TELEFUNKEN Builds FLATS Microphone Testing Lab
South Windsor, CT, April 2023 – Industry leading microphone manufacturer TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik has completed the build out of a state-of-the-art testing and design suite at their facility in South Windsor, CT. FLATS (Final Listening and Test Space) is an advanced microphone test environment custom-developed for TELEFUNKEN’s precision testing and quality control requirements.
FLATS is based around a large three-room suite designed to provide 45 dB of noise reduction between rooms and the outside space. The walls have perforated absorbers and acoustic foam on both sides of a solid steel septum barrier. Each room has a specific function: one for critical component testing, a second for quiet listening/isolation, and a third final product testing room.
Coinciding with the three-room suite, there are four custom-built microphone frequency response test chambers. These special chambers integrate a precision GRAS Acoustics reference microphone to analyze frequency response against production microphones. Each test chamber is matched with industry leading Audio Precision hardware and software, providing an environment that yields accurate, repeatable measurements. The test procedure evaluates microphone level, frequency response, and phase.
TELEFUNKEN microphones are seen in the FLATS testing lab
TELEFUNKEN consulted Audio Precision for all FLATS test hardware and software, assuring that each test procedure is completed within certified industry lab standards to comply and further advance current microphone testing methods. The three-room FLATS suite and test chamber specifications were developed by the TELEFUNKEN engineering team, and executed and built by professional acousticians and contractors.
The collaborative process between these companies yielded a unique test suite custom-built for the TELEFUNKEN facility to optimize the company’s testing capabilities for efficiency, repeatability, and accuracy. Equitech was consulted for providing a high-quality clean power circuit to run all testing operations for the cleanest test conditions possible.
ABOUT AUDIO PRECISION
Audio Precision is the recognized standard in audio testing. For over thirty-five years, AP has offered high-performance audio analyzers, accessories and applications to help engineers worldwide design, validate, characterize and manufacture consumer, professional and industrial audio products. Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, AP is part of Axiometrix Solutions, a leading test solutions provider comprised of globally-recognized measurement brands.
AP Website
ABOUT EQUI=TECH
The birth of balanced power dates back to 1988 when Rick Perrota, the founder of Matchless Amplifiers, approached Martin Glasband to design an electrical system for his new studio complex in California. Today, the majority of music and video as well as movies and television today are produced using Equi=Tech balanced power. The client list is a high-tech Who’s Who spanning top music and film studios such as Skywalker Sound, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the FAA and the Oakridge National Laboratory.
Equi=Tech Website
ABOUT TELEFUNKEN
TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik strives for absolute perfection. By offering historic recreations of classic microphones alongside their own proprietary designs based around the distinctive tube mic sound, TELEFUNKEN has established a product line that expertly combines vintage style and sound with the reliability of a modern-day microphone design. TELEFUNKEN’s commitment to both the sonic excellence and quality of all of their products is rivaled only by their dedication to provide the best possible service to their customers.