ZYLIA ZM-1S Ambisonics microphone array
ZYLIA ZM-1S - the 3rd order Ambisonics microphone array with 19 calibrated capsules (MEMS sensors), high-end 24-bit recording resolution and timecode input channel allowing for synchronization of multiple ZM-1S microphones.
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Main features of the microphone:
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Timecode input
It allows for the synchronization of multiple ZM-1S microphones as well as other devices connected to the recording systems such as video cameras.
Timecode input specification:
Timecode input specification:
- Can be controlled by an external timecode signal
- Audio line input
- Full-Scale voltage input (single-ended): 2.1 VRMS
- ADC sampling rate: 48 kHz
- ADC bit resolution: 24 bit
- SMPTE Timecode Rates: 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 29.97DF and 30 FPS
- General audio
Support for multiple ZM-1S recording system (ZYLIA 6DoF VR/AR set)
ZM-1S contains a dedicated chip that allows for the connection of multiple ZM-1S through the USB interface in a single computer. That is, signals from multiple ZM-1S microphones can be aggregated and streamed through a single USB interface. It is possible to connect around 20 ZM-1S to a single USB 2.0 interface. However, if a computer has more USB controllers then it is possible to aggregate more signals. In that case, the only limit for connecting ZM-1S is hard disk speed. For modern SSD disks, it should be possible to record more than 150 ZM-1S connected to a single computer.
Typically, each USB port on laptops has a dedicated USB controller.
Typically, each USB port on laptops has a dedicated USB controller.
ZM-1 and ZM-1S comparison
Feature |
ZM-1 |
ZM-1S |
3rd order Ambisonics microphone |
Yes |
Yes |
19 microphone omnidirectional digital MEMS capsules distributed on a sphere |
Yes |
Yes |
48 kHz / 24 bit recording |
Yes |
Yes |
USB connectivity making the process of recording easy |
Yes |
Yes |
Timecode synchronization input |
No |
Yes |
Support for multiple ZM-1S recording system (ZYLIA 6DoF VR/AR set) |
No |
Yes |
Microphone capsules
The 19-capsule ZYLIA ZM-1S microphone array has been equipped with XENSIV™ digital MEMS microphones from German-based Infineon Technologies. With a 69dB signal-to-noise ratio, the capsules deliver a 105dB dynamic range and high output linearity up to 130dB Sound Pressure Level. The application benefits are crystal clear audio signals, extended pick-up distance, and sensitivity to both soft and loud signals – from whispered speech to rock concerts. Matched and constant over-time parameters mean that the microphones do not require re-calibration.
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Summary of Features:
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Benefits:
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Benefits of using digital MEMS microphones as a key component of ZYLIA ZM-1S
High-quality Ambisonics audio representation due to digital MEMS microphones
The output of the ZYLIA ZM-1S Ambisonics microphone is not the output of any physical capsule, but the output of b-format. That is a combination of signals from all microphone arrays microphones and the quality of DSP behind it. It is crucial that all microphone capsules have exactly the same sensitivity parameters and do not change over time.
No need for ZYLIA ZM-1S microphone re-calibration
Digital MEMS microphones keep their parameters such as sensitivity over time. Therefore, usage of Infineon XENSIV™ MEMS meets the requirements of high-quality output Ambisonics signal.
Matched sensitivity parameters
All of the Zylia microphone arrays are calibrated in an anechoic chamber using a reference microphone and loudspeaker. Based on these measurements the sensitivity of 19 microphone capsules is corrected to match the same value +/-0.1 dB. Moreover, calibration data are stored on internal memory inside ZYLIA ZM-1S.
Ambisonics filters and B-Format
Based on anechoic measurements dedicated filters are created that are used to generate b-format (Ambisonics) files. There are around 1000 measurement points during this procedure. Those filters are included in ZYLIA Ambisonics converters plugins and applications.
Comparison to electret or condenser-based microphone arrays
Therefore, the great advantage to other microphone arrays based on electret or condenser microphones is that there is no need to calibrate ZM-1S, it is already calibrated. If just one of the microphone capsules changes its parameters over time (sensitivity) then the recordings will be distorted with additional noise. Therefore, Electret or condenser based microphone array has to be recalibrated every 2-3 months. Re-calibration is not needed with ZYLIA ZM-1S. All microphones are calibrated before shipping to our customers with a maximum sensitivity variance of 0.1 dB.
Digital MEMS vs analog circuits
Infineon digital MEMS used in ZYLIA ZM-1S does not contain analog components. Therefore, they do not introduce any additional noise. In the case of electret or condenser microphones, there is a need to use a preamplifier and analog to digital converter. Therefore, the total Signal to Noise (SNR) parameter is a sum of microphone, pre-amplifier, and ADC. All of these components can also variable SNR over time or can be influenced by temperature. Digital MEMS used in ZYLIA ZM-1S provide always the highest possible SNR.
High order spatial and Ambisonics audio for binaural recordings
ZYLIA ZM-1S is a 3rd Ambisonics microphone due to 19 capsules. Therefore, it is possible to downscale it to 2nd or 1st order. However, it the case of binaural recordings high order of Ambisonics is a must. The higher the better. Ambisonics order is responsible for the spatial resolution and the overall quality of produced binaural audio.
The output of the ZYLIA ZM-1S Ambisonics microphone is not the output of any physical capsule, but the output of b-format. That is a combination of signals from all microphone arrays microphones and the quality of DSP behind it. It is crucial that all microphone capsules have exactly the same sensitivity parameters and do not change over time.
No need for ZYLIA ZM-1S microphone re-calibration
Digital MEMS microphones keep their parameters such as sensitivity over time. Therefore, usage of Infineon XENSIV™ MEMS meets the requirements of high-quality output Ambisonics signal.
Matched sensitivity parameters
All of the Zylia microphone arrays are calibrated in an anechoic chamber using a reference microphone and loudspeaker. Based on these measurements the sensitivity of 19 microphone capsules is corrected to match the same value +/-0.1 dB. Moreover, calibration data are stored on internal memory inside ZYLIA ZM-1S.
Ambisonics filters and B-Format
Based on anechoic measurements dedicated filters are created that are used to generate b-format (Ambisonics) files. There are around 1000 measurement points during this procedure. Those filters are included in ZYLIA Ambisonics converters plugins and applications.
Comparison to electret or condenser-based microphone arrays
Therefore, the great advantage to other microphone arrays based on electret or condenser microphones is that there is no need to calibrate ZM-1S, it is already calibrated. If just one of the microphone capsules changes its parameters over time (sensitivity) then the recordings will be distorted with additional noise. Therefore, Electret or condenser based microphone array has to be recalibrated every 2-3 months. Re-calibration is not needed with ZYLIA ZM-1S. All microphones are calibrated before shipping to our customers with a maximum sensitivity variance of 0.1 dB.
Digital MEMS vs analog circuits
Infineon digital MEMS used in ZYLIA ZM-1S does not contain analog components. Therefore, they do not introduce any additional noise. In the case of electret or condenser microphones, there is a need to use a preamplifier and analog to digital converter. Therefore, the total Signal to Noise (SNR) parameter is a sum of microphone, pre-amplifier, and ADC. All of these components can also variable SNR over time or can be influenced by temperature. Digital MEMS used in ZYLIA ZM-1S provide always the highest possible SNR.
High order spatial and Ambisonics audio for binaural recordings
ZYLIA ZM-1S is a 3rd Ambisonics microphone due to 19 capsules. Therefore, it is possible to downscale it to 2nd or 1st order. However, it the case of binaural recordings high order of Ambisonics is a must. The higher the better. Ambisonics order is responsible for the spatial resolution and the overall quality of produced binaural audio.
Components
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ZYLIA ZM-1S
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Mini jack input
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ZYLIA ZM-1S stand
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Adapter
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USB cable
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Mounting options
ZYLIA ZM-1S is equipped with a tripod. The device itself has 1/4" inner thread (compatible with camera stands – picture on the left side). Set includes also 5/8" to 3/8" adapter (inserted into the tripod) which is compatible with standard microphone stands (picture on the right side). ZYLIA ZM-1S has a detachable stand. You can disassemble it using 3/16 inch hex key. To assemble it back, simply insert stand in the device (you will notice positioning incision), then insert the screw and use a hex key to screw it. |
Technical parameters
GeneralNumber of microphones
Timecode input channels
Timecode input specification
Timecode support
Multiple ZM-1S timecode synchronization
Support for Multiple ZM-1S recording system (ZYLIA 6DoF VR/AR set)
Dimensions (including stand)
Connection with computer
Supply voltage
Current and/or power
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Microphones specificationFrequency range
20 – 20 000 Hz Dynamic range 105 dB Signal to noise ratio (SNR) 69 dB(A) Total harmonic distortions (THD) <1% up to 128dB SPL Acoustic overload point 130 dB SPL Directivity omnidirectional Noise floor -105 dB FS(A) |
A/D conversionSample rate
48 kHz Bit resolution 24-bit |
