Audio-Technica specifications AT897 Line + Gradient Condenser Microphone

AT897 LINE + GRADIENT CONDENSER MICROPHONE

•Designed for video production and broadcast (ENG/EFP) audio acquisition

•Short length (11") ensures mic stays out of the shot – even when used with compact digital cameras

•Smooth, natural-sounding on-axis audio quality

•Provides the narrow acceptance angle desirable for long-distance sound pickup

•Excellent sound rejection from the sides and rear of mic

•Switchable low-frequency roll-off

•Operates on battery or phantom power

The AT897 requires 11V to 52V DC phantom power or a 1.5V AA battery for operation. A battery need not be in place for phantom power operation.

AT897 SPECIFICATIONS†

ELEMENT	Fixed-charge back plate
	permanently polarized
	condenser
POLAR PATTERN	Line + gradient
FREQUENCY RESPONSE	20-20,000 Hz
LOW FREQUENCY ROLL-OFF	80 Hz, 12 dB/octave
OPEN CIRCUIT SENSITIVITY	–40 dB (10.0 mV) /
(Phantom / Battery)	–41 dB (8.9 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa*
IMPEDANCE (Phantom / Battery)	200 ohms / 300 ohms
MAXIMUM INPUT SOUND LEVEL	129 dB / 115 dB SPL,
(Phantom / Battery)	1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.
SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO1	77 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa*
DYNAMIC RANGE (typical)	112 dB / 98 dB,
(Phantom / Battery)	1 kHz at Max SPL
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	Flat, roll-off (recessed)
WEIGHT (less accessories)	145 g (5.1 oz)
DIMENSIONS	279.0 mm (10.98") long,
	21.0 mm (0.83") diameter
OUTPUT CONNECTOR	Integral 3-pin XLRM-type
ACCESSORIES FURNISHED	AT8405a stand clamp for 5/8"-27
	threaded stands; AT8134
	windscreen; battery; 5/8"-27 to
	3/8"-16 threaded adapter;
	protective carrying case

†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.

Battery installation: Unscrew the lower section of the microphone body, just below the nameplate. Insert a fresh 1.5V AA battery in the handle compartment (“+” end up), then reassemble the microphone. Alkaline batteries are recommended for longest life. Remove the battery during long-term storage.

Output from the microphone’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” –

Polar Pattern

	0
330	30
300	60
270	90
240	120
210	150
	180

SCALE IS 5 DECIBELS PER DIVISION

LEGEND

Frequency Response

	in dB
10 dB	Response

50	100	200	500	1k	2k	5k	10k	20k
			Frequency in Hertz
LEGEND		12" or more on axis (flat)

positive acoustic pressure produces positive voltage at Pin 2.

To avoid phase cancellation and poor sound, all mic cables must be wired consistently: Pin 1-to-Pin 1, etc.

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

The microphone is RoHS compliant–free from all substances specified in the EU directive on hazardous substances.

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

200 Hz	Roll-off
1 kHz
5 kHz
8 kHz

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

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

www.audio-technica.com

P51973 ©2007 Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. Printed in Japan