Audio-Technica manual U853PM & U853PMW, Cardioid Condenser Hanging Microphones, Features

U853PM & U853PMW

Cardioid Condenser Hanging Microphones

Features

•Wall/ceiling plate power module permits permanent installation in standard, single-gang electrical box

•Uniform cardioid polar pattern with 120º acceptance angle

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

•Superior off-axis rejection for maximum gain before feedback

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

•UniSteep® filter provides a steep low-frequency attenuation to minimize pickup of undesired ambient noise

•Available interchangeable elements permit angle of acceptance from 90º to 360º

•Steel hanger positions microphone over choirs, instrumental groups and theater stages

•Available in two colors: black (U853PM) and white (U853PMW)

Description

The U853PM is a wide-range miniature condenser microphone with a cardioid polar pattern. It is designed for quality sound reinforcement, professional recording, television and other demanding sound pickup applications. The combination of small size and excellent response makes the microphone ideal for suspension over choirs, instrumental groups or theater stages.

The microphone requires 11V to 52V phantom power for operation.

unipoint® microphones

Installation and Operation

The U853PM requires 11V to 52V phantom power for operation.

A uniform 120° angle of acceptance provides well-balanced audio pickup. The microphone should be located forward of the front-most source, above the rear-most source, and “aimed” between them (Fig.1). Increasing the height of the mic above the sources will tend to equalize sound levels between them, but may also increase background/reverberant sound pickup. When possible, the distance from the mic to the rear-most source should be no more than twice the distance to the front source, to maintain front-to-rear balance (Fig. 1).

Width of pickup is approximately three times the distance to the closest performer. If additional mics are needed for wide sources, they should be positioned apart laterally at least three times the distance to the front source, to avoid phase cancellation (Fig. 2). To orient the microphone in the proper direction, twist the housing slightly in its wire holder. (Clockwise rotation moves the microphone to the right; counterclockwise rotation moves it to the left.)

The provided two-stage foam windscreen simply slips over the head of the microphone, effectively reducing noise from wind or ventilation air currents.

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. To engage the UniSteep® filter, slide the switch toward the “bent” line. A 10 dB gain switch is provided for situations that demand extra sensitive pickup. The +10 position increases the microphone's overall output by 10 dB. To engage the 10 dB gain, slide the switch toward the +10 position.

The AT8534 wall/ceiling plate power module is designed to be mounted in a standard metal U.S. single-gang electrical box. For safety and best performance, use the electrical box only for the AT8534; do not include any AC power conductors. (Also route the mic cable as far away from AC power cables as possible.)

Screw-terminal output connections of the AT8534 are the same as those of an XLR-type plug: shield to Terminal 1, balanced signal and phantom power to Terminals 2 and 3. Output is phased so that positive acoustic pressure produces positive voltage at Terminal 2, in accordance with industry convention. Do not connect the output cable shield to the box. Double- check to make certain that all input and output leads have no bare wires or loose strands that could touch each other, the circuit board or the electrical box. Then attach the power module plate to the electrical box.

The microphone is equipped with UniGuard® RFI-shielding technology, which offers outstanding rejection of radio frequency interference (RFI).

The microphone's cardioid polar pattern provides a 120° angle of acceptance. Additional interchangeable elements with omnidirectional (360°), hypercardioid (100°) and UniLine® (90°) pickup patterns are available.

The microphone includes a 7.6 m (25') permanently attached miniature cable. Its free end connects to the provided AT8534 wall/ceiling plate power module via a special TA3F-type connector designed to optimize RFI immunity. The power module features a white-finished standard electrical cover plate for easy, secure installation. Output connections on the power module are screw terminals.

Switches in the power module permit a +10 dB gain setting for extra sensitive pickup as well as a choice of flat response or low-frequency roll-off (via integral 80 Hz high-pass UniSteep® filter) to help control undesired ambient noise.

The microphone comes equipped with a wall/ceiling plate power module, a vinyl-coated steel hanger for positioning over a choir/orchestra/stage, a two-stage foam windscreen, and a 5/8"-27 stand adapter. The microphone is enclosed in a rugged housing with a low-reflectance black finish. It is also available with white housing, cable, hanger and windscreen as the U853PMW.

LESS THAN 2	TIMES “X”
D
IS
T
A
N
CE
“
X
”
120°
ANGLE OF
ACCEPTANCE

Figure 1

RED/ RED	v+	3	AUDIO -
YEL / YEL	SIG	2	AUDIO +
SHIELD	GND	1	SHIELD
INPUT			OUTPUT
		Terminal screws

120°	120°
MIC A	MIC B
	3 TIMES
	DISTANCE “X”

Figure 2

1"

Yellow-Yellow

1/2"Red-Red

1/8" strip reds

and yellows

Shield strands, fully twisted

Figure 3 Figure 4