing the data acquisition system to automatically recognize and configure the connected microphone.

Full Specifications - MK201 1/2" Free-Field Microphone

The MK201 combines high sensitivity, wide dynamic range, and compact dimensions in a lightweight package optimized for both laboratory and field deployment^[2]. The following table details the complete technical specifications.

MK Series vs. Pre-Polarized Microphones - 5 Criteria Compared

The 200V externally polarized design of the MK Series offers fundamental advantages over pre-polarized (electret) microphones in stability, dynamic range, and long-term reliability^[1]. The following comparison illustrates why professional laboratories and industrial measurement environments choose externally polarized microphones for critical applications.

Core Applications - 2 Professional Scenarios

1. High-Precision Laboratory Acoustics

The MK Series is ideally suited for acoustic research, sound field analysis, and noise mechanism studies where IEC 61672 Class 1 accuracy and traceable calibration are mandatory requirements^[1]. The wide 3 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response and low distortion enable detailed characterization of complex acoustic phenomena, while the 200V polarization ensures measurement consistency across extended research campaigns.

2. Industrial High-End Noise Testing

For automotive, aerospace, and machinery applications, the MK201 provides reliable engine noise, component vibration, and equipment acoustic emission measurement with the dynamic range to handle both quiet backgrounds and high-intensity sources^[2]. TEDS-enabled plug-and-play integration with multi-channel acquisition systems accelerates setup in complex industrial environments where dozens of measurement points must be configured rapidly.

User Core Benefits - 3 Pillars

Accurate & Traceable

IEC 61672 Class 1 performance combined with factory calibration certification ensures measurement data is reliable, traceable, and suitable for R&D reporting, quality control documentation, and regulatory compliance^[1]. The 200V polarization design guarantees that accuracy is maintained throughout the microphone's operational lifetime without degradation.

Stable & Cost-Effective

The 200V externally polarized design delivers consistent long-term performance without the aging effects of electret elements. This eliminates the hidden costs of periodic microphone replacement and recalibration, providing lower total cost of ownership for organizations operating permanent measurement installations or large microphone inventories.

Efficient & Flexible

Lightweight 8.8 g construction, compact dimensions, and TEDS-enabled automatic identification simplify installation and speed up field measurement deployment. The MV201 preamplifier provides universal compatibility with professional data acquisition systems, enabling rapid integration into existing measurement chains without custom adapters or configuration.

FAQ

What is the biggest upgrade of the MK Series over previous models? Dynamic range is improved by 8–10 dB with better signal-to-noise ratio compared with the MPA series. Additionally, the 200V externally polarized design eliminates aging-related performance decay, ensuring long-term measurement stability without electret degradation.

What accuracy class does the MK201 meet? The MK201 fully meets IEC 61672 Class 1 requirements, the highest internationally recognized accuracy standard for acoustic measurement instrumentation, ensuring reliable full-band precision from 3 Hz to 20 kHz.

Does the MK Series support intelligent identification? Yes. The MV201 preamplifier includes TEDS (Transducer Electronic Data Sheet) support, enabling automatic microphone identification and plug-and-play configuration with compatible data acquisition systems.

What is the frequency range of the MK201? The MK201 covers 3 Hz to 20 kHz with ±2 dB tolerance, providing full-band coverage for virtually all acoustic measurement applications from infrasound research to audible-range noise testing.

Is the MK Series suitable for both industrial and laboratory use? Yes. The combination of IEC 61672 Class 1 accuracy, wide dynamic range (17 dBA – 146 dB), and robust 200V polarized construction makes the MK Series ideal for precision acoustic measurement in both controlled laboratory environments and demanding industrial field conditions.

References

[1] International Electrotechnical Commission, "IEC 61672 -- Electroacoustics -- Sound level meters." https://www.iec.ch/homepage

[2] BSWA Technology, "MK Series Microphones." Product page. https://www.bswa-tech.com

[3] International Organization for Standardization, "IEC 61094 -- Measurement microphones." https://www.iso.org