Microphone for loudspeaker frequency response measurements

[davorin]

Can anybody recommend a good microphone for measuring the frequency response of a loud speaker?

I remember using a Neutrik device with graphing plotter back then...boah...that is 30 years ago...which did a nice job...
and my self made TML Dynaudio speakers showed the same level at 20Hz and 1kHz (o;

Ebay is full with so called measurement microphones....with price ranges between Euro 30 and 200....and some vague datasheets...mostly only descrive it for PA measurements...

[commongrounder]

Look at Josephson C550 series at around 400 USD.  Also, Earthworks M series starting at 600 USD.  There are many less expensive, but you need to characterize/calibrate them yourself to be sure what you measure is reasonably accurate. Look for ones with individual plots included.  These are all small diaphragm omnidirectionals. 

[hayatepilot]

I have a miniDSP UMIK-1 for measuring audio.

It has an almost unbeatable bang per buck since it comes fully individually calibrated. With REW you can even use it as a sound level meter for absolute measurements. 

And since it has the soundcard built in, you don't have to worry about a preamplifier and gainstructure.
If you have a HDMI capable AV-receiver you don't even need an analog audio output since you can adress all channels of even a 7.1 system individually over HDMI. Guide to HDMI measurements using the UMIK-1

For non professional use, this is more than you ever need. 

Greetings

[Lightages]

That microphone looks like a good deal, especially since it has the response curve available. I was going to recommend another cheap alternative too:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=ecm+8000&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search=
but it does not come with a device specific response curve. I actually suspect that the UMIK-1 is the ECM 8000 re-badged and measured from the outward appearance.
After reading more, it is even a better mic than the ECM 8000 as it comes with a USB connection and thus making it work with any computer that much nicer.

[radhaz]

This might be worth looking at:
https://youtu.be/6HWhW0PVIPA

[commongrounder]

The Behringer ECM-8000 has a lot of response variability between units, so unless you get your specimen characterized, you could get very inaccurate measurements.  A surprising value is the Dayton Audio EMM-6.  It only costs around 60 USD (or less if you find a sale) but comes with its own calibration file (you submit the serial number on their web site and download the info).  Users have commented that the build quality is similar to the ECM-8000 with the bonus of being predictable.  All of these mikes require an XLR jack, and phantom power in the preamp.

[davorin]

The miniDSP UMIK-1 looks really interesting...just ordered one :-)

Good as it has already ADC built-in and is powered via USB....so no need for external amplifier/phantom source....
Makes it ideal for portable application as well as you could use it with an iPad...