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• Designed for broadcasters, videographers and sound recordists

• Compact, lightweight design is perfect for camera-mount use

• Independent line-cardioid and figure-of-eight condenser elements

• Switchable low-frequency roll-off

• Switch selection of non-matrixed M-S mode and two internally-matrixed 

left/right stereo modes

MID-SIDE OPERATION:

In M-S mode, the AT815ST provides 

independent Mid and Side signals. This allows the Mid-Side balance to be
adjusted as desired at the recording desk or mixing electronics, reducing the
amount of equipment necessary in the field.

MATRIXED STEREO: The AT815ST offers two internally-matrixed modes
which provide traditional “left-right” stereo. To accommodate varying acoustic
environments, the user may select between a “wide” pattern (LR-W) with
increased ambient pickup, and a “narrow” pattern (LR-N) which offers more
rejection and less ambience. Output phase is “Pin 2 hot.”

For correct left-right stereo orientation, position the microphone so the word
“UP” is on top, with the switches on the bottom. In all modes, locating the
AT815ST nearer the sound source enhances the apparent width of the stereo
image, while decreasing room ambience. Moving away from the sound source
will result in a narrower stereo image and more “room sound.”

M-S Output

Connector

Pin 1

Pin 2

Pin 3

Mid

XLR3M-Gray

Ground

Mid +

Mid –

XLR5M Mic Connector:

Pin 1

Pin 2

Pin 3

Side

XLR3M-Red

Ground

Side +

Side –

XLR5M Mic Connector:

Pin 1

Pin 4

Pin 5

Matrix Output

Connector

Pin 1

Pin 2

Pin 3

Left

XLR3M-Gray

Ground

Mid +

Side –

XLR5M Mic Connector:

Pin 1

Pin 2

Pin 3

Right XLR3M-Red

Ground

Mid +

Side +

XLR5M Mic Connector:

Pin 1

Pin 4

Pin 5

The AT815ST requires 11V to 52V DC phantom power on Pins 2 and 3 
of both XLR3M connectors. Wiring must be balanced throughout, and all 
mic cables in the system must be wired consistently: Pin 1-to-Pin 1, etc. If 
connecting to unbalanced inputs, good-quality balanced line transformers
must be used.

The high sensitivity of the AT815ST assures useful output and an excellent
match to most inputs. However, the microphone’s high output may overload
some sensitive electronic input stages under some conditions. Many 
pre-amps and mixers include a mic pad or input attenuator control to prevent
overload; or, use an AT8202 attenuator or equal at the input.

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.

Audio-Technica U.S., Inc., 

1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, Ohio 44224

Audio-Technica Limited,

Old Lane, Leeds LS11 8AG England

www.audio-technica.com

P51655-01-EN     ©2004  Audio-Technica U.S., Inc.    Printed in Japan

AT815ST

STEREO SHOTGUN MICROPHONE

AT815ST SPECIFICATIONS

ELEMENTS

Fixed-charge back plate 
permanently polarized 
condenser

POLAR PATTERNS

Line-cardioid and 
figure-of-eight

FREQUENCY RESPONSE

30-20,000 Hz

LOW FREQUENCY ROLL-OFF

80 Hz, 12 dB/octave

OPEN CIRCUIT SENSITIVITY

–30 dB (31.6 mV) / 

(Mid / Side / LR Stereo) 

–34 dB (19.9 mV) / 
–36 dB (15.8 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa*

IMPEDANCE

200 ohms

MAXIMUM INPUT SOUND LEVEL

123 dB / 127 dB / 126 dB SPL, 

(Mid / Side / LR Stereo)

1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.

SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO

1

72 dB / 68 dB / 70 dB SPL,

(Mid / Side / LR Stereo)

1 kHz at 1 Pa*

DYNAMIC RANGE

(typical) 

101 dB / 101 dB / 102 dB,

(Mid / Side / LR Stereo)

1 kHz at Max SPL

PHANTOM POWER 

11-52V DC, 4 mA typical at 48V, 

REQUIREMENTS

each channel

SWITCHES

M-S, LR Stereo-Wide (LR-W),
LR Stereo-Narrow (LR-N);
Flat, roll-off

WEIGHT

(less accessories)

5.0 oz (142 g)

DIMENSIONS

14.96" (380.0 mm) long, 
0.83" (21.0 mm) diameter

OUTPUT CONNECTOR

Integral XLR5M-type

CABLE

Dual 24" (0.61 m) shielded 
two-conductor, terminated in 
two XLR3M-type connectors 

ACCESSORIES FURNISHED

AT8405a stand clamp for 

5

/

8

"-27 

threaded stands; AT8135 foam 
windscreen; 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

1

Typical, A-weighted, using Audio Precision System One.

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

1 kHz

LEGEND

LR Stereo-Wide (LR-W)

Polar Pattern

SCALE IS 5 DECIBELS PER DIVISION

90

60

120

30

150

210

240

270

300

330

180

0

LEFT

1 kHz

RIGHT

1 kHz

LEGEND

Side

Polar Pattern

SCALE IS 5 DECIBELS PER DIVISION

90

60

120

30

150

210

240

270

300

330

180

0

1 kHz

LEGEND

Mid

Polar Pattern

SCALE IS 5 DECIBELS PER DIVISION

90

60

120

30

150

210

240

270

300

330

180

0

1 kHz

LEGEND

LR Stereo-Narrow (LR-N)

Polar Pattern

SCALE IS 5 DECIBELS PER DIVISION

90

60

120

30

150

210

240

270

300

330

180

0

LEFT

1 kHz

RIGHT

LEGEND

Roll-off

12" or more on axis (flat)

Frequency in Hertz

Response in dB

10 dB

20k

10k

5k

2k

1k

500

200

100

50

Frequency Response

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