
 
 
 
 
 
MB4
 
 
MINI-BOUNDARY
™
 
MICROPHONE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
he AKG/Crown
® 
MB4 is a miniature 
boundary microphone for multi-miking 
applications suchasteleconferencing, 
distance learning, boardrooms,
 
courtrooms, and security applications. 
Double-sided sticky tape is provided for 
attaching the unit under shelves, on walls, 
etc. 
Thanks to its supercardioid pickup pattern, 
the MB4 greatly reduces ambient noise 
and pickup of room reverberation. The 
result is a clearer sound. 
The MB4 has a 15-foot attached cable 
leading to an XLR-type output connector 
with built-in mic electronics. It is powered 
by 12-48V phantom power, and is low-
impedance balanced. 
 
Features
 
•
Tiny, inconspicuous.
 
•
Can be used without putting holes in 
the table.
 
•
Clean, clear, natural sound.
 
•
Low-Zbalancedmic-leveloutputprevents 
hum and high-frequency loss.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Specifications
 
Type: 
Phase Coherent Cardioid.
 
Element: 
Electret condenser.
 
Frequency response (typical): 
50 Hz to 15,000 Hz at
 
30 degrees incidence to surface (see Fig. 1).
 
Polar pattern: 
Half-supercardioid (supercardioid in 
the hemisphere above the primary boundary). 
See
 
Figs. 2 and 3.
 
Impedance: 
150 ohms, balanced (recommended
 
load impedance 1000 ohms or greater).
 
Open-circuit sensitivity (typical): 
22 mV/Pa* 
(–33
 
dB re 1 volt/Pa).
 
Power sensitivity: 
–30.5 dB re 1 mW/Pa*. 
EIA rating 
–125 dBm.
 
Equivalent noise level (self-noise): 
22 dB SPL
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•
Removable grille assembly can be painted.
 
How to Paint the Microphone
 
1. Using a small screwdriver, pry open one side
 
of the base, then the other side
 
 
2. Remove the foam liner.
 
3. Wearing a dust mask, spray-paint the grille
 
assembly. Be sure grille holes are not clogged.
 
4. Allow to completely dry.
 
5. Make sure the LED is properly aligned.
 
6. Carefully place the grille assembly over the
 
base,andsnapinplace.
 
Installation
 
1. 
In a table, typical placement for each
 
mic is 
an arm’s length from the user. Install
 
one 
microphone in front of each person, or one
 
betweeneverytwopeople.
 
If the microphone will be used on a
 lectern, 
install it on an open surface. Do not
 
install in a 
cavity or recessed area as the frequency 
response and polar pattern will be degraded.
 
2. 
Orient the mic so the readable lable faces 
the user (right-side-up). 
 
3. 
Plug a mic cable with a female XLR-type 
connector into the power module. Connect the 
other end of the cable to a phantom power 
supply. Or if your mixer has phantom power, 
connect the mic cable directly to a mic input 
and turn on phantom power.
 
typical (0 dB=0.0002 dyne/cm
2
), A-weighted.
 
S/N ratio: 
72 dB at 94 dB SPL.
 
Maximum SPL: 
120 dB SPL at 3% THD.
 
Polarity: 
Positive (inward) pressure on the
 
diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2
 
with respect to pin 3.
 
Operating voltage: 
Phantom power, 12-48 volts DC
 
on pins 2 and 3 with respect to pin 1 of output 
connector.
 
Currentdrain: 
4mAnominal.
 
Connector: 
3-pin pro audio, XLR-M type.
 
Cable: 
Permanently attached, black, 15-foot 
(4.572 m), 2-conductor shielded cable from mic 
to power module or interface. No other cable 
supplied. Use two-conductor shielded mic cable 
from power module to mixer.
 
Materials: 
High-impact molded plastic and steel
 
mesh mic grille, steel power module.
 
Finish: 
Satin black.
 
Net weight: 
2.7 ounces (78 grams).
 
 
Operating temperature range:
 -10° to +50°C, or +14° 
to +122°F. 
Net weight:
 Microphone: 0.7 ounces (19.8 grams) 
Power module:
 2.8 ounces (78.6 grams) 
Dimensions: 
See Fig. 4. 
Included accessories: Double-sided tape for 
fastening under shelves, etc., for theatrical 
applications. 
 
Optional accessories: 
PH1A phantom power
 
supply (1 channel, battery or DC-adapter
 
powered). PH4A phantom power supply (4
 
channels,ACpowered). 
 
*1 pascal = 10 dynes/cm
2 
= 10 microbars = 94 dB SPL.
 
 
 
 
Fig. 1. Frequency Response 
Fig. 2. Horizontal-Plane Polar Response 
Fig. 3. Vertical-Plane Polar Response