​Neumann has repeatedly set new standards in the field of analog microphone technology. The first condenser microphone, switchable directional characteristics, the first stereo microphone and 48 V phantom power were all developed by Neumann, introducing new dimensions to the field of microphone and recording technology. With the digital Solution-D microphone system, Neumann has now succeeded in bringing the dynamic range and signal fidelity of the best analog studio microphones into the digital realm. 

This means that, for the first time, the whole audio production signal chain is entirely digital. Optimal A/D conversion, especially developed synchronization technology and the capability of controlling standard microphone parameters and various integrated signal processing functions remotely ensure that Solution-D meets the most demanding professional audio production requirements. The basic technological principle is to permit recording with no “bottlenecks” associated with loss of signal quality. The comprehensive features provided by Solution-D make it possible to achieve excellent quality with small digital productions – with only a single microphone and a recording device. 

The Solution-D digital microphone system is comprised of the following components: A digital microphone (available at the moment are the D-01 and TLM 103 D large-diaphragm microphones and the KM D small-diaphragm microphone), the DMI-2 digital microphone interface and the RCS remote control software, which operates and remotely controls the microphone. A PC or Mac can serve as the control computer, which of course can simultaneously be used to operate the actual recording system, for instance. 

The signal and data transmission of the microphone conform to the new AES 42 standard. The introduction of this standard governing the transmission of output signals, the supply of power and the remote control of microphones with digital outputs provided the necessary preconditions for the development of digital microphone technology. Neumann made a decisive contribution to the drafting of the AES 42 standard. 

Instead of being used with the DMI-2, the KM D small-diaphragm microphones and the TLM 103 D large-diaphragm microphone can alternatively be connected to the AES/EBU or S/PDIF interface of a recording system by means of a Connection Kit. However, if a Connection Kit is used, it is not possible to control the microphone functions remotely. Thus a control computer is not required. In this case, if it is necessary to synchronize several microphones, a sample rate converter must be used.