PRO42, Description | Audio-Technica Pro42 instruction

PRO42

MINIATURE UNIDIRECTIONAL CONDENSER BOUNDARY MICROPHONE

Description

The PRO 42 is a wide-range miniature con- denser microphone with a hemi-cardioid (half-space cardioid) polar pattern. It was designed for surface-mounted applications in high-quality sound reinforcement and other demanding sound pickup situations. Its small size makes the PRO42 ideal for use in appli- cations where minimum visibility is required.

The PRO 42 features a 25' (7.6 m) perma- nently-attached miniature cable with an XLRM-type connector, which allows it to be plugged directly into an XLRF-type jack or cable connector. The unit’s integral electronics can be powered from any external 9V to 52V DC phantom power source.

Audio-Technica design engineers have utilized the newest low-mass technology in the quest for superior performance. The charge is now on the fixed back plate, rather than the moving element. With the A-T fixed-charge “back plate” construction, a gold-vaporized diaphragm just 2 microns thick (about 0.000079") can be used. This reduces moving mass substantially, improving frequency response and transient response while reducing distortion.

Positioning a properly designed miniature unidirectional microphone centrally on a large, flat, unobstructed surface yields several dis- tinct advantages. Directionality is increased by 3 dB, promoting enhanced gain before feedback and further suppression of ambient noise. Sensitivity is increased for improved signal-to-noise ratio. Phase distortion due to reflected sound energy from the boundary itself is eliminated.

The microphone element is enclosed in a rugged case and protected by heavy perforated steel. The rubber non-slip bottom

pad minimizes mechanical coupling of surface vibrations to the microphone. The low-profile housing has a low-reflectance black finish.

Operation and Maintenance

The symmetry and area of the mounting sur- face directly affect the sensitivity of the boundary microphone at low frequencies. Ideally, the mounting surface should be circu- lar; however, square or rectangular surfaces are most often used. If the mounting surface is rectangular, the smaller dimension tends to determine low-frequency cutoff. The micro- phone should be centered on the surface and positioned with the front of the microphone facing the sound source along the longer dimension of the mounting surface. The sound source should not be below, or higher than 60° above, the plane of the mounting surface.

Output is low impedance balanced. The output connector mates with XLRF-type connectors. The balanced signal appears across Pins 2 and 3, while the ground (shield) connection is Pin 1. Output is phased so that positive acoustic pressure produces positive voltage at Pin 2 in accordance with industry convention.

DC phantom power (9-52 volts) must be applied equally to Pins 2 and 3, with the ground for the power supply connected to Pin 1. This can be provided by a console or mixer with built-in phantom voltage or with the addition of an in-line phantom power supply, such as the recommended Audio-Technica CP8506 and AT8801 power supplies.

The high sensitivity of the PRO 42 ensures useful output and an excellent match to most mixer, tape recorder and amplifier inputs. It will provide undistorted output even in sound

fields as loud as 134 dB SPL. However, due to the high sensitivity, in some instances it may be possible to overload sensitive input stages. If distortion occurs, first check for input overload. In such cases, an attenuator such as the Audio-Technica AT8202 may be required between the mic and the electronics input. (Also, many mixers provide “input pad” switches to reduce mic-input signal levels.)

While a modern condenser microphone is not unduly sensitive to the environment, tempera- ture extremes can be harmful. Exposure to high temperatures can result in gradual and permanent reduction of the output level. Avoid leaving the microphone in the open sun or in areas where temperatures exceed 110° F (43° C) for long periods of time. Extremely high humidity should also be avoided.

		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

Pro42 specifications

The Audio-Technica Pro42 is a robust and versatile microphone designed to meet the demands of both professional and amateur audio applications. Renowned for its exceptional performance, the Pro42 is particularly well-suited for capturing high-quality sound in various environments, making it a popular choice among music producers, sound engineers, and content creators.

One of the standout features of the Pro42 is its condenser capsule, which allows it to capture a wide frequency response ranging from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. This broad range ensures that even the subtlest nuances of sound are recorded, making it ideal for studio recordings, live performances, and video productions. The microphone is engineered with a cardioid polar pattern, effectively focusing on the sound source in front of it while minimizing background noise from the sides and rear. This characteristic enhances its ability to deliver clear and vibrant audio, particularly in noisy environments.

The Pro42 also boasts a low self-noise level, ensuring that recordings maintain clarity and detail without unwanted hiss or distortion. This feature is especially beneficial when capturing quiet sound sources, such as vocals or acoustic instruments, as it allows for a more dynamic range and a closer representation of the original sound. Additionally, the microphone supports high SPL (Sound Pressure Level) handling, making it capable of capturing loud sounds without distortion, which is essential for live audio applications and amplified instruments.

Another key aspect of the Pro42 is its durable construction. Built with a rugged metal housing, it is designed to withstand the rigors of frequent use in both studio and field settings. This durability does not compromise the microphone’s performance, as it continues to deliver consistent audio quality under various conditions.

The Pro42 also features a switchable high-pass filter, allowing users to eliminate low-frequency noise such as handling noise or air conditioning hum, further enhancing the clarity of recordings. Its versatility extends to compatibility with various audio interfaces and mixers, making it an ideal choice for a range of setups.

In conclusion, the Audio-Technica Pro42 microphone stands out for its exceptional sound quality, durability, and versatility. With its wide frequency response, low self-noise, robust construction, and the ability to handle high SPL, it is an excellent choice for anyone looking to achieve professional sound in a variety of audio applications.

Audio-Technica Pro42 manual PRO42, Miniature Unidirectional Condenser Boundary Microphone

Models: Pro42