ML1-FE

Name: ML1-FE
SKU: 7508
Availability: InStock

Panel Mount, Weather and Tamper Resistant, Omni-Directional Microphone

Categories: Exterior, Featured Product, Mic Level, Microphones, Microphones and Equipment for Public Transportation and Vehicles, Self-Service Kiosk Microphones and Equipment, Sound Surveillance™

Ultra Low Noise Mic – What’s the Benefit?

Cable Length

Connection Type

Ultra Low Noise Option

Clear

Description

ML1-FE Panel Mount Weather-Resistant Omni-Directional Microphone

Comparable to the Commend MIC 480 — Built for Greater Durability and Customization

The ETS ML1-FE is a high-performance, cost-effective omni-directional microphone engineered for professional surveillance and monitoring systems that accept microphone-level input signals. Designed as a comparable solution to the Commend MIC 480, the ML1-FE delivers the same functional form factor while offering enhanced durability, broader customization options, and a more accessible price point — making it an ideal choice for integrators seeking long-term reliability and flexibility.

Rugged Aluminum Construction

Unlike many microphones in its class that use plastic housings, including the MIC 480, the ML1-FE is constructed from anodized aluminum for superior resistance to impact, UV exposure, and long-term wear. This metal housing enhances both acoustic isolation and environmental toughness, making it suitable for demanding commercial and outdoor installations.

Weather- and Tamper-Resistant Design

The ML1-FE carries an IP54 rating, offering protection against dust and splashing water for consistent performance in outdoor and semi-exposed environments. Whether installed in entryways, garages, or perimeter enclosures, this microphone is engineered to perform reliably through wide temperature variations (-40 °C to +85 °C).

For comparison purposes only: the MIC 480 carries an IP53 rating and a standard operating temperature range up to +70 °C.

Flexible Power and Connectivity

The ML1-FE operates on 2–10 V DC, drawing power directly from most IP cameras without the need for separate supplies. Its standard configuration includes a 6-foot shielded cable with a 3.5 mm stereo plug, ensuring easy connection to a wide range of cameras that accept mic-level inputs. For systems requiring terminal-block or custom connections, flying-lead (-FL) and custom cable-length (-XX) versions are also available.

While the MIC 480 line offers four fixed configurations, the ML1-FE platform can be tailored from connector type to cable length — or even upgraded with the optional -LN high-performance capsule — giving installers unmatched flexibility.

Enhanced Customization and Support

ETS specializes in application-specific customization beyond listed configurations. From cable extensions to special mounting or integration requests, our engineering team provides personalized support and fast turnaround — ensuring your installation meets exact specifications.

This level of flexibility allows you to achieve the same (or higher) performance as competitive models such as the MIC 480, while maintaining a significantly lower total cost of ownership.

Summary

The ML1-FE offers a professional-grade solution for audio monitoring where reliability, adaptability, and cost efficiency matter most.

Comparable in performance and form factor to the Commend MIC 480
Upgraded construction with aluminum housing and IP54 protection
Broader customization options (connector, cable length, capsule)
More accessible pricing without compromising performance

Commend MIC 480 is a registered trademark of its respective owner. Reference is made for product comparison purposes only. ETS Inc. and its products are not affiliated with or endorsed by Commend AG.

Additional information

Product Type	Microphones
Product Line	ML1
Microphone Type	Mic-Level
Environment	Exterior
Weather Resistant	Yes
IP Rating	IP54
Housing	Covert
Material	Aluminum
Microphone Orientation	Fixed
Pick-Up Direction	Omni-Directional
Form Factor	Small Form Factor
Mount Type	Panel Mount
Mic Frequency Response	40Hz-17kHz
Microphone Sensitivity	-44dB

Application

Outdoor Kiosks: Install the ML1-FE in outdoor kiosks for clear and reliable audio capture, ensuring effective surveillance and communication in public spaces.
Vending Machines: Enhance security in vending machine areas with the ML1-FE, providing audio monitoring to detect and deter vandalism or theft attempts.
Automated Ticketing Booths: Improve security in automated ticketing booths by integrating the ML1-FE for audio surveillance, ensuring accurate recordings of transactions and interactions.
ATM Machines: Deploy the ML1-FE in ATM machines to monitor surroundings and capture audio evidence of suspicious activities or attempted tampering.
Outdoor Information Centers: Ensure safety and security in outdoor information centers by installing the ML1-FE for audio monitoring, enhancing surveillance capabilities.
Parking Payment Stations: Use the ML1-FE in parking payment stations to capture clear audio of transactions and interactions, facilitating efficient monitoring and management.
Outdoor Ticket Dispensers: Enhance security in outdoor ticket dispensers with the ML1-FE, providing reliable audio surveillance to monitor transactions and prevent vandalism.
Public Transportation Stops: Install the ML1-FE at public transportation stops to monitor waiting areas and capture audio of interactions, improving overall safety and security.
Outdoor Self-Service Kiosks: Incorporate the ML1-FE into outdoor self-service kiosks for audio surveillance, ensuring accurate recordings of user interactions and transactions.
Outdoor Payment Terminals: Improve security in outdoor payment terminals with the ML1-FE, allowing for clear audio capture to monitor transactions and prevent fraudulent activities.

Documents

Spec Sheet
Installation Instructions

When selecting a microphone for your application, it’s important to understand the performance differences between Default and Low Noise versions. Whether you’re using an omnidirectional mic for broad area coverage or a directional mic for focused pickup, choosing the right noise profile can greatly impact audio clarity.

🎤 Omnidirectional Microphones: Default vs. Low Noise

Omnidirectional mics capture sound equally from all directions, making them ideal for general-purpose use, surveillance, and open-area coverage.

Feature	Low Noise Omni Mic	Default Omni Mic
Sensitivity	-28 dB	-44 dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)	80 dB	60 dB
Ideal For	Clean, professional-grade audio	Basic installations

Key Differences

The Low Noise version is significantly more sensitive, meaning it picks up softer sounds without requiring high gain.
It also has a much higher SNR, producing clearer audio with less internal hiss or static.

✅ Choose the Low Noise Omni Mic if you’re using the mic in quiet spaces, need better clarity, or want stronger performance at lower gain settings.
❗ Choose the Default Omni Mic if you’re working in a noisy area or operating on a smaller budget where audio perfection is not critical, as the Ultra Low Noise option comes at a small upcharge per unit cost.

📡 Directional Microphones: Default vs. Low Noise

Directional (or uni-directional) mics focus on sound from one direction while minimizing ambient noise from the sides and rear. They’re great for kiosks, intercoms, and focused listening applications.

Feature	Low Noise Directional Mic	Default Directional Mic
Sensitivity	-35 dB	-54 dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)	70 dB	60 dB
Ideal For	Focused, high-clarity listening	Basic directional audio

Key Differences

The Low Noise Directional Mic is much more sensitive, capturing more detail with less gain.
It also produces less self-noise, which is important for environments where you need clear, focused audio.

✅ Choose the Low Noise Directional Mic if your application requires speech clarity, low background noise, or professional-grade sound.
❗ Choose the Default Directional Mic if you’re in a high-noise area or need a cost-effective directional solution.

🧠 Final Thought

Both microphone types perform reliably—but if audio clarity, lower background hiss, or gain efficiency are important in your setup, the Low Noise models offer a significant upgrade. They’re especially well-suited for surveillance systems, interview rooms, kiosk audio, and quiet environments where every detail counts.