INRiM Microphones Laboratory (LabMIC) carries out research, development and service activities in the field of acoustic metrology, with particular reference to the realization, maintenance and dissemination of the national standard of sound pressure, based on the primary pressure reciprocity technique.
The laboratory operates as a metrological reference for the calibration and characterization of microphones and acoustic sensors, ensuring the traceability of measurements to national and international primary standards. LabMIC features 22 internationally recognized CMCs (Calibration and Measurement Capabilities) within the CIPM-MRA framework. These capabilities cover the measurement of the key acoustic quantities.
Its activities include the calibration of measurement microphones, acoustic calibrators and sound level meters, in support of accredited calibration laboratories, and industry. The laboratory is also involved in the organization and technical-scientific evaluation of interlaboratory comparisons (ILCs), ensuring the quality and reliability of measurement results.
LabMIC is equipped with dedicated infrastructures, including a reverberation chamber for diffuse-field characterization of microphones and sound level meters and for the determination of sound power emitted by acoustic sources, as well as a small anechoic chamber for free-field characterization of microphones and sound level meters. Activities are also carried out for the qualification of anechoic and hemi-anechoic test environments intended for precision acoustic measurements.
Within the framework of research activities, the laboratory develops advanced measurement methods and systems aimed at improving calibration procedures and uncertainties, and at the characterization of next-generation microphones, including MEMS sensors. These activities are carried out in collaboration with national and international partners and support technical standardization through participation in national and international committees and working groups in the field of acoustics.