ZYLIA ZM-1S 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.  

Main features of the microphone: ​

• High quality 360 audio recording - 3rd order Ambisonics
• ​19 microphone omnidirectional digital MEMS capsules distributed on a sphere
• Timecode input channels
• Multiple ZM-1S timecode synchronization
• ​LED ring status indicator informing about recording status
• 48 kHz / 24 bit recording
• USB connectivity making the process of recording easy
• Recording -  ZYLIA Studio PRO plugin, ZYLIA 6DoF VR/AR software or any DAW

Get ZYLIA ZM-1S

Timecode input

It allows for synchronization of multiple ZM-1S microphones as well as other devices connected to recording system such as video cameras.
Timecode input specification:

• Can be controlled by 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

Timecode support:       

• 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 stream 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.

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 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. ​

Summary of Features: 

• 69 dB(A) signal-to-noise ratio
• Below 1 percent distortions at 128 dBSPL (AOP - 130 dBSPL)
• Digital (PDM) interface with 6 μs group delay at 1 kHz
• Tight sensitivity (-36 ±1 dB) and phase (± 2 deg) tolerances
• 28 Hz low-frequency roll-off

Benefits:

• High fidelity and far-field audio recording
• Matched, noise and distortion-free audio signals for advanced audio signal processing
• Ultra-low group delay for latency-critical applications
• No analog components required

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.

Components

ZYLIA ZM-1S 

Mini jack input

ZYLIA ZM-1S stand

Adapter

USB cable

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.

Software support for ZYLIA ZM-1 microphone

For more control over recorded audio users can also upgrade to ZYLIA Studio PRO. ​

ZYLIA Studio PRO

There are also ZYLIA Ambisonics Converter standalone software and plugin provided for users interested in Ambisonics recordings. 

ZYLIA Ambisonics Converter

ZYLIA Ambisonics Converter Plugin

Technical parameters

General

Number of microphones

• 19 digital MEMS sensors

Timecode input channels

• 1 audio input (Jack 3.5 mm)

Timecode input  specification

• Can be controlled by 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

Timecode support

• SMPTE Timecode Rates: 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 29.97 DF and 30 FPS
• General audio

Multiple ZM-1S timecode synchronization

• Yes

Support for Multiple ZM-1S recording system (ZYLIA 6DoF VR/AR set)

• ​Yes

​
Dimensions (including stand)

• height - 155 mm (6.1’’)
• length - 103 mm (4’’)
• weight - 470 g (16.6 ounces)

Connection with computer

• USB 2.0 (type A) to microUSB 2.0 (type B)

Supply voltage

• 5 V DC (from USB)

Current and/or power

• max. 0.5 A  2.5 W
• 0,15 – 0,26 A (+/- 0,01 A)

Microphones specification

Frequency 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 conversion

​Sample rate
48 kHz

Bit resolution
24-bit

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