ES915C

Cardioid Condenser Gooseneck Microphones

engineered sound ®

microphones

Features

• Plugs into any standard XLRF-type connector, or direct mounts to

5 /

8

"- 27 stands using included thread-mount adapter

• Low-profile element provides uniform cardioid polar pattern with

120º acceptance angle

• Superior off-axis rejection for maximum gain before feedback

• UniGuard ® RFI-shielding technology offers outstanding rejection

of radio frequency interference (RFI)

• Easy-to-adjust, rugged, small-diameter, alternating gooseneck with

virtually no “memory” permits quick positioning into desired shape

• UniSteep ® filter provides a steep low-frequency attenuation to

improve sound pickup without affecting voice quality

• Available interchangeable elements permit angle of acceptance

from 90º to 360º

• Included low-profile isolation mount attenuates noise, shock

and vibration

• Available in five lengths

Description

The ES915C 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 small-diameter double gooseneck design permits highly flexible positioning while maintaining a smooth, well-contoured appearance.

The ES915C is available in the following models and lengths:

• ES915C12: 304.8 mm (12.00")

• ES915C15: 381.0 mm (15.00")

• ES915C18: 457.2 mm (18.00")

• ES915C21: 533.4 mm (21.00")

• ES915C24: 609.6 mm (24.00")

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 MicroLine ® (90°) pickup patterns are available.

An XLRM-type connector insert at the base allows the microphone to be plugged directly into an XLRF-type panel jack or microphone cable.

A recessed switch permits choice of flat response or low-frequency rolloff (via integral 80 Hz high-pass UniSteep ® filter) to help control undesired ambient noise.

The microphone comes equipped with a two-stage foam windscreen, a low-profile isolation mount, and a stand clamp to permit attaching the microphone to a standard 5 /

8

"-27 or 3 /

8

"-16 threaded mic stand or mounting flange. The microphone is enclosed in a rugged housing with a low-reflectance black finish.

Installation and Operation

The ES915C requires 11V to 52V phantom power for operation.

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 microphone can be mounted on a podium or desktop with the included AT8474 low-profile isolation mount. Designed to be mounted either above or beneath the mounting surface, the AT8474 firmly secures the microphone while providing maximum attenuation of noise, shock and vibration transmitted through the mounting surface. An AT8473 stand clamp is also included to permit attaching the microphone to a standard

5 /

8

"-27 or 3 /

8

"-16 threaded mic stand or mounting flange.

The provided two-stage foam windscreen simply slips over the element, effectively reducing wind noise and popping.

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 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 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.

AT8474 Isolation Mount Installation Instructions

Mounting Dimensions

A. 1.5 mm ( 1 /

16

") pilot holes 3 places on 40.0 mm (1.57") circle.

B. 25.4 mm (1.00") hole through the mounting surface.

C. Outside edge of mount, 52.4 mm (2.06") diameter.

A

C

120°

B drawing not actual size

1. The AT8474 mount can be mounted either above or below the

table surface.

2. Locate the center of the mounting location and mark it. Allow enough

clearance to accommodate the AT8474 mount on the desired

surface and make certain there are no physical obstructions

below the desired location.

3. Locate the three mounting screw holes and mark them.

4. Using a 1" hole saw, drill the through-hole for the microphone body.

(Note: Although a 1" drill bit will work, a hole saw provides for a cleaner

251

ES915C

hole and is less likely to damage the table surface.)

5. Using a 1.5 mm ( 1 /

16

") drill bit, drill three pilot holes for the mounting

screws. (If mounting below the table surface, be certain NOT to drill

pilot holes through the table.)

6. Place the AT8474 mount over the hole and partially tighten the

three screws. Then place the microphone in the AT8474 so that the

microphone’s power module (base) extends through the AT8474 mount

into the hole. Tighten all three screws evenly. For maximum security,

the screws should be tight enough to ensure that the microphone is

held securely in place and cannot be removed without loosening

the screws.

7. If mounting the AT8474 mount below the surface of the table, slide

the rubber trim ring over the microphone (above the table surface) and

seat it between the microphone and the sides of the hole for a

finished appearance. (If mounting the AT8474 above the surface of the

table, you may also choose to use the trim ring beneath the surface of

the table, for added attenuation of noise, shock and vibration.)

8. After installing the microphone, assure maximum shock mount

effectiveness by providing some slack in the connecting cable. The

cable can be secured to the table with a standard wire clip or cable tie

(not included).

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 response of 30 Hz to 20,000 Hz. It shall be capable of accepting optional interchangeable elements for additional polar patterns. The microphone shall operate from an external 11V to 52V DC phantom power source. It shall be capable of handling sound input levels up to 138 dB with a dynamic range of 109 dB. Nominal open-circuit output voltage shall be 10.0 mV at 1 V, 1 Pascal. Output shall be low impedance balanced (250 ohms). It shall offer outstanding rejection of radio frequency interference (RFI).

The microphone shall incorporate a self-contained power module with an XLRM-type connector at the base for direct connection to a mating

XLRF-type panel jack or cable connector. It shall include a recessed switch to permit choice of flat response or 80 Hz low-frequency roll-off.

A universal isolation-type shock mount suitable for above or below surface installation shall be supplied for mounting the microphone in a solid surface. It shall be possible to firmly secure the microphone in the mount. The mount shall include appropriate hardware for installation.

For alternative mounting and portable applications, the microphone shall be supplied with a stand clamp to permit attaching the microphone directly to a standard 5 /

8

"-27 or 3 /

8

"-16 thread. A two-stage foam windscreen shall also be included.

The microphone shall be a small-diameter double gooseneck design, with an overall length of [304.8 mm (12.00"): ES915C12]; [381.0 mm

(15.00"): ES915C15]; [457.2 mm (18.00"): ES915C18]; [533.4 mm (21.00"):

ES915C21] [609.6 mm (24.00"): ES915C24] and a head diameter of 8.4 mm (0.33"). Weight shall be [125 grams (4.4 oz): ES915C12]; [130 grams

(4.6 oz): ES915C15]; [135 grams (4.8 oz): ES915C18]; [140 grams (4.9 oz):

ES915C21]; [145 grams (5.1 oz): ES915C24]. Finish shall be low-reflectance black.

The Audio-Technica [ES915C12]; [ES915C15]; [ES915C18]; [ES915C21];

[ES915C24] is specified.

Specifications

Element

Polar pattern

Frequency response

Low frequency roll-off

Open circuit sensitivity

Impedance

Maximum input sound level

Dynamic range (typical)

Signal-to-noise ratio 1

Phantom power requirements

Switch

Weight

Dimensions

Output connector

Optional interchangeable elements

Audio-Technica case style

Accessories furnished

Fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized condenser

Cardioid

30-20,000 Hz

80 Hz, 18 dB/octave

–40 dB (10.0 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa

250 ohms

138 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.

109 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL

65 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa

11-52V DC, 4 mA typical

Flat, roll-off

ES915C12: 125 g (4.4 oz)

ES915C15: 130 g (4.6 oz)

ES915C18: 135 g (4.8 oz)

ES915C21: 140 g (4.9 oz)

ES915C24: 145 g (5.1 oz)

ES915C12: 304.8 mm (12.00") long

ES915C15: 381.0 mm (15.00") long

ES915C18: 457.2 mm (18.00") long

ES915C21: 533.4 mm (21.00") long

ES915C24: 609.6 mm (24.00") long,

All: 8.4 mm (0.33") head diameter,

18.9 mm (0.74") base diameter

Integral 3-pin XLRM-type

ESE-O omnidirectional (360°)

ESE-H hypercardioid (100°)

ESE-ML MicroLine ® (90°)

M26

AT8474 universal isolation mount; AT8473 quick-mount stand adapter; windscreen

5 /

8

"-27 to 3 /

8

"-16 threaded adapter; AT8109 two-stage foam

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.

frequency response: 30–20,000 Hz

0.33"

(8.4 mm)

0.48"

(12.3 mm)

50

LEGEND

100 200 500 1k 2k

Frequency in Hertz

12" or more on axis

Roll-off polar pattern

0˚

330˚ 30˚

300˚ 60˚

5k 10k 20k

270˚ 90˚

240˚

120˚

210˚ 150˚

180˚

SCALE IS 5 DECIBELS PER DIVISION

LEGEND

200 Hz

1 kHz

5 kHz

8 kHz

10 dB

0.74"

18.9 mm

24.00"

(609.6 mm) to

12.00"

(304.8 mm)

Audio-Technica U.S., Inc., 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, Ohio 44224

Audio-Technica Limited, Old Lane, Leeds LS11 8AG England

©2010 Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. audio-technica.com 0001-0115-01