Audio-Technica specifications U841A Omnidirectional Condenser Boundary Microphone

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U841A OMNIDIRECTIONAL CONDENSER BOUNDARY MICROPHONE

• Designed for surface-mount applications such as high- quality sound reinforcement, professional recording, television, conferencing and other demanding sound pickup situations

• UniGuardRFI-shielding technology offers outstanding rejection of radio frequency interference (RFI)

• UniSteep® filter provides a steep low-frequency attenuation to improve sound pickup without affecting voice quality

Small-diameter UniPoint capsule near boundary eliminates phase distortion and delivers clear, high-output performance

Heavy die-cast case and silicon foam bottom pad minimize coupling of surface vibration to the microphone

Low-profile design with low-reflectance black finish for minimum visibility

Operates on battery or phantom power

The U841A requires 11-52V DC phantom power or a 1.5V AA battery for operation. A battery need not be in place for phantom power operation.

Battery installation: Remove the cap from the top of the power module. Insert a fresh 1.5V AA battery (“+” end toward the cap release button), then reassemble the power module. Alkaline batteries are recommended for longest life. Remove the battery during long-term storage.

The microphone should be placed on a flat, unobstructed mounting surface. The sound source should not be below the plane of the mounting surface.

Output from the power module’s XLRM-type connector is low impedance (Lo-Z) balanced. The signal appears across Pins 2 and 3; Pin 1 is ground (shield). Output phase is “Pin 2 hot” – positive acoustic pressure produces positive voltage at Pin 2.

An integral 80 Hz high-pass UniSteep® filter provides easy switching from a flat frequency response to a low-end roll-off. The roll-off position reduces the pickup of low-frequency ambient noise (such as traffic, air-handling systems, etc.), room reverberation and mechanically coupled vibrations.

Avoid leaving the microphone in the open sun or in areas where temperatures exceed 110° F (43° C) for extended periods. Extremely high humidity should also be avoided.

NOTE: Audio-Technica has developed a special RFI-shielding mechanism, which is an integral part of the connectors in the UniPoint line. If you remove or replace the connector, you may adversely affect the unit's RFI immunity.

NOTE: Placing any object on a surface (such as a conference table) before its finish is fully cured may result in damage to the finish.

U841A SPECIFICATIONS

ELEMENT

Fixed-charge back plate

 

permanently polarized condenser

 

 

POLAR PATTERN

Omnidirectional in hemisphere

 

above mounting surface

 

 

FREQUENCY RESPONSE

30-20,000 Hz

 

 

LOW FREQUENCY ROLL-OFF

80 Hz, 18 dB/octave

 

 

OPEN CIRCUIT SENSITIVITY

–39 dB (11.2 mV) /

(Phantom / Battery)

–40 dB (10.0 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa*

 

 

IMPEDANCE (Phantom / Battery)

200 ohms / 270 ohms

 

 

MAXIMUM INPUT SOUND LEVEL

132 dB / 122 dB SPL,

(Phantom / Battery)

1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.

 

 

DYNAMIC RANGE (typical)

111 dB / 101 dB,

(Phantom / Battery)

1 kHz at Max SPL

 

 

SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO1

73 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa*

PHANTOM POWER

11-52V DC, 2 mA typical

REQUIREMENTS

 

 

 

BATTERY TYPE

1.5V AA/UM3

 

 

BATTERY CURRENT / LIFE

0.4 mA / 1200 hours typical

 

(alkaline)

 

 

SWITCH

Off, on-flat, on-roll-off

 

 

WEIGHT

 

MICROPHONE

2.8 oz (78 g)

POWER MODULE

4.9 oz (139 g)

 

 

DIMENSIONS

 

MICROPHONE

2.56" (65.0 mm) diameter,

POWER MODULE

0.59" (15.1 mm) height

3.31" (84.0 mm) H x

 

2.48" (63.0 mm) W x

 

0.87" (22.0 mm) D

 

 

OUTPUT CONNECTOR

Integral 3-pin XLRM-type

(power module)

 

 

 

CABLE

25' (7.6 m) long (permanently

 

attached to microphone), 0.13"

 

(3.2 mm) diameter, 2-conductor,

 

shielded cable with TA3F-type

 

connector

 

 

ACCESSORIES FURNISHED

AT8531 power module; battery;

 

soft protective pouch

In the interest of standards development, A.T.U.S. offers full details on its test methods to other industry professionals on request.

*1 Pascal = 10 dynes/cm 2 = 10 microbars = 94 dB SPL

1Typical, A-weighted, using Audio Precision System One. Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Polar Pattern

Frequency Response

Response in dB

Frequency in Hertz

LEGEND

 

12" or more on axis

 

SCALE IS 5 DECIBELS PER DIVISION

 

Roll-off

LEGEND

Audio-Technica U.S., Inc., 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, Ohio 44224

Audio-Technica Limited, Old Lane, Leeds LS11 8AG England

www.audio-technica.com

P51700 ©2005 Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. Printed in U.S.A.

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Contents U841A Omnidirectional Condenser Boundary Microphone

U841A specifications

The Audio-Technica U841A is a professional-grade condenser boundary microphone renowned for its exceptional audio quality and versatile applications. Designed for use in conference rooms, distance learning, and other settings requiring reliable sound capture, the U841A employs advanced technologies to deliver superior performance.

At the core of the U841A's design is its high-quality condenser capsule, which provides natural, clear sound reproduction across a wide frequency range. The microphone boasts a frequency response of 30 Hz to 20 kHz, ensuring that it captures everything from deep bass to high treble. This broad frequency range makes it an excellent choice for a variety of vocal and instrumental sources.

One of the standout features of the U841A is its low self-noise level, which allows for the recording of quiet sounds without introducing unwanted artifacts. This characteristic is particularly beneficial in environments where subtle nuances matter, such as in a theatrical performance or during a lecture. The microphone also offers a high maximum SPL (Sound Pressure Level), which means it can handle loud sound sources without distortion, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

The U841A includes a variety of useful switching options, including a low-frequency roll-off switch that helps reduce background noise and potential rumble from the environment, enhancing clarity. Additionally, it features a 200 Hz high-pass filter, helping to further minimize low-frequency disturbances.

Durability is another important aspect of the U841A. It is built with a metal chassis that withstands the rigors of frequent use, making it ideal for both portable and fixed installations. The microphone utilizes a cardioid polar pattern to effectively reject off-axis sound, ensuring that it primarily captures the audio directly in front of it, reducing interference from ambient noise.

The U841A also includes a mounting bracket for easy installation on various surfaces, providing flexibility in placement. Its compact design melds seamlessly with any décor, making it a discreet option for professional settings.

In summary, the Audio-Technica U841A is a boundary microphone that excels in both performance and versatility. With its high-quality audio reproduction, advanced noise-reduction features, and robust construction, it is a valuable tool for professionals seeking reliable sound capture in diverse environments. Whether used in conferences, broadcasts, or recordings, the U841A consistently delivers outstanding results.