Boundary microphones

The boundary microphone is also known as a boundary layer microphone or a pressure zone microphone (PZM). This technical device is a microphone whose acoustic properties and performance characteristics are influenced and shaped not only by the components inside, but also by the shape and structure of its outer casing.

Possible applications for the boundary microphone

A boundary microphone is suited to a wide range of applications. It is particularly popular as a conference microphone for meetings and telephone conferences. It is usually placed in the centre of a room, for example, on a large conference table, so that everyone present can speak without having to pass the microphone around. Another place where the boundary microphone is used is on stage, especially when it comes to equipping large stages. Its functionality and high sound quality are particularly impressive.

Provides smooth frequency response

Acoustic technicians and sound engineers favour the boundary microphone because acoustic reflections from sound-reflecting surfaces are not detected by the boundary microphone. When using a boundary microphone, both the direct sound and the room sound are shown to have a very even and uniform frequency response overall. Also, the room noise and resonance of different spaces are recorded much less by a boundary microphone than is still the case with conventional microphones.

A boundary microphone also has a special way of differentiating room signals from direct signals and effectively attenuating them. In this way, the direct sound is favoured over the room sound. This can also have a very positive effect on the sound quality of the recording. Hardly any conventional pressure microphone is capable of producing as uniform a frequency response as the modern boundary microphone.

Boundary microphones for professional and private use

In summary, it can be said that the boundary microphone promises great functionality and high sound quality. Its use as a table or a desktop microphone should be emphasised. In addition to its use in professional environments for meetings and conferences, the boundary microphone can be used in the private sphere, e.g., as an additional technical feature for an existing telephone system. PC gamers who want to play in multi-player online mode also appreciate the numerous acoustic and technical advantages of a boundary microphone.