Understanding Microphone Specifications
This technical data sheet provides basic information based on the specifications of the NEEWER NW-7000 condenser microphone. You can find these specifications in the product manual or on the manufacturer’s website, but what do they mean? That is the purpose of these data sheets and the information provided below.
Polar pattern: This refers to a microphone’s sensitivity to sounds coming from all directions relative to its central axis. The most common is the cardioid polar pattern (since it resembles a heart). It is used when you need to focus on a single sound source and reduce sounds coming from the sides and rear. The information (diagram) on polar patterns will help you choose the most suitable microphone for your recording session.
Unidirectional: the direction toward which the front of the microphone is pointed, which is the area most sensitive to sound.
Frequency response: The range of human hearing extends from 20 Hz (low frequency) to 20,000 Hz (high frequency) (20 kHz). Within this range, the fundamental frequency of speech in adults falls between 80 Hz and 180 Hz for men, and between 165 Hz and 255 Hz for women.
Sensitivity: measures a microphone’s ability to convert sound pressure into an electrical signal. The numerical value is always negative. The closer it is to zero, the stronger the signal it produces. Therefore, a microphone with a sensitivity of -40 dB is more sensitive than one with a sensitivity of -60 dB. 1 V/Pa at 1 kHz: this is the standard reference input signal used to measure sensitivity. It consists of a 1kHz sine wave at a sound pressure level (SPL) of 94dB or 1 pascal (Pa, a unit of pressure). Condenser microphones are very sensitive, with a range between -42dBV and -30dBV.
Output impedance: This refers to the circuit’s resistance to the AC (alternating current) voltages produced by the microphone. An impedance between 50 and 1000 ohms (Ω) is considered low impedance, which ensures maximum signal fidelity, even when using very long cables.
Load impedance: This is not a property of the microphone itself, but rather the input impedance of the device to which it is connected (e.g., a preamp). For optimal results, this should be at least five times greater than the output impedance. Example: if a microphone has an output impedance of 200 ohms, the preamp must have a minimum impedance of 1000 ohms.
Equivalent Input Noise (EIN or self-noise): this is the lowest sound level produced by the microphone (the lower, the better; ideal if it is < 25 dBA).
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): This measures how much desired sound is present in the recording and how much unwanted sound (noise) is present. A range of 70dB–80dB is very good. For high-end applications: >80dB–90+dB. This ensures greater clarity for the voice or instrument.
Current and Requirements: 3mA is standard and suitable for phantom power in microphones, especially condenser microphones. DC power is generally 12V, 24V, and 48V, but 3mA (milliamps) is correct (although the IEC standard allows up to 10mA). This also refers to 5V, which is the low voltage known as "plug-in power" that is supplied when you insert the 3.5mm connector into the PC. However, using a direct cable from the XLR on the microphone to the 3.5mm jack on the PC will not work; you need that 48V phantom power.
The purpose of this guide is to provide basic information about the meaning of a product’s specifications. It is intended for professionals, consumers, or anyone simply curious who is looking for information or seeking to clarify their questions before making a purchase. This content is based on personal experience, interviews, and/or reference data from various official and reliable sources. It will never be generated by AI.