Spec Audit Methodology: How We Verify Every Number

Assigned only when a specification is verified directly from an original patent filing (e.g., US 174,465, US 1,333,744, US 3,118,022), a peer-reviewed laboratory journal (Bell System Technical Journal, Elsevier), an official government standard (USDA ARS GRIN, EGAT Label No. 5), or the manufacturer's own official product page and downloadable PDF manual.

Rule: If two [P] documents from the same manufacturer conflict (such as Alctron's UM900 PDF manual vs. web table), both numbers are published and flagged as a [P] contradiction.

Assigned when a manufacturer omits a specification from its official page (for example, Maono stating only “Unidirectional” while omitting “Cardioid” and “shock mount” on the DM40 Pro page), and the detail is corroborated by independent hardware reviews (Notebookcheck, CGM, Notebookspec TH, Sound On Sound) or established retail databases.

Rule: [S] claims must always be explicitly attributed on screen and in text (“according to independent reviews”).

Assigned when a specification cannot be confirmed from any primary or credible secondary source—such as unstated diaphragm materials on budget electret capsules, or white-label OEM microphone bundles whose official domains fail to resolve and whose marketplace listings return HTTP 404.

Rule: Any product whose core identity and specifications remain [?] is disqualified from affiliate recommendation.