TECH TIP #7
Page 1
Christmas Tree vs. Audio Enhancement’s IR Microphone
Which is more dangerous, a Christmas tree or Audio Enhancement’s IR microphone?
Let me rephrase the above question; is a red light shining on a human being dangerous?
Answer: Absolutely not.
Some people have expressed concerns when they are asked to wear an IR device around their neck.
Let’s explore the prefix “infra”. Infra means below or under. Infra-Red means below or under red. In this case it
means just below red light. The very same red light that is visible to the human eye.
The red LEDs on the Christmas tree emit mostly red visible light but they also emit some IR. The Audio Enhancement
microphone emits mostly high-end IR but also some red light. Since red light and high-end IR are located side by
side on the electromagnetic spectrum they are subject to the same laws of physics and have the same effect on
the human body. So whether you stand in front of a Christmas tree or an Audio Enhancement microphone the
effect is the same.
The IR emitted from the Audio Enhancement microphone is just below the visible red light on the electromagnetic
spectrum. Both visible light and IR are electromagnetic waves. If you look closely at the Audio Enhancement
microphone while it is turned on, you will see four glowing red dots behind the front panel. These are the IR
emitters (LEDs) and because the IR is “just below” visible red light you can see that they are also emitting some
red light. Thereby, you can see that the IR wavelength (850 nanometers) emitted by the Audio Enhancement
microphone is just below red visible light. The bottom line: it’s just red light.
AudioEnhancement.com • 800.383.9362
TECH TIP #7
Page 2
Christmas Tree vs. Audio Enhancement’s IR Microphone
Some IR Fun Facts:
Look at the electromagnetic spectrum below. Locate the people icon. Note that it is located in the middle of
the IR spectrum. Human beings emit IR radiation. That’s right, you are a full-time, walking, talking IR emitter.
How dangerous are you?
Below on the left is a FLIR (Forward Looking Infra Red) detector/camera on the underside of an aircraft typically
used in Search and Rescue operations at night. On the right is a FLIR image of a lost hiker and his dog.
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AudioEnhancement.com • 800.383.9362