Description
The AT857QMa is a wide-range condenser microphone designed for quality sound reinforcement, professional recording, television, and other demanding sound pickup applications. A 3-pin male connector insert at the base allows the AT857QMa to be plugged directly into a 3-pin panel jack connector or a standard microphone cable.
With an overall height of 14.51", its smalldiameter alternating gooseneck design permits highly flexible positioning while maintaining a smooth, well-contoured appearance. The AT857QMLa is a 19.00" version of this microphone.
Supplied as a cardioid, the AT857QMa easily accepts interchangeable elements to permit selection of angle of acceptance from 100° to
360°. The following optional elements are available from an authorized Audio-Technica dealer or the A-T service department:
AT853H-ELE hypercardioid, AT853O-ELE omnidirectional, AT853SC-ELE subcardioid.
Audio -Technica design engineers have utilized the newest low-mass technology in the quest for superior performance. The permanent charge is now on the fixed back plate, rather than the moving element. With
A-T fixed charge “back plate” construction, a gold-vaporized diaphragm just 2 microns thick (or about 0.000079") can be used. This reduces moving mass, thus improving frequency response and transient response while reducing distortion. The result is remarkable stability of performance.
A flat-response/ low-roll-off switch is built into the integral power module of the microphone. The low-roll-off feature attenuates low-frequency response to compensate for proximity effect if the unit is used very close. Low roll-off can also be used to minimize background ambiance, air conditioning rumble, mechanical noise, etc., improving the quality of sound pickup under difficult conditions.
The microphone element is enclosed in a rugged housing with a low-reflectance black finish.
Installation and Operation
The AT857QMa is a completely self-contained unit ready to plug into a mating XLRF-type panel jack or cable connector. An external
9V to 52V DC source is required to power the unit.
Output is low impedance balanced. The
XLRM-type 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.
The provided AT8102 two-stage foam windscreen simply slips over the head of the microphone, effectively reducing wind noise or “popping” when used extra close.
The small-diameter gooseneck is easy to manipulate for proper positioning. Heavily lubricated, it operates smoothly and quietly.
Should the unit become noisy with prolonged use, apply a light machine oil directly on the gooseneck area affected.
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 output 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.
Architects and Engineers Specifications
The microphone shall be a fixed-charge condenser with a cardioid polar pattern and a frequency response of 30 Hz to 20,000 Hz. It shall be capable of accepting optional interchangeable elements for additional polar patterns. It shall operate from an external 9V to 52V DC phantom power source. Nominal open-circuit output voltage shall be 7.0 mV at
1 kHz, 1 Pascal. Output shall be low impedance balanced (200 ohms).
The microphone shall have a self-contained power module with an XLRM-type connector insert at the base for direct connection to a mating XLRF-type panel jack or cable connector. The power module shall contain a switch for low-frequency roll-off.
The microphone shall be a small-diameter alternating gooseneck design with a length of
14.51" (368.6 mm) [19.00" (482.6 mm)]. Head diameter shall be 0.47" (12.0 mm). The microphone weight shall be 4.2 oz (120 grams) [4.4 oz (126 grams)]. Finish shall be low-reflectance black.
The Audio-Technica AT857QMa [AT857QMLa] is specified.
Frequency Response
LEGEND
50 100 200 500 1k
Frequency in Hertz
2k
12" or more on axis (flat)
Roll-off
5k 10k 20k
10 dB
AT857QMa
AT857QMLa
CARDIOID
CONDENSER
QUICK-MOUNT
GOOSENECK
MICROPHONES
AT857QMa
AT857QMLa
270
300
240
LEGEND
200 Hz
1 kHz
5 kHz
8 kHz
330
Polar Pattern
0
210 150
180
SCALE IS 5 DECIBELS PER DIVISION
AT857QMa
Dimensions
30
60
120
90
AT857QMLa
Dimensions
AT857QMa/AT857QMLa
SPECIFICATIONS
†
ELEMENT Fixed-charge back plate permanently polarized condenser
POLAR PATTERN
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
LOW-FREQUENCY ROLL-OFF
OPEN CIRCUIT SENSITIVITY
IMPEDANCE
MAXIMUM INPUT SOUND LEVEL
DYNAMIC RANGE (TYPICAL)
SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO
1
SWITCH
PHANTOM POWER REQUIREMENTS
WEIGHT (AT857QMa)
(AT857QMLa)
DIMENSIONS (AT857QMa)
(AT857QMLa)
(BOTH)
OUTPUT CONNECTOR (POWER MODULE)
ACCESSORY FURNISHED
OPTIONAL INTERCHANGEABLE ELEMENTS
Cardioid (Unidirectional)
30 -20,000 Hz
150 Hz, 6 dB/octave
–43 dB (7.0 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa*
200 ohms
139 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.
112 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL
67 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa*
Flat response, low-roll-off (recessed)
9 -52V DC, 2 mA typical
4.2 oz (120 grams)
4.4 oz (126 grams)
14.51" (368.6 mm) long
19.00" (482.6 mm) long
0.47" (12.0 mm) head diameter
0.98" (25.0 mm) power module diameter
Integral 3-pin XLRM-type
AT8102 two-stage foam windscreen
AT853H-ELE hypercardioid (100°)
AT853O-ELE omnidirectional (360°)
AT853SC-ELE subcardioid (170°)
† 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.
0.47"
12.0 mm
1.39"
35.2 mm
14.51"
368.6 mm
0.47"
12.0 mm
1.39"
35.2 mm
Optional Accessories:
• AT8104a large metal windscreen.
• AT8117 large foam windscreen.
• AT8314 2-conductor, shielded, vinyl-jacketed, broadcast-type cable with XLRF-type connector at microphone end, XLRM-type connector at equipment end. Available in
10', 20', 25', 30', 50' & 100' lengths.
• AT8416 shock mount.
• CP8201 line matching transformer
(Lo-Z to 50,000 ohms).
• CP8506 four-channel 48V phantom power supply (AC powered).
• AT8801 single-channel 48V phantom power supply (AC powered).
19.00"
482.6 mm
0.98"
25.0 mm
3.64"
92.4 mm
0.98"
25.0 mm
3.64"
92.4 mm
One-Year Limited Warranty
Audio -Technica microphones and accessories purchased in the U.S.A. are warranted for one year from date of purchase by Audio-Technica U.S., Inc.
(A.T.U.S.) to be free of defects in materials and workmanship. In event of such defect, product will be repaired promptly without charge or, at our option, replaced with a new product of equal or superior value if delivered to A.T.U.S. or an Authorized Service Center, prepaid, together with the sales slip or other proof of purchase date. Prior approval from A.T.U.S. is
required for return. This warranty excludes defects due to normal wear, abuse, shipping damage, or failure to use product in accordance with instructions.
This warranty is void in the event of unauthorized repair or modification.
For return approval and shipping information, contact the Service Department, Audio -Technica U.S.,
Inc., 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, Ohio 44224.
Except to the extent precluded by applicable state law,
A.T.U.S. will have no liability for any consequential, incidental, or special damages; any warranty of merchantability or fitness for particular purpose expires when this warranty expires.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.
Outside the U.S.A., please contact your local dealer for warranty details.
Audio-Technica U.S., Inc., 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, Ohio 44224
Audio-Technica Limited, Old Lane, Leeds LS11 8AG England
Form No. 0310-0821-05-B/ W P50877-01 © 1998 Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. Printed in U.S.A.