unipoint
®
microphones
Cardioid Condenser Hanging Microphones
U853R & U853RW
Features
• Uniform cardioid polar pattern with 120° 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 (U853R) and white (U853RW)
Description
The U853R 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.
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 AT8538 power module via
a special TA3F-type connector designed to optimize RFI immunity. The
output of the power module is a 3-pin XLRM-type connector.
A recessed switch in the power module 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 comes equipped with a 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 U853RW.
Installation and Operation
The U853R 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.)
Output is low impedance (Lo-Z) balanced. The signal appears across Pins
2 and 3; Pin 1 is ground (shield). Output phase is “Pin 2 hot”— positive
acoustic pressure produces positive voltage at Pin 2.
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, use the end tip of a paperclip or other small
pointed instrument to slide the switch toward the “bent” line.
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.
Note:
Audio-Technica has developed a special RFI-shielding mechanism,
which is an integral part of the connectors in the UniPoint
®
line. If you
remove or replace the connector, you may adversely affect the unit's
RFI immunity. Audio-Technica offers a crimp tool (ATCT) and RFI shields
that enable you to shorten the cable and correctly reinstall the connector
while maintaining the highest level of RFI immunity.
Architect’s and Engineer’s Specifications
The microphone shall be a fixed-charge condenser designed for
permanent installation or portable applications. It shall have a cardioid
polar pattern with a uniform 120° angle of acceptance and a frequency
LESS THAN 2 TIMES “X”
DIS
TA
NC
E “X
”
120
°
ANGLE OF
ACCEPTANCE
MIC A
MIC B
3 TIMES
DISTANCE “X”
120
°
120
°
Figure 1
Figure 2
