Microphone, testing environment? Thanks.

[parallax]

Hi guys. I'm kind of confused about the whole testing thing. I'm thinking about using Speaker Workshop to test my speakers, and I've built the Wallin jig, but I don't have a microphone to do this with. I searched for information about this but found nothing conclusive. Can somebody suggest a cheap microphone setup that'll give accurate results? Do I have to get a preamp? I don't care if I have to build the thing, I just want it to be cheap and accurate!

Thanks!

[Vikash]

I don't care if I have to build the thing, I just want it to be cheap and accurate!

If you've built the WJig then you should have come across the WPreamp too Get yourself some Panasonic WM-61A (digikey part: P9925-ND) electret capsules and you're off. Cheap and accurate.

[DIAR]

You need a calibrated mic to get accurate results. Some capsules are quite accurate even without calibration.

The measurements on my internet site are done with a calibrated mic and uncalibrated DIY mic (similar capsule). You can see that the results are quite near each other:

http://kotiweb.kotiportti.fi/audiovi...mikrofoni.html

You need a preamp. The frequency responce of a not_so_good preamp is much worse than the frequency response of an uncalibrated mic. If you deside to DIY, you should be consider this fact.

I bought my gear here:

http://www.ibf-akustik.de/shop-us/index_us.html

EDIT:
DIY preamps:
http://www.epanorama.net/links/audio...ts.html#micamp

http://www.gti.net/wallin/audio/preamp/preamp.html

[parallax]

Hehe, I did come across the Wallin preamp but was intimidated by the fact that it looked so complex compared to the other preamp circuits, and I wanted to understand it. ;-)

But I guess I'll build that today. Have to wait till Monday till the hobby shop opens so I can build my enclosure anyway. Speaking of which, do people build a full enclosure with permanent joints and then mount the crossover through the woofer hole onto the back or whatever, or do they make a removable panel?

Thanks!

- R

[Ed LaFontaine]

Hey parallax,
Yes, you should make the joints airtight, which in most cases means permanent.
Inserting the crossover through a woofer hole would be easier (and more often done) than through a removable panel....There's that airtight issue again...hmmm...Even if your enclosure has an opening, a port or vent, you don't want to compromise its effectiveness through leaks in other places.
Keep the questions coming. Many of us have been down the same road.