CRYSOUND Measurement Microphone Alternatives for B&K, GRAS and PCB Models

Many acoustic laboratories, automotive NVH teams, consumer-electronics developers and third-party testing organizations already operate measurement systems built around HBK/Brüel & Kjær, GRAS or PCB Piezotronics products.

When existing systems need more channels, replacement sensors, shorter procurement cycles or a complete platform update, engineers often ask a practical question: Which CRYSOUND products should be evaluated against the models already in use?

The answer cannot be determined from capsule size or physical appearance alone. Two products may both be described as 1/2-inch measurement microphones while differing in sound-field response, polarization, sensitivity, frequency range, dynamic range, powering method or mechanical interface.

This guide groups commonly used HBK/B&K, GRAS and PCB products by type and application, and provides corresponding CRYSOUND models as a starting point for system expansion, replacement and migration.

Important: What Does "Alternative" Mean in This Guide?

In this article, an alternative means a product with the same or a similar sound-field type, physical size, intended application or applicable standard that can be shortlisted for a new project or system migration.

It does not mean that every listed model is a specification-for-specification duplicate or a drop-in replacement that can be installed without verification. Before approving a replacement, users should compare at least six areas:

1. Sound-field type: free-field, pressure-field or random-incidence;
2. Capsule size: 1 inch, 1/2 inch or 1/4 inch;
3. Polarization and powering: prepolarized, externally polarized 200 V, or constant-current powered;
4. Measurement range: sensitivity, frequency response, self-noise and maximum SPL;
5. System compatibility: preamplifier, thread, connector, cable and DAQ input;
6. Standards and calibration: applicable IEC requirements, calibration method and measurement uncertainty.

Measurement microphones should be selected by combining sound-field type, size, frequency range, dynamic range and polarization rather than by comparing brand model numbers alone.

1. Measurement Microphone Cartridge Cross-Reference

The following table is intended for users who plan to replace a microphone cartridge while retaining an existing preamplifier, or who are redesigning the complete measurement chain. Some competitor models are externally polarized, while their CRYSOUND application alternatives may be prepolarized. These should therefore be treated as comparable products for the same measurement task rather than automatic drop-in replacements.

Type	HBK / B&K Models	GRAS Models	PCB Models	Comparable CRYSOUND Models
1-inch free-field microphone	4145, externally polarized	-	-	CRY3101, CRY3103*, prepolarized
1-inch pressure-field microphone	4144, externally polarized	40EN, externally polarized	377A15	CRY3102, prepolarized
1/2-inch free-field, externally polarized	4190, 4191, 4193	40AC, 40AF	377C41	CRY3281, CRY3285
1/2-inch free-field, prepolarized	4189, 4966	40AE, 40AM	377A06, 377B02	CRY3201, CRY3203
1/2-inch random-incidence, prepolarized	4942	40AQ	377A21	CRY3206*
1/2-inch pressure-field, externally polarized	4192	40AG, 40AP	-	CRY3282, CRY3284
1/2-inch pressure-field, prepolarized	4953, 4956, 4971	40AD, 40AO	377B11	CRY3202, CRY3204, CRY3212*
1/4-inch free-field, externally polarized	4939	40BF	-	CRY3485
1/4-inch free-field, prepolarized	4945	40BE	377C01	CRY3401, CRY3403
1/4-inch pressure-field, externally polarized	4938	40BP	-	CRY3482
1/4-inch pressure-field, prepolarized	4944	40BD	377C10	CRY3402, CRY3406
1/4-inch high-pressure microphone	4941, externally polarized	40BH, externally polarized	377A12, externally polarized	CRY3484*, externally polarized; CRY3404 and CRY3408, prepolarized

How Should Multiple CRYSOUND Options Be Narrowed Down?

When several CRYSOUND models appear in the same row, the products normally have different priorities in sensitivity, frequency range, self-noise or maximum SPL.

• Higher sensitivity is normally preferred for low-level measurements in the standard audio range.
• Lower sensitivity normally provides more headroom for high-SPL measurement.
• Wider frequency response is useful for high-frequency noise, ultrasound and broadband NVH work.
• Lower self-noise is important when testing quiet appliances, fans, headphones and precision motors.

CRYSOUND offers 1-inch, 1/2-inch and 1/4-inch microphone cartridges for free-field, pressure-field and random-incidence applications, with multiple polarization, sensitivity and frequency-range configurations.

2. Measurement Microphone Set Cross-Reference

A microphone set normally combines the microphone cartridge, preamplifier and connecting cable. For users connecting the sensor directly to an existing data acquisition system, selecting a complete set is often simpler than replacing only the cartridge because it reduces the risk of mechanical, electrical and noise-performance mismatch.

IEPE, CCP and CCLD are commonly used manufacturer terms for constant-current-powered measurement chains. However, supply current, compliance voltage, connector type, TEDS support and input range must still be checked before connection.

Type	HBK / B&K Models	GRAS Models	PCB Models	Comparable CRYSOUND Models
1-inch free-field set, IEPE/CCP/CCLD	-	-	-	CRY3101-S01
1-inch pressure-field set, IEPE/CCP/CCLD	-	-	-	CRY3102-S01
1/2-inch free-field set, IEPE/CCP/CCLD	4188-A-021, 4188-C-001, 4188-L-001, 4189-A-021, 4189-W-003, 4189-H-041, 4966-A-041, 4966-H-041	46AE, 46AK, 46AM, 46AZ, 146AE, 246AE	378A06, 378B02	CRY3201-S01, CRY3203-S01, CRY3203-S02, CRY3213
1/2-inch free-field set, externally polarized 200 V	4190-B-001, 4190-C-001, 4190-L-001, 4191-B-001, 4191-L-001, 4193-B-004, 4193-C-004, 4193-L-004	46AC, 46AF	-	CRY3281-S01*, CRY3285-S01*
1/2-inch low-noise microphone set	4955, 4955-A, 200 V	47HC, CCP	378A04, IEPE	CRY3261-S02, IEPE
1/2-inch pressure-field set, IEPE/CCP/CCLD	4956-W-001, 4971-H-041	46AD, 46AO, 46AO-S2	378B11, 378C13	CRY3202-S01, CRY3202-S02, CRY3204-S01
1/2-inch pressure-field set, externally polarized 200 V	4192-B-001, 4192-C-001, 4192-L-001	46AG, 46AP	-	CRY3282-S01*
1/2-inch random-incidence set	4942-A-021, 4942-A-031, 4942-C-001, 4942-H-041; 4943-B-001 and 4943-C-001, 200 V	46AQ, CCP; 46AR, 200 V	378C20, 378A21	CRY3206-S01*, IEPE
1/4-inch free-field set, IEPE/CCP/CCLD	4954-A, 4954-A-011, 4954-A-023, 4954-B, 4954-W-004	46BE, 46BC	378C01, 378A08	CRY3401-S01, CRY3401-S02*, CRY3403-S01, CRY3403-S02
1/4-inch free-field set, externally polarized 200 V	4939-A-011, 4939-C-002, 4939-L-002	46BF-1, 46AN	-	CRY3485-S01*
1/4-inch pressure-field set, IEPE/CCP/CCLD	4944-A, 4944-B, 4944-W-007, 4989-A, 4989-A-001	46BD, 46BD-S1, 46BL-1, 46BL-1-FV	378C10, 378A14	CRY3402-S01, CRY3402-S02, CRY3402R-S02*, CRY3406-S01
1/4-inch pressure-field set, externally polarized 200 V	4938-A-011, 4938-D-011, 4938-L-002	46BP-1	-	CRY3482-S01
1/4-inch high-pressure microphone set	4941-A-011, 4941-C-002, 200 V	46BG and 46BF-FV, CCP; 46BH, 200 V	378A12	CRY3404-S01 and CRY3408-S01, IEPE; CRY3484-S01*, 200 V

3. Ear Simulator and Coupler Cross-Reference

Ear simulator and coupler selection should begin with the applicable standard and the type of device under test. Products within the IEC 60318 series may be intended for circumaural headphones, supra-aural headphones, insert earphones, hearing aids or extended high-frequency devices. Mechanical dimensions, acoustic impedance, cavity volume, built-in microphone and calibration data must also be reviewed.

Standard or Application	HBK / B&K Models	GRAS Models	PCB Models	Comparable CRYSOUND Models
IEC 60318-1 ear simulator for supra-aural or circumaural headphones	4153, 4185	43AA, 43AD, RA0039	AEC201-A	CRY3718
IEC 60318-4 occluded-ear simulator for insert earphones	4157	43AC, 43AC-S1, RA0045, RA0045-S1	AEC304	CRY3711
IEC 60318-4 extended high-frequency or Hi-Res ear simulator	-	43AC-S4, 43AC-S5, 43AC-S6, RA0401, RA0402, RA0403	-	CRY3713*, CRY716*
IEC 60318-4 low-noise ear simulator	-	43BB	-	CRY3721, CRY3722*
IEC 60318-3 / NBS 9-A 6 cc coupler	4152	43AF, RA0075	AEC100	CRY3717
IEC 60318-5 2 cc coupler for hearing aids or insert earphones	4946	43AB, RA0038	AEC202, AEC203	CRY3719
IEC 60318-8 0.4 cc high-frequency coupler	-	RA0252, 43BA-1, 43BA-2, 43BA-3	-	CRY886*

4. Mouth Simulator Cross-Reference

Mouth simulators reproduce the acoustic field around the human mouth and are widely used for testing telephones, communication terminals, microphones, headsets and voice-enabled devices. In addition to frequency range and output SPL, users should compare the measurement reference point, equalization method, distortion, amplifier requirements and fixture dimensions.

Type	HBK / B&K Models	GRAS Models	PCB Models	Comparable CRYSOUND Models
Standard mouth simulator	4227, 4227-A	44AA, 44AB	-	CRY3602, CRY3605
Extended high-frequency mouth simulator	-	-	-	CRY3603

CRY3602 and CRY3605 support conventional communication and microphone testing, while CRY3603 is designed for wider-band, high-frequency acoustic testing.

5. How Can You Determine Whether a Product Is a Drop-In Replacement?

Scenario 1: Replacing the Microphone Cartridge Only

When the existing preamplifier will be retained, confirm:

• Whether the microphones have the same sound-field response;

• Whether the microphone is prepolarized or externally polarized;
• The mechanical thread and electrical contact arrangement;
• Whether the sensitivity fits the current DAQ input range;
• Whether the dynamic range meets the application requirements.

Changing from an externally polarized microphone to a prepolarized microphone is normally not a cartridge-only replacement. The preamplifier or signal-conditioning configuration will usually need to change as well.

Scenario 2: Replacing the Complete Microphone Set

When a complete CRYSOUND microphone set is used, the primary checks are:

• Availability of the correct IEPE constant-current supply;
• BNC, SMB, Microdot, Lemo, or other connector format;
• IEPE current, compliance voltage and input headroom;
• TEDS requirements;
• Cable length and operating environment.

For new systems or large channel expansions, complete sets often make calibration, cabling and spare-parts management easier to standardize.

Scenario 3: Migrating a Multi-Channel System

For sound power, automotive NVH, wind-tunnel, acoustic-array or production-line systems, replacing every channel at once is not recommended. A more controlled process is to select four to eight channels for an A/B validation using the same sound source, microphone position, cables, sampling configuration and analysis software.

• 250Hz/ Sensitivity at 1 kHz;
• Frequency response;
• System noise floor;
• Phase consistency;
• Distortion and overload recovery at high SPL;
• Calibration repeatability.

Once the results meet the project acceptance criteria, the replacement can be expanded in stages.

6. Why Evaluate CRYSOUND During a Replacement Project?

Broad Product Coverage

The CRYSOUND sensor portfolio includes measurement microphone cartridges, complete microphone sets, preamplifiers, ear simulators, couplers and mouth simulators for environmental noise, automotive NVH, sound power, electroacoustic, low-noise and high-frequency testing.

Prepolarized and Externally Polarized Options

Users can select IEPE prepolarized sets for modern constant-current-powered measurement systems or 200 V externally polarized products for traditional laboratory measurement chains.

Complete Sets and Individual Cartridges

Users retaining an existing preamplifier can evaluate individual microphone cartridges, while new systems can use matched microphone and preamplifier sets.

Calibration and Long-Term Support

CRYSOUND measurement microphones are supplied with individual calibration information, supporting channel records, periodic calibration and long-term measurement programs. Refer to the latest official policies for current calibration and warranty coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install a listed CRYSOUND model and continue using the previous calibration value?

No. After changing a microphone cartridge, preamplifier or complete set, the new calibration sensitivity must be entered into the measurement system. Field calibration or laboratory calibration should then be performed according to the project requirements.

Does compliance with the same IEC standard mean that two products are identical?

No. A common standard establishes shared baseline requirements, but sensitivity, self-noise, frequency range, maximum SPL, environmental limits and mechanical interfaces may still differ.

Are IEPE, CCP and CCLD completely interchangeable?

These terms generally describe constant-current-powered sensor interface families. However, supply current, compliance voltage, connector type, input range and TEDS support may differ between systems. Both the microphone set and DAQ specifications should be reviewed.

Should I select an individual cartridge or a complete microphone set?

An individual cartridge may be suitable when the existing preamplifier will be retained. A complete set is normally preferable for a new system, a large channel expansion or a project where compatibility risk needs to be minimized.

What information is needed for a more precise recommendation?

Provide the existing brand and complete model number, sound-field application, required frequency and SPL ranges, preamplifier and DAQ models, connector and powering method, applicable standards and calibration requirements.

Conclusion

A model cross-reference can quickly create a shortlist when moving from HBK/B&K, GRAS or PCB products to CRYSOUND, but the final selection should be based on the complete measurement chain rather than capsule diameter or product appearance alone.

Define the application and standard → match the sound-field type and size → verify polarization and interface → compare critical performance → complete A/B validation and recalibration.

For assistance expanding an existing system, replacing microphones approaching the end of their service life, or evaluating CRYSOUND alternatives for current HBK/B&K, GRAS or PCB equipment, send us the existing model numbers and measurement requirements. The CRYSOUND team can support model selection, interface verification and practical validation. Contact us by submitting the following form.