Audio Technica ES915H Owner's manual

DESCRIPTION
The ES915H is a wide-range minia-
ture condenser microphone with a
hypercardioid polar pattern. It is
designed for quality sound reinforce-
ment, 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 appear-
ance. An included snap-on foam
windscreen effectively reduces wind
noise and “popping.”
The ES915H is equipped with
UniGuard®RFI-shielding technology,
which offers outstanding rejection of
radio frequency interference (RFI).
The microphone is RoHS compliant
– free from all substances specified
in the EU directive on hazardous
substances.
The microphone's hypercardioid
polar pattern provides a 100° angle
of acceptance. Additional inter-
changeable elements with omnidirectional (360°), cardioid (120°) and
MicroLine®(90°) pickup patterns are available.
The integral power module can be powered from any external 11V to
52V DC phantom power supply. 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 is enclosed in a rugged housing with a low-reflectance
black finish. It features an XLRM-type connector insert at its base, allow-
ing it to be plugged directly into an XLRF-type panel jack or microphone
cable. In addition to an AT8474 low-profile isolation mount, an AT8473
stand clamp is included to permit attachment of the XLR mic base to a
standard 5/8"-27 or 3/8"-16 threaded mic stand or mounting flange.
The ES915H is available in the following models and lengths:
• ES915H12: 304.8 mm (12.00")
• ES915H15: 381.0 mm (15.00")
• ES915H18: 457.2 mm (18.00")
• ES915H21: 533.4 mm (21.00")
• ES915H24: 609.6 mm (24.00")
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
The ES915H requires 11V to 52V phantom power for operation.
Output is low impedance balanced. The output 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 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.
Installation details are provided on the back of this sheet. An AT8473
stand clamp is also included to permit attachment of the XLR mic base
to a standard 5/8"-27 or 3/8"-16 threaded mic stand or mounting flange.
The provided snap-on 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 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.
While a modern condenser microphone is not unduly sensitive to the
environment, temperature extremes can be harmful. Exposure to high
temperature can result in gradual and permanent reduction of the out-
put 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.
ES915H HYPERCARDIOID CONDENSER
GOOSENECK MICROPHONE
ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS SPECIFICATIONS
The microphone shall be a fixed-charge condenser designed for
permanent installation or portable applications. It shall have a
hypercardioid polar pattern with uniform 100° angle of acceptance and
shall be capable of accepting optional interchangeable
elements for additional polar patterns. It shall have a frequency
response of 80 Hz to 20,000 Hz and 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 kHz, 1 Pascal.
Output shall be low impedance balanced (250 ohms).
The microphone shall operate from an external 11V to 52V DC
phantom power source. It shall offer outstanding rejection of radio
frequency interference (RFI). The microphone shall be RoHS compliant.
The microphone shall be a double gooseneck design permitting highly
flexible positioning and noiseless operation. It 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. The power module shall include a recessed switch for low-
frequency roll-off. The low-frequency roll-off shall be a tailored roll-off
at 80 Hz to minimize pickup of unwanted mechanical noise.
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 snap-on foam windscreen shall also be included.
The microphone shall be a small-diameter double gooseneck design,
with an overall length of [12.00" (304.8 mm): ES915H12];
[15.00" (381.0 mm): ES915H15]; [18.00" (457.2 mm): ES915H18];
[21.00" (533.4 mm): ES915H21] [24.00" (609.6 mm): ES915H24].
Head diameter shall be 0.33" (8.4 mm). The microphone weight shall
be [4.4 oz (125 grams): ES915H12]; [4.6 oz (130 grams): ES915H15];
[4.8 oz (135 grams): ES915H18]; [4.9 oz (140 grams): ES915H21];
[5.1 oz (145 grams): ES915H24]. Finish shall be low reflectance black.
The Audio-Technica [ES915H12]; [ES915H15]; [ES915H18];
[ES915H21]; [ES915H24] is specified.
AT8474 LOW-PROFILE ISOLATION MOUNT INSTALLATION
INSTRUCTIONS
MOUNTING DIMENSIONS
A. 1/16" (1.5 mm) pilot holes 3 places on 1.57" (40.0 mm) circle.
B. 1.00" (25.4 mm) hole through the mounting surface.
C. Outside edge of mount, 2.06" (52.4 mm) diameter.
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.
Continued on back.
CB
A

ES915H SPECIFICATIONS†
ELEMENT Fixed-charge back plate
permanently polarized condenser
POLAR PATTERN Hypercardioid
FREQUENCY RESPONSE 80-20,000 Hz
LOW-FREQUENCY ROLL-OFF 80 Hz, 18 dB/octave
OPEN CIRCUIT SENSITIVITY –40 dB (10.0 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa*
IMPEDANCE 250 ohms
MAXIMUM INPUT SOUND LEVEL 138 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.
DYNAMIC RANGE (typical) 109 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL
SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO165 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa*
SWITCH Flat, roll-off
PHANTOM POWER REQUIREMENTS 11-52V DC, 4 mA typical
WEIGHT
ES915H12 125 g (4.4 oz)
ES915H15 130 g (4.6 oz)
ES915H18 135 g (4.8 oz)
ES915H21 140 g (4.9 oz)
ES915H24 145 g (5.1 oz)
DIMENSIONS
ES915H12 304.8 mm (12.00") long
ES915H15 381.0 mm (15.00") long
ES915H18 457.2 mm (18.00") long
ES915H21 533.4 mm (21.00") long
ES915H24 609.6 mm (24.00") long
All 8.4 mm (0.33") head diameter,
18.9 mm (0.74") base diameter
OUTPUT CONNECTOR Integral 3-pin XLRM-type
OPTIONAL INTERCHANGEABLE ESE-O omnidirectional (360°);
ELEMENTS ESE-C cardioid (120°);
ESE-ML MicroLine®(90°)
ACCESSORIES FURNISHED AT8109 two-stage foam
windscreen; AT8474 universal
isolation mount; AT8473 quick-
mount stand adapter; 5/8"-27 to
3/8"-16 threaded adapter
†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.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
8 kHz
Polar Pattern
SCALE IS 5 DECIBELS PER DIVISION
LEGEND
200 Hz
1 kHz
5 kHz
Frequency in Hertz
LEGEND 12" or more on axis
Frequency Response
Response in dB
Roll-off
Audio-Technica U.S., Inc., 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, Ohio 44224
Audio-Technica Limited, Old Lane, Leeds LS11 8AG England
www.audio-technica.com
P51921 ©2007 Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. Printed in U.S.A.
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 hole and is less likely to damage the table surface.)
5. Using a 1/16" (1.5 mm) 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 can
not 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).
0.74"
18.9 mm
24.00"
609.6 mm
TO
12.00"
304.8 mm
0.48"
12.3 mm
0.33"
8.4 mm