This part of IEC 60268 specifies methods of measurement for the electrical impedance, sensitivity, directional response pattern, dynamic range and external influences of sound system microphones, and also details the characteristics to be specified by the manufacturer.

It applies to sound system microphones for all applications for speech and music. It does not apply to measurement microphones, but it does apply to each audio channel of microphones having more than one channel, for example for stereo or similar use. It is also applicable to flush-mounted microphones and to the analogue characteristics of microphones with digital audio output.

For the purposes of this International Standard, a microphone includes all such devices as transformers, pre-amplifiers, or other elements that form an integral part of the microphone, up to the output terminals specified by the manufacturer.

The major characteristics of a microphone are considered in Clauses 6 to 21. Additional characteristics are considered in Annex A and Annex C.

NOTE The characteristics specified in this document do not describe the subjective response of the microphone. Further work is necessary to find new definitions and measurement procedures for a later introduction of objective characteristics for at least some of the subjective descriptions used to describe microphone performance.