I recently acquired a Marantz AX-1000 Audio Computer. It was made in 1991 and is among other things a digital room analyzer. Unfortunately the microphone that came with it (AKG C-460b) is long gone. Can someone recommend a replacement calibration microphone with a very flat frequency response? I don't mind spending some money but don't want to spend a fortune either. Maybe under $250 if that's possible? It needs to be flat from 40-16,000.

I was thinking of trying the Behringer ECM8000. It's only $50 but claims to be flat 20-20,000 +/- 1db. See link. Are these figures to be believed or is it like speaker specs?

Thanks in advance.
Mr Vinyl

• http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=248-625

You can get a microphone that's calibrated and they'll send you a file with the actual response curve for you to input into your measurement system. That way, it will compensate for any ripples in amplitude and phase response. But those pucks are so flat you can use them uncalibrated and get within a decibel.

• Panasonic WM-61 Condenser Microphone Element

Thanks for your opinion.
Chris

Hope you don't mind being my personal audio consultant

Please write back and let us know what they say. I'm sure others will run into this as well, because 5v and 12v supplies are common as well 15-30v.

• Behringer Support

You asked me to post Behringer's response so here it is. Unfortunately they weren't much help. Here is what they said:

Hi,
and thank you for writing to BEHRINGER technical support! You're correct, the ECM8000 is designed to be used with a phantom power source as low as 15V. We don't have any information regarding how the ECM8000 will function with less then 15V. It doesn't sound all that far off in theory, but basically it's not within the specified range of the mic that we know WILL work well.