iAudioInterface2 has an XLR phantom-powered microphone input, which will work with any microphone which is powered by 48V phantom power. It does not ship with a microphone. The phantom power meets all standards for voltage and current, and so will power even demanding microphones, such as some Earthworks models.

The phantom power may also be disabled, so even non-phantom power dynamic mics may be used.

There are also 9 available hardware gain ranges, supplying up to 50 dB of gain.

So, if you already own a measurement microphone, in most cases you will be able to use it with iAudioInterface. If you don’t have a microphone, you do have a lot of options. One mic that won’t work, however, is the original iAudioInterface mic, which uses bias power only and is unbalanced. Also, the TerraSonde Plus / Sencore SP 295 AudioToolbox mic will not work, for similar reasons. The Sencore SP395 / TerraSonde ATB-3, and Sencore 495 / TerraSonde ATB-3C mics will work fine. Also, many of the B&K measurement mics require special power supplies.

AudioControl, our master US distributor, sells several excellent microphones, so you can order a mic with your iAI2. Check with your distributor in other countries to see what they offer. These include:

CM-20 — An excellent everyday measurement microphone, very affordable, and it will give very good performance for general-purpose usage.

CM-125 — The most popular choice, this is the everyday measurement mic with a 1/3 octave calibration correction file that works with AudioTools, and other accessories in a nice carrying bag.

C-550 H — A precision omni measurement mic by Josephson Engineering. These are well respected and an excellent value in the mid-price range.

CM-145  — Available from AudioControl, this is a phantom powered microphone that is built to ANSI 651 Type 1 specifications. Since all of the modules in AudioTools have been built to Type 1 or better standards, adding this option will upgrade your system to equal or exceed platforms costing far more.

For information about getting your AudioTools-based system Type 1 certified, see our Type 1 & 2 Certification page.