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Neumann History
2322
Quality Must Be Measurable
To meet the operating conditions encountered
in the studio the microphones are subject to
testing throughout their manufacture. The cap-
sules alone undergo more than 50 different
tests before final assembly.
Since the very beginning in 1928 Neumann
condenser microphones have always operated
on an audio frequency circuit, with the capsule
consequently acting as a very high-impedance
generator, rendering it highly sensitive to mois-
ture. And as moisture represents one of the
most common operational hazards of a warm re-
cording studio, Neumann has paid great atten-
tion to all aspects of insulation.
Quality control devoted to this aspect includes
a moisture chamber, in which capsules are
placed until both the diaphragm and microphone
body are dripping wet. Even under these condi-
tions insulation resistances to the order of
20 x 10
6
Mohms are measured in the capsules.
Another test is to cool the microphones to
slightly above freezing point and then place
them in a chamber with 100% humidity, at a
relatively high temperature. The spontaneous
moisture formation that follows infiltrates not
only the capsule but the entire electronic cir-
cuitry. It would have to be an extremely uncom-
fortable studio to recreate such conditions to
say the least, but just in case, we would like to
point out that every type of Neumann condens-
er microphone will pass this test.