Audio Technica AT835b User manual

SPECIAL PURPOSE MICROPHONES
Description
The AT835b is a wide-range condenser micro-
phone with a line + gradient polar pattern
specifically designed to provide the narrow
acceptance angle desirable for long distance
sound pickup. It was created for use in profes-
sional recording, broadcasting, film/TV/video
production, high-quality sound reinforcement
and other demanding applications requiring
excellent sound rejection from the sides and
rear. The AT835b is also uniquely suited for
both boom and hand-held use in TV and film
production, ENG, outdoor nature recording
and similar specialized applications.
Audio-Technica engineers have utilized the
newest low-mass condenser technology in the
quest for superior performance. The permanent
charge is now on the fixed back plate, rather
than on the moving element. With the A-T
fixed-charge “back plate” construction, a
gold-vaporized diaphragm just 4 microns
thick (about 0.00016") can be used. This
reduces moving mass, improving frequency
response and transient response while
reducing distortion.
The AT835b will accomodate any external
phantom power source supplying from 9V to
52V DC. If, however, remote powering is not
available, a common AA “penlight” battery
will provide sufficient power to the micro-
phone. Current demands are so low that
a premium battery will provide more than a
thousand hours of intermittent use.
A recessed switch provides a choice of flat
frequency response for full range sound
pickup, or low-frequency roll-off for reduction
of ambient background noise or wind.
The AT835b is enclosed in a rugged housing
with a low-reflectance finish. A foam wind-
screen is provided for outdoor or boom use.
A snap-in microphone stand adapter for
mounting to any stand with 5⁄8"-27 threads is
included. The microphone is protected by a
specially compartmented carrying case
designed to hold the microphone, battery,
windscreen and stand adapter.
Operation and Maintenance
If remote power is not available, install a bat-
tery before attempting operation. Unscrew
the head of the microphone just below the
nameplate. Place the battery in the handle
compartment, then reassemble the micro-
phone. Be certain to observe battery polarity
as indicated (+end up). While standard car-
bon-zinc batteries will operate the micro-
phone satisfactorily, alkaline or mercury bat-
teries are preferred for longer service life.
Only “leakproof” batteries should be used,
and they should be removed for long-term
microphone storage.
Output is low impedance balanced. The out-
put 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 high sensitivity of the AT835b assures
useful output for virtually all input circuits.
It is designed to provide a distortion-free
signal even in very intense sound fields. In
some cases, however, an attenuator such as
the Audio-Technica AT8202 may be required
between the microphone and electronics
input to avoid overloading sensitive input
stages.
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 out-
put level. Avoid leaving the microphone in
the open sun or in areas where tempera-
tures 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 con-
denser with a line + gradient polar pattern and
a frequency response of 40 Hz to 20,000 Hz.
It shall be capable of operating from an
external 9V to 52V DC phantom power
source or, alternatively, from an AA/UM3
1.5V battery.
Nominal open circuit output voltage shall be
12.5 mV (phantom)/11.2 mV (battery) at 1 kHz,
1 Pascal. The microphone shall have an out-
put impedance of 500 ohms (phantom)/600
ohms (battery) and output shall be balanced.
The microphone shall accept a 130 dB SPL
(phantom)/115 dB SPL (battery) at 1 kHz
while producing no greater than 1% T.H.D.
The microphone shall operate on the line +
gradient principle to provide a narrow sound
pickup acceptance angle. The microphone shall
include a switch for low-frequency roll-off.
The microphone shall be 14.53" (369.0 mm)
long and 0.83" (21.0 mm) in diameter. The
weight shall be 5.3 oz (150 grams). Finish
shall be low-reflectance matte.
The Audio-Technica AT835b is specified.
Frequency Response
LEGEND Roll-off
12" or more on axis (flat)
Frequency in Hertz
Response in dB
10 dB
20k
10k
5k
2k
1k
500
200100
50
AT835b
LINE +GRADIENT
CONDENSER
MICROPHONE

AT835bSPECIFICATIONS†
ELEMENT Fixed-charge back plate
permanently polarized condenser
POLAR PATTERN Line + gradient
FREQUENCY RESPONSE 40-20,000 Hz
LOW-FREQUENCY ROLL-OFF 180 Hz, 12 dB/octave
OPEN CIRCUIT SENSITIVITY PHANTOM –38 dB (12.5 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa*
BATTERY –39 dB (11.2 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa*
IMPEDANCE PHANTOM 500 ohms
BATTERY 600 ohms
MAXIMUM INPUT PHANTOM 130 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.
SOUND LEVEL BATTERY 115 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.
SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO170 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa*
DYNAMIC RANGE (TYPICAL) PHANTOM 106 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL
BATTERY 91 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL
PHANTOM POWER REQUIREMENTS 9-52V DC, 2 mA typical
BATTERY TYPE Use only “leakproof” AA /UM3 1.5V battery
BATTERY CURRENT 0.4 mA typical
BATTERY LIFE 1200 hours, premium battery, continuous use
SWITCH Flat, roll-off (recessed)
WEIGHT (LESS ACCESSORIES) 5.3 oz (150 grams)
DIMENSIONS 14.53" (369.0 mm) long
0.83" (21.0 mm) diameter
OUTPUT CONNECTOR Integral 3-pin XLRM-type
ACCESSORIES FURNISHED AT8405 snap-in clamp for standard 5/8"-27
threaded stands; AT8132 windscreen;
battery; 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/cm2= 10 microbars = 94 dB SPL
1Typical, A-weighted, using Audio Precision System One.
Optional Accessories:
• CP8201 line matching transformer (Lo-Z to 50,000 ohms).
• AT8202 adjustable in-line attenuator for use with balanced Lo-Z microphones.
• AT8312 2-conductor, shielded, vinyl-jacketed, broadcast-type cable with XLRF-type connector
at microphone end, 1/4" phone plug at equipment end. Available in 10', 20' & 25' lengths.
• AT8314 2-conductor, shielded, vinyl-jacketed, broadcast-type cable with XLRF-type connector at micro-
phone end, XLRM-type connector at equipment end. Available in 10', 20', 25', 30', 50' & 100' lengths.
• AT8407 universal “clothes-pin” stand clamp fits both tapered and cylindrical microphones.
• AT8410a shock mount for boom or stand operation. Universal “clothes-pin” stand clamp fits
both tapered and cylindrical microphones.
• AT8415 low-profile shock mount for boom or stand operation.
• CP8506 four-channel 48V phantom power supply (AC powered).
• AT8801 single-channel 48V phantom power supply (AC powered).
Polar Pattern
Dimensions
XLRM-Type Plug Wiring
Low Impedance Balanced
1
/4" Phone Plug Wiring
Low Impedance Unbalanced
RED WIRE
TIP SLEEVE SHIELD
WHITE WIRE
Audio-Technica U.S., Inc., 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, Ohio 44224
Audio-Technica Limited, Old Lane, Leeds LS11 8AG England
200 Hz
1 kHz
8 kHz
LEGEND
SCALE IS 5 DECIBELS PER DIVISION
90
60
120
30
150
210
240
270
300
330
180
0
AT835b
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.
14.53"
369.0 mm
0.83"
21.0 mm
Form No. 0308 -0852-02-B/W © 1998 Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. Printed in U.S.A.