Best Measurement Microphones
Introduction
If you’re about to get your first measurement microphone, you probably want to make sure your measurements are accurate and reliable. It’s important to get things right from the start, so you don’t end up with misleading results. That’s exactly what we’ll be talking about here, based on practical experience and real-world measurements.
A measurement microphone looks a lot like a regular microphone at first glance: it’s usually tubular, with a sensor at one end and a connector at the other. The sensor itself is a lightweight diaphragm that reacts to changes in air pressure, producing an electrical signal in response.
But here’s where the two types of microphones differ: you won’t find a singer’s wireless mic being used to measure loudspeaker drivers in an anechoic chamber, just like you won’t see a comedian using a measurement microphone for a mic drop at the end of a show.
Measurement microphones are designed to help you measure your room and your speakers’ frequency response. This information is crucial for making decisions about room treatment and for flattening your speakers’ response to get the best sound possible.
Just so you know, the measurement microphones we’re reviewing aren’t listed in any particular order. We’ve randomized them because we don’t want to rank them from best to worst.
Listed below are our Top 10 Best Measurement Mics:
1. Peavey PVR 2 Measurement Microphone
This Peavey measurement microphone is omnidirectional, designed for accurate free-field measurements. It features a high-quality circuit and a 1/4 inch polarized condenser capsule, offering excellent stability and balance with minimal distortion and self-noise during use.
Ideal for room analysis, recording, and testing your space, this microphone has a standard 1/2 inch diameter and uses a back-electret condenser design. Its frequency response ranges from approximately 20Hz to 20kHz, and it can handle sound pressure levels up to 132dB.
This measurement microphone is an excellent choice for testing your room’s acoustics and balancing your speaker output. When paired with the right calibration software, it becomes a powerful tool that can significantly enhance your audio performance.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store |
|---|---|---|
|
Peavey PVR 2 Measurement Microphone |
2. Neumann MA 1 Monitor Alignment Microphone and Calibration System
Neumann’s Automatic Monitor Alignment MA 1 ensures you get the best possible sound quality in any space—whether you’re working in a home studio or a professional control room. Using a specially calibrated measurement microphone, the MA 1 analyzes your room’s acoustics with an easy, guided process.
This streamlined speaker optimization system saves its calibration data directly to your DSP-powered KH-series studio monitors. That means you don’t have to mess with complicated plug-ins to get it working.
If you’re looking for top-notch sound in every mixing environment, the Neumann MA 1 automated monitor alignment system is the solution. It’s simple, reliable, and truly “set it and forget it.”
Please note: The Neumann MA 1 automated alignment system requires a stereo pair of KH 80 DSP studio monitors or a KH 750 DSP subwoofer. You’ll also need an audio interface with balanced analog input, +48V phantom power, and two balanced outputs. The KH 750 DSP subwoofer also accepts AES3.
- Space-adaptive target curve
- Phase and amplitude optimization for analog Neumann monitors
- Frequency range: 20 – 20000 Hz
- Directional characteristic: Omnidirectional
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store | For US Customers | For EU Customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Neumann MA 1 Monitor Alignment Microphone and Calibration System |
3. dbx RTA-M Measurement Microphone
The elective RTA-M real-time audio analyzing mic is the perfect accessory for the DriveRack PA series (PA, PX, PA+, PA2) and 260. Used alongside the System Setup Wizard and Auto EQ Wizard, the RTA-M is ideal for optimizing sound quality—even in the most challenging acoustic environments.
The RTA-M Reference Microphone from dbx is an omnidirectional mic designed for use with dbx DriveRack series real-time analyzers (sold separately) to provide an accurate acoustic picture of any room. It captures audio to help you fine-tune your sound system’s performance, matching the response characteristics of the room for both live sound and recording applications.
Additionally, the RTA-M features a durable metal housing, requires phantom power (9 to 52 VDC), and comes with a mic clip and a hard case. As a flat frequency measurement microphone, it picks up all frequencies from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ensuring precise real-time analysis of your audio.
- Frequency range: 20 – 20,000 Hz
- Impedance: 250 Ohm
- Sensitivity: -63 dB + 3 dB (0 dB = 1V / microbar 1,000 Hz)
- 9-52 V phantom power required
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store | For US Customers | For EU Customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
dbx RTA-M Measurement Microphone |
4. Audix TM1 Plus Omnidirectional Condenser Measurement Microphone
The TM1 is a 6 mm pre-polarized condenser microphone known for its linearity, accurate response, and consistency.
Designed for testing and measurement purposes, the TM1 features a precisely controlled omnidirectional polar pattern, making it ideal for capturing acoustic measurements for room analysis software, real-time analyzers, and other sound management devices.
With a flat frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, the TM1 microphone is an excellent tool for sound engineers, audio companies, and recording enthusiasts. Each TM1 omnidirectional test and measurement microphone is designed, machined, assembled, and tested by Audix in the USA.
The TM1 condenser microphone requires 24-48 Volts of phantom power to operate. It features a precision-machined four-stage brass body and capsule housing, a nickel-plated finish, a Switchcraft or Audix XLR connector, shock-absorbent O-rings, and a heavy-duty snap-on mic clip.
- Max SPL 140 dB
- For 18-52 V phantom power
- Output impedance 200 Ohm
- Dynamic range 112 dB
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store | For US Customers | For EU Customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Audix TM1 Plus Omnidirectional Condenser Measurement Microphone |
5. Behringer ECM8000
The Behringer ECM8000 is a specialized condenser microphone designed for use with real-time analyzers, such as our ULTRACURVE DEQ2496. It provides an instant acoustic snapshot of the room.
With this microphone, you can use your graphic EQ to fine-tune your sound system’s performance, perfectly matching the response characteristics of the room. The ECM8000 is a high-precision, ultra-affordable measurement microphone that should be part of every serious audio engineer’s toolkit.
The ECM8000 boasts a ruler-flat frequency response from 15 Hz to 20 kHz, and its omnidirectional pickup pattern gives you a clear, accurate reading of any room’s unique sound characteristics.
Like standard condenser mics used for recording or live performance, the ECM8000 requires phantom power (+15 to +48 V). It comes with a microphone clip, stand adapter, and a rugged carrying case for long-lasting, smooth operation.
The ECM8000 could easily become the most valuable tool in your kit, and it’s incredibly affordable. Take the guesswork out of EQing with the highly accurate ECM8000—both at gigs and in the studio.
- Balanced omnidirectional polar pattern
- Operatable with phantom power from +15 V to + 48 V
- Rugged construction in slim, modern design
- Low inherent noise XLR output with gold- plated contacts
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store | For EU Customers | For US Customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Behringer ECM8000 |
6. Beyerdynamic MM-1 Omnidirectional Condenser Measurement Microphone
The beyerdynamic MM 1 is a measurement microphone specifically designed for testing sound reinforcement and PA systems. It works seamlessly with analyzers and sound level meters to measure the frequency response and sound pressure levels of loudspeaker systems.
The MM 1 is ideal for analyzing audio signals, improving system performance, conducting reverberation tests, and a variety of other applications. Its slender, tubular construction ensures the microphone has minimal impact on the sound field, preventing any increase in sound pressure at high frequencies. Thanks to its linear frequency response, you get a pure and accurate audio reproduction.
By using this microphone, you can balance the sound pressure level in your listening environment, especially around your mixing position. This leads to precise measurements and helps you achieve perfectly calibrated monitors.
- Max. SPL (sound pressure level): 128 dB
- Requires 12-48 V phantom power
- Current consumption approx. 3.4 mA
- Dimensions: 133 x 19/9 mm
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store | For US Customers | For EU Customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Beyerdynamic MM-1 Omnidirectional Condenser Measurement Microphone |
7. Earthworks M30 30kHz Omnidirectional Measurement Microphone
The Earthworks M30 is a precision-engineered, 30 kHz omnidirectional measurement microphone, perfectly suited for acoustic measurements, loudspeaker design and quality control, sound system setup and troubleshooting, room acoustics, or any application that requires an accurate free-field measurement microphone.
Accuracy, consistency, and reliability have made the Earthworks M30 the primary choice for live sound professionals, acousticians, and researchers worldwide for nearly twenty years.
Used on numerous full-scale concert tours, as well as in scientific research laboratories and rocket testing facilities, the M30 and its M-Series siblings have proven to be lab-grade audio instruments that can handle any environment.
The M30’s audio performance is unmatched. It features a flat frequency response from 3 Hz to 30 kHz, an exceptionally consistent omnidirectional polar response, a 140 dB SPL rating without distortion, and no handling noise. Thanks to temperature-compensated electronics, the M30 is built to deliver repeatable results no matter the environment.
Each M30 is individually hand-tuned and tested, and comes with its own printed frequency response chart. An Electronic Calibration File (ECF) is created for every microphone during final testing and can be downloaded free of charge after product registration.
- Frequency range: 5Hz – 30 kHz
- +-1/-3 dB
- Max. SPL: 142 dB
- 48V Phantom power required
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store | For US Customers | For EU Customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Earthworks M30 30kHz Omnidirectional Measurement Microphone |
8. Presonus PRM1
The PRM1 uses a 1/4″ pre-polarized electret condenser capsule with an omnidirectional polar pattern. This is especially useful when tuning your sound system to a specific acoustic space or venue, because it allows the microphone to capture both reflections and direct signals from the sound source.
Unlike microphones you use for recording and live sound, the PreSonus PRM1 has a narrow dynamic range, since it’s designed to receive test frequencies—such as pink noise—at a fixed level. As a result, it’s not recommended for recording or performance, but it’s the perfect mic for analyzing a sound system’s response.
The PreSonus PRM1 features a linear (“flat”) frequency response between 20 Hz and 20 kHz, meaning it captures all frequencies equally within that range. Because it neither boosts nor cuts frequencies, it doesn’t color the sound, making it ideal for measuring how a room or speaker affects a sound system’s output.
- Frequency range: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Sensitivity: -37 dB / PA
- SPL: 132 dB
- Incl. Microphone clamp, foam windscreen and hard case
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store | For US Customers | For EU Customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Presonus PRM1 |
9. Sonarworks SoundID Ref Measurement Microphone
Designed for seamless integration with the Sonarworks SoundID software, the Sonarworks SoundID Reference Measurement Microphone is a pre-polarized condenser featuring an omnidirectional polar pattern and a dynamic range of 106 dB.
The SoundID Reference Microphone is specifically built for speaker calibration when used with Sonarworks’ SoundID Reference Studio software, ensuring that any audio system can be fully calibrated in just 20 minutes.
Once the calibration is complete, the process applies a flat frequency response across all audible bands, making your mixes translate perfectly between different studio monitors and listening devices.
As with anything related to monitoring, a bit of optimization can make a big difference in your setup. If you’re using speakers, take some time to set up your listening environment properly and give SoundID Reference every chance to work its magic.
- Sensitivity: 14mV / Pa
- Inherent noise: 24 dB
- Dynamic range: 106dB
- Max. sound pressure level: 132 dB
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store | For US Customers | For EU Customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sonarworks SoundID Ref Measurement Microphone |
10. IK Multimedia MEMS Microphone for ARC System
The ARC (Advanced Room Correction) system analyzes your room’s acoustics and applies correction using a sophisticated EQ plug-in. With the included MEMS microphone, the ARC System 2.5 software measures your room and calculates the necessary adjustments.
The system then uses a frequency and time-correction processing plug-in that works with your DAW, giving you a “corrected” listening environment every time you mix. If you want the most accurate, optimal room for mixing, ARC can help you achieve it.
If you’ve been mixing audio for a while, you know how hard it is to get perfect acoustics. ARC System 2.5 can make any room sound more accurate. Think about it: without acoustic treatment, you might struggle with all kinds of issues like null points, standing waves, and uneven reflections.
ARC System 2.5 comes with a high-precision MEMS measurement microphone. This omnidirectional mic is designed specifically for ARC’s correction software, ensuring results that are both reliable and repeatable.
Unlike standard condenser microphones, MEMS technology resists subtle frequency response changes over time. This mic is also extremely durable and resistant to humidity and temperature changes, so it will continue to deliver great results for years to come.
- Impedance: 100 Ohm
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 65 dB (A)
- Phantom power: 12 – 48 V
- Dimensions: 129.5 mm x 23 mm
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | For US Customers |
|---|---|---|---|
|
IK Multimedia MEMS Microphone for ARC System |
|
Conclusion on our Measurement Mic Selection
When it comes to measurement microphones, these are a great choice for accurately measuring your room and fine-tuning it to your preferences. The sensitivity of these microphones is impressive, as they need to capture the correct sound pressure to deliver an accurate frequency response.
If you take your work seriously, investing in a microphone like this is a smart move to get the best results from your mixing environment. For a very affordable price, you can get a mic that will definitely help you make better mixing decisions.
If you have any questions about this topic, please let us know in the comment section.
