What is BS EN IEC 60268-4 - Sound system equipment about?

BS EN IEC 60268-4 is the fourth part of the BS EN IEC 60268 multi-series that focuses on sound system equipment. BS EN IEC 60268-4 specifies methods of measurement for the electrical impedance, sensitivity, directional response pattern, dynamic range, and external influences of sound system microphones, and also details the characteristics to be specified by the manufacturer. BS EN IEC 60268-4 applies to sound system microphones for all applications for speech and music. BS EN IEC 60268-4 applies to each audio channel of microphones having more than one channel, for example for stereo or similar use.

BS EN IEC 60268-4 is also applicable to flush-mounted microphones and to the analogue characteristics of microphones with digital audio output. BS EN IEC 60268-4 aims for a microphone that includes all such devices as transformers, pre-amplifiers, or other elements that form an integral part of the microphone, up to the output terminals specified by the manufacturer. The major characteristics of a microphone are considered in BS EN IEC 60268-4.

Note: BS EN IEC 60268-4 does not apply to measurement microphones.

Who is BS EN IEC 60268-4 - Sound system equipment for?

BS EN IEC 60268-4 on sound system equipment is useful for:

Audio system manufacturers
Communication device manufacturers
Acoustic foam and pads manufacturers
Audio technicians
Audio equipment companies

Why should you use BS EN IEC 60268-4 - Sound system equipment?

Microphones should be measured in conditions approximating those in which they are intended to be used. Three sets of measurement conditions are specified in BS EN IEC 60268-4:

free-field, near-field, and close-talking. The differences between these sets of conditions are in the distance to the sound source and the sound pressure level of the measurement.

BS EN IEC 60268-4 provides methods of measurement for electrical impedance, sensitivity, directional pattern, dynamic range, and external influences. Alternative methods are given, the chosen method is specified.

BS EN IEC 60268-4 discusses particular conditions, acoustical environment, methods of measuring frequency response, reference point and axis, rated power supply, electrical impedance, directional characteristics, amplitude non-linearity, the balance of the microphone output, and balance under working conditions

What’s changed since the last update?

BS EN IEC 60268-4:2018 supersedes IEC 60268-4, which is withdrawn. BS EN IEC 60268-4:2018 includes some technical changes with respect to IEC 60268-4.

These include:

Subclause 19.4 on "pop" measurement replaces Annex C
New Annex D for noise measurements in the digital domain

BS EN IEC 60268-4:2018

Sound system equipment - Microphones

Current

Published:

30 Nov 2018