Umik 1 Vs umik 2

[staticV3]

What is the use case for it?

I can only think of distortion measurements and frequency response of phone speakers, where in both cases the ~45dB EIN of the UMIK-1 would become problematic.

 

[ivo.f.doma]

Nemyslím si, že je dôvod používať UMIK-2 na meranie zvuku v miestnosti. Aký je jeho prípad použitia?

Dirac measurement only...

 

[ivo.f.doma]

So does cross-spectrum UMIK-1 have any disadvantage compared to ordinary UMIK-1? It will only be used on DIRAC (perhaps REW) with the new Pioneer or Marantz receiver.

 

[Chromatischism]

So does cross-spectrum UMIK-1 have any disadvantage compared to ordinary UMIK-1. It will only be used on DIRAC (perhaps REW) with the new Pioneer or Marantz receiver.

No. It is simply a more accurate calibration.

 

[ivo.f.doma]

I have one more question. I read somewhere that the UMIK1 cross-spectrum cannot be used as an acoustic sound level meter. Whereas the regular UMIK1 does. There is some truth to that.

 

[Chromatischism]

I have one more question. I read somewhere that the UMIK1 cross-spectrum cannot be used as an acoustic sound level meter. Whereas the regular UMIK1 does. There is some truth to that.

Why would that be? It's a calibrated mic.

 

[ivo.f.doma]

Well then. How do I measure sound pressure with UMIK1 with AVR/Dirac? Without a sound level meter, of course.

 

[staticV3]

Well then. How do I measure sound pressure with UMIK1 with AVR/Dirac? Without a sound level meter, of course.

Doesn't seem like there's an SPL meter function built into Dirac.
In their Umik-1+ Dirac guide, they only talk about relative levels:

Using UMIK-1 with Dirac Live

miniDSP is a leading manufacturer of Digital Audio Signal Processors for the HomeTheater, Hifi, headphone and Automotive market. Join our large community of Audiophiles, Engineers and DIYers using our innovative products.

www.minidsp.com

 

[ivo.f.doma]

OK. I just have a dilemma. Some here on the forum claim that UMIK1 is batch calibrated and Cross spectrum individually. Others claim that both are individually calibrated. So I don't know what is true. The difference is about €30...

 

[staticV3]

@ivo.f.doma Factory calibration vs CSL calibration:

Keep in mind the sample size of 1.

 

[JohnPM]

All UMIK-1 and UMIK-2 are individually calibrated during manufacture.

 

[ivo.f.doma]

@ivo.f.doma Factory calibration vs CSL calibration:
View attachment 255007
Keep in mind the sample size of 1.

This is the picture that says it all for me! The original UMIK1 is completely sufficient.

 

[Overseas]

Do not confuse:
Umik 1, v1 before Jan 2021, mini Usb
Umik 1, v2 after Jan 2021, Usb C
Umik 2 - completely different product

 

[ivo.f.doma]

Thank you for the information. What does this mean for me? I'm waiting for a new AVR, preferably a Pioneer 705/905, and I want to buy a good calibration microphone for the Dirac PC application.

 

[Overseas]

I guess the difference is Umik 2 is high res, so more expensiv.

 

[staticV3]

I guess the difference is Umik 2 is high res, so more expensiv.

From what I can tell, you're paying for a lower noise floor and the ability to exchange the microphone capsule.

 

[Overseas]

I am a total beginner, so yeah.
Both products will be sold in parallel, I asked.

 

[Delrin]

I have a USB-C umik-1 and it's great for measuring room acoustics, where the frequency sweeps etc can be played at a loud level. I am sure it's more than adequate in that regard.

That being said, for the price difference it could be worth paying more for the lower noise floor of the umik-2. I also use my measurement mics for assessment of low level background noise, and found the noise floor of the umik-1 to be a limiting factor. I have never tried the umik-2, but minidsp seems to have nailed the space for economical measurement mics that perform well.

I ended up using a uPrecisionMic from Studio Six Digital, which is a lot more expensive but has a very low noise floor and a ruler flat frequency response with good omnidirectionality. It's also a USB mic with built-in pre-amp & ADC (like the umiks). With this mic, very low level sounds can be recorded and played back with negligible noise. The umik-1 is much noisier in this kind of application. I'm not suggesting you get a uPrecisionMic, but it's an example of a use case where the umik-1 might be limiting.

The Studio Six Digital measurement mics (they have a couple) also have analog output jacks, which can be convenient for running audio i/o from a smartphone etc (but for value, and if you don't need this, the umik-1 can't be beat). If you'll only be doing room frequency sweeps, and budget is an issue, the umik-1 is great. As is noted above, the smaller umik-1 capsule gives better omnidirectionality than umik-2.

Sorry for going on about the Studio Six Digital stuff - I have no affiliation, but like their hardware and software. It's way overkill for room measurements. I have this stuff and still use the umik-1 for room measurements.

 

[Jarod]

CSL increased the price of Umik-2 from $200 to $215. That's not good.

 

[Trell]

CSL increased the price of Umik-2 from $200 to $215. That's not good.

You’ll see that most products have increased prices and quite substantially at that. CSL is no exception.