In the field of audio measurement technology, precision and reliability are not just important – they are paramount. Hottinger Brüel & Kjær (HBK) has long been a pioneer in this domain, consistently pushing the boundaries of quality and innovation. Renowned for their unmatched quality, accuracy and stability, HBK microphones set the industry standard.
Earning the title of most trusted brand is no easy feat. To achieve this, HBK microphones are meticulously engineered to meet the highest standards of performance. By leveraging advanced materials, cutting edge design and rigorous manufacturing control, HBK ensures that their microphones deliver consistent, accurate results, even in the most demanding environments. This unwavering commitment to quality and precision makes HBK microphones the finest and most stable on the market today.
Material selection: Choosing the right materials is fundamental to ensuring microphone stability. For example, HBK stands out as the only brand using all-titanium construction for both housing and diaphragm. This design delivers exceptional stability across a range of temperatures. Combined with precise mechanical design and well-constrained tolerances, titanium’s inherent strength, durability and consistency in thermal expansion make it the ideal choice for maintaining consistent performance.
Diaphragm welding: In our latest microphone models, we weld the diaphragm directly to the microphone cartridge to enhance efficiency and mechanical stability. This advanced and difficult process, exclusive to HBK microphones, underscores our commitment to innovation and precision engineering.
Electret material and processes: Choosing the right electret material and production process is critical for ensuring environmental stability. HBK achieves this by using ultra high-quality electret materials, adequate storage, coating and an optimised charging process. This guarantees that the microphone’s exceptional performance remains consistent and stable over the years, even in changing environmental conditions. Additionally, every HBK microphone undergoes rigorous testing to ensure customers receive only the highest-quality, most reliable microphones.
High-quality isolating material: The use of high-quality isolating materials and treatment is essential for both the microphone cartridge and preamplifiers. These carefully selected materials and processes help minimise electrical noise, ensuring microphone stability even in varying environmental conditions.
High-end electronic components: Incorporating high-end electronic components is vital for maintaining consistency, even in harsh environments. These components are designed to be stable even in extreme conditions, ensuring reliable performance.
Enhanced electronic design: The careful design of electronic components further contributes to the microphone’s overall reliability. By refining the electronic circuitry design, HBK ensures that the microphone delivers consistent and efficient performance over time, even under varying environmental conditions.
Clean room assembly: All HBK microphones are assembled in clean rooms to prevent contamination. This controlled environment ensures that no dust or particles interfere with the microphone’s components. As described in related articles, (Article 1 and Article 2) particles trapped inside the microphone cartridge can lead to added noise and cause deviations in both sensitivity and frequency response.
Careful cleaning of parts: Every component of the microphone is carefully cleaned before every assembly. This meticulous cleaning process helps eliminate any potential sources of contamination that could affect the microphone’s performance.
Random incoming inspection: Implementing random incoming inspections helps to identify any defects or issues with the components before they are used in production. This proactive approach ensures that only high-quality parts are used.
Pinhole detection on diaphragm: The diaphragms used in our microphones are incredibly thin, measured in micrometres. These ultra-thin foils are critical for microphone performance. They are difficult to produce and can be prone to tiny holes (pinholes) due to manufacturing tolerances. Pinhole detection is critical to maintaining the microphone’s integrity. Detecting and discarding diaphragms with pinholes is crucial for maintaining the microphone’s integrity ensuring long-term stability.
Temperature and humidity-controlled environment: Maintaining a temperature and humidity-controlled environment during calibration is essential for maximising accuracy. These controlled conditions help minimise uncertainties during the calibration process.
Measured sensitivity of a BK type 4180 over 40 years. The sensitivity stays in the ±0.02 dB range (this means less than 0.2% changes). These microphones are used all over the world in calibration systems.
Optical tracking of defects: Advanced microscopes and software algorithms perform optical tracking to identify defects invisible to the naked eye. This technology ensures that only flawless components are used in the final product.
AI based manufacturing and automation: HBK uses an automation system for the most complex part of the microphone assembly. The introduction of AI has improved yield, resulting in cost reduction and increased production flexibility. Additionally, it ensures a stable and reliable process, achieving sub-micrometre precision adjustment.
Individual temperature cycling: Microphone cartridges are cycled after assembly to release any mechanical stress in the construction. Mechanical stability is essential for the overall stability of the final microphone.
Humidity testing: Each microphone cartridge undergoes strict humidity tests to ensure that it can withstand varying levels of moisture without compromising performance.
Temperature testing: High-temperature testing of each individual microphone is essential to verify stability after being exposed to harsh environments.
Electrical insulation testing: Testing the electrical insulation of all microphones ensures they remain stable even in varying temperatures or humid environments.
By implementing these meticulous manufacturing processes and extensive individual testing, HBK delivers microphones with industry-leading accuracy, ensuring unmatched stability, reliability and consistent performance. Each microphone is carefully handmade in Denmark, where our production facility operates in the same building as our R&D department. This close integration allows for swift action in response to any production challenges, ensuring the highest quality standards are maintained. Through these rigorous strategies and best practices, HBK continues to set the standard in audio technology, redefining sound quality and elevating performance expectations.
Article 1
What to expect when using lower quality measurement microphones
Article 2
What are the implications of using lower-quality measurement microphones
Article 3
Setting the bar for microphone excellence
Article 4
Measurement Microphones Explained
Article 5
High-frequency HATS, why?
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
