Description
The AT3527 is a wide-range fixed-charge
condenser microphone with an omnidirec-
tional polar pattern. Featuring excellent
performance specifications, this versatile
microphone is designed to meet the needs
of professional musicians in a wide range of
applications, from project studio recording to
high-quality sound reinforcement. It is also
suitable for use in broadcasting and other
situations which demand exceptional audio
reproduction coupled with enduring reliability.
Audio -Technica design engineers have
utilized the newest low-mass technology in
the quest for superior performance. The back
plate of the AT3527 element holds a fixed
charge and has been aged to provide energy
stabilization. The surface of the back plate
has been precision-milled to ensure maximum
charge linearity. The result is a reduction in
both frequency response peaks and
diaphragm break-up distortion.
The Audio-Technica fixed-charge condenser
element design allows significant diaphragm
weight reduction. The low-mass diaphragm
improves transient response, increases
response bandwidth and reduces handling
and mechanical noise transfer.
The AT3527 is intended for use in professional
applications where remote power is available.
It requires 48V phantom power, which may be
provided by a mixer or console, or by a sepa-
rate, in-line source such as the Audio-Technica
AT8801 single-channel and CP8506 four-
channel phantom power supplies.
The omnidirectional (non-directional) polar
pattern of the AT3527 assures nearly equal
sound pickup from every direction across a
wide band of frequencies. This characteristic
is particularly useful when the microphone is
being used close to the sound source, or at
greater distances when acoustic conditions
are favorable.
A pressure transducer such as is used in the
AT3527 is inherently capable of flatter low-
frequency response than the multi-opening
transducers required in directional micro-
phones. Many knowledgeable engineers
prefer an omnidirectional microphone under
favorable acoustic conditions.
The AT3527 handles very high sound pres-
sure levels with ease, accepting as high as
148 dB SPL before producing 1% T.H.D. A
switchable 10 dB (nominal) pad is built-in,
increasing its capabilities to 158 dB SPL.
An integral 80 Hz hi-pass filter provides easy
switching from a flat frequency response to a
low-end roll-off. The hi-pass position reduces
the microphone’s sensitivity to popping in
close vocal use. It also reduces the pickup of
low-frequency ambient noise (such as traffic,
air-handling systems, etc.), room reverbera-
tion and mechanically-coupled vibrations.
The AT3527 is enclosed in a rugged housing
with a low-reflectance finish. Output is via a
3-pin professional connector. The included
AT8405 snap-in stand adapter permits
mounting on any microphone stand with
5
/
8
"-27
threads.
Operation and Maintenance
Output is low impedance balanced. The
output connector mates with XLRF-type
cable 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.
For balanced low-impedance inputs, AT8314
cable (or equal) is recommended. An accom-
panying drawing shows the wiring used at
the equipment end of this cable. Note that
other manufacturers may employ other color
codes for cable conductors. Regardless of
color code, it is important that both ends of
each cable are wired consistently, with the
shield always connected to Pin 1, Pin 2 con-
nected to Pin 2, and Pin 3 to Pin 3. This will
ensure that all microphones are electrically in
phase and reduce problems of uneven
response and sound cancellation when two
microphones are used close to each other.
While a modern condenser microphone is
not unduly sensitive to the environment,
temperature extremes can be harmful.
Exposure to high temperatures can result in
gradual and permanent reduction of the out-
put 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.
AT3527
OMNIDIRECTIONAL
CONDENSER
MICROPHONE
Frequency Response
12" or more on axis
200
LEGEND
50
100
Frequency in Hertz
500
1k
2k
5k
Response in dB
20k
10k
10 dB
LEGEND
Roll-off
