U891RC

Cardioid Condenser Boundary Microphone with Local or Remote Switching

unipoint® microphones

Features

Electronic switch can be set to any of three operating modes: “touch-on/touch-off,” “touch-to-talk” and “touch-to-mute”

External contact closure capability permits control of remote devices from microphone switch

External LED control allows for accurate depiction of the live status of the microphone

PivotPoint® rotating output connector allows cable to exit from either the rear or the bottom of the microphone

UniGuard® RFI-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

Available interchangeable elements permit angle of acceptance from 100° to 360°

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

Description

The U891RC is a wide-range condenser microphone with a cardioid polar pattern. It is designed for surface-mount applications such as high- quality sound reinforcement, conferencing, distance learning and other demanding sound pickup applications.

The microphone features an ultra-quiet electronic touch switch, programmable external contact closure and LED indicator. The electronic touch switch can be set to any of three operating modes: "touch-on/touch- off," "touch-to-talk" and "touch-to-mute." The microphone's external contact closure capability permits control of remote devices. The contact closure can also be configured to operate independently of the microphone element for applications that require a constant signal from the microphone element. A switch on the bottom of the microphone allows selection of local or remote operation. (In remote operation, the LED and electronic touch switch operate independently of the microphone.)

A third position on this switch enables the LED to be controlled from an external source.

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

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 (cardioid in hemisphere above mounting surface). Additional interchangeable elements with omnidirectional (360°) and hypercardioid (100°) pickup patterns are available.

The microphone includes a 7.6 m (25’) output cable terminating in a special TA5F-type connector at the microphone end. The equipment end is stripped and tinned for connection to an electronic device. The microphone is equipped with Audio-Technica’s unique PivotPoint® rotating output connector.

A switch permits 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’s heavy die-cast case and non-slip silicon foam bottom pads minimize coupling of surface vibration to the microphone. The microphone includes a soft protective pouch and features a low- reflectance black finish.

Installation and Operation

The U891RC requires 11V to 52V phantom power for operation.

The electronics in the microphone take up to 30 seconds to stabilize after power is applied; during this start-up period, some sonic disturbances may be heard upon switching if the system is “live.”

The microphone should be placed on a flat,

 

 

 

 

 

 

unobstructed mounting surface, with the front

 

 

 

 

 

 

of the microphone facing the sound source.

60°

 

 

 

 

 

The sound source should not be below,

IDEAL

ANGLE

 

WORKING

or higher than 60° above, the plane of the

 

 

 

 

 

 

mounting surface.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The microphone features a touch-sensitive on/off switch, indicator LED and external contact closure ability for controlling remote devices. The microphone offers three choices of switching modes. The SW. FUNCTION switch located on the bottom of the microphone selects the desired mode. TOUCH ON/OFF: Touch the on/off switch once to turn the microphone on; touch again to turn off. MOM. ON (momentary on): Microphone is on only while the switch is being touched (“press to talk”). MOM. OFF (momentary off): Microphone is off only while the switch is being touched (“press to mute”). The indicator LED and external contact closure follow the operation of the touch switch when in the local mode. For applications that require the microphone to remain active or always “on”, regardless of the touch switch setting, a “Local/Remote/ LED Remote” control function is provided.

When the CONTROL switch (located on the bottom of the microphone) is in the “Local” position, the touch switch controls the microphone's audio output, LED status and contact closure internally.

When the CONTROL switch is in the “Remote” position, the microphone's audio output remains active or “on” all the time. The touch switch controls only the LED and contact closure.

When the CONTROL switch is in the “LED remote” position, it allows remote control of the LED, for accurate depiction of the microphone's live status. The LED will remain “on” when driven logic high or open, and “off” when driven logic low or connected to ground. The microphone's audio output remains active or “on” all the time, and the contact closure follows the configuration of the touch switch.

*Refer to the table for switch/LED/closure states.

Output is low impedance balanced. The signal appears across the red and yellow wires; audio ground is the shield connection. Output is phased so that positive acoustic pressure produces positive voltage on the yellow wire. The small-diameter black and blue wires are the contact closure. The white wire is the external LED control.

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.

The microphone’s PivotPoint® rotating output connector allows the cable to exit from either the rear or the bottom of the microphone without the need for tools or disassembly.

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.

Page 1
Image 1
Audio-Technica U891RC manual Features, Description, Installation and Operation

U891RC specifications

The Audio-Technica U891RC is a sophisticated boundary microphone designed for professional audio applications, including conference rooms, theater productions, and broadcast environments. This microphone is tailored to capture clear sound with high fidelity while integrating seamlessly into various sound systems.

One of the standout features of the U891RC is its low-profile design, which makes it unobtrusive and suitable for surface-mounted setups. This characteristic is particularly beneficial in settings where aesthetic considerations are important, as the microphone can blend discreetly into the surroundings. It is available in both black and white finishes, allowing users to select an option that best suits their environment.

The U891RC employs a cardioid polar pattern, which effectively captures sound from the front while rejecting noise from the sides and rear. This directional sensitivity enhances clarity in noisy environments, making it an excellent choice for conferences or public speaking events. Additionally, the microphone's extended frequency response, ranging from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ensures that it accurately reproduces a wide range of audio frequencies, from deep lows to bright highs.

This model is equipped with advanced technologies that enhance its performance. One such technology is the built-in EQ switch, allowing users to tailor the microphone’s response to better suit different acoustical environments. Moreover, the microphone features a low self-noise level, which helps maintain audio clarity without introducing unwanted noise. The U891RC also supports Phantom power, providing users with flexibility in power management during installations.

Another key aspect of the U891RC is its durability and reliability. Built with high-quality materials and components, this microphone is designed to withstand the demands of professional use. Furthermore, its built-in RFI immunity ensures that it remains unaffected by electromagnetic interference, which is crucial in environments with numerous electronic devices.

In conclusion, the Audio-Technica U891RC offers a blend of innovative features, durability, and aesthetic versatility, making it a top choice for professionals seeking high-quality audio capture solutions. Whether for live performances or recording sessions, this microphone stands out as a reliable tool in the professional audio toolkit.