Audio Technica MICROLINE AT915AMRX/ML Operating instructions

AT915AMRx/ML
MicroLine
Description
The AT915AMRx/ML is a wide-range con-
denser microphone with a MicroLinepolar pattern.
It is designed for quality sound reinforcement,
professional recording, television, and other
demanding sound pickup applications. The
small-diameter alternating gooseneck design
permits highly flexible positioning while maintain-
ing a smooth, well-contoured appearance. Its
adjustable-length design allows for the ultimate
in positioning flexibility.The AT915AMRx/ML
features a 5/8"-27 threaded flange that allows it to
mate with the threads of a standard microphone
desk or floor stand. A 5/8"-27 threaded stud is also
provided so it can be secured to a permanent
mounting surface.
The microphone features a 9.8' (3.0 m)
permanently-attached miniature cable. Its free end
connects to the provided AT8533x power module
via internal solderless screw terminals for simple
length adjustment in the field. It can be powered
from any external 9V to 52V DC phantom power
supply. A recessed switch in the power module
permits choice of flat response or low-frequency
roll-off to help control undesired ambient noise.
Four additional interchangeable elements
are available to permit selection of angle of
acceptance from 90°to 360°.
Audio-Technica design engineers have utilized
the newest low-mass diaphragm 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 (about .000079") can be used.
This considerably reduces moving mass, thus
improving frequency response and transient
response while reducing distortion.
The microphone is enclosed in a rugged
housing with a low-reflectance black finish.
Installation and Operation
Output is low impedance balanced.The out-
put connector of the power module 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.
To attach the microphone cable using the
pre-stripped end: Remove the three screws from
the base of the power module and slide the outer
case off to reveal the circuit board and screw ter-
minals. Next, slide the case onto the cable (narrow
end first), and tie a single knot in the cable about
1" from the tinned ends. Do not pull directly on the
exposed small wires and shield. Following Figure 3,
attach the wires to their respective terminals.
Make certain that the terminals are clamped on the
conductors, not on the insulation, and that there
are no loose strands of wire that might touch
other terminals. Replace the case, being certain
that it goes over the case grounding contact and
that the roll-off switch is accessible. Finish by
replacing the three base screws and testing for
proper operation.
To shorten the cable: Remove the cable
from the module, and cut it to the desired length
(allowing a few extra inches). Next, after sliding
the case back onto the cable, tie a single knot in
the cable about two inches from the cut end.
Following Figure 2, cut the cable off 1" down from
the top of the knot and carefully remove 1/2" of the
outer jacket. Strip the mic cable wires and attach
them to their respective terminals. Reassemble
the module following the instructions in the previous
paragraph.
By removing an attached AT8533x power
module, the cable from the microphone can be
routed through the bottom of the flange instead
of exiting from the side as supplied (Fig. 1).
The provided foam windscreen simply slips
over the MicroLine element, effectively reducing
wind noise or “popping” when used extra close.
The small-diameter gooseneck is easy to
manipulate for proper positioning. Heavily lubri-
cated, 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, tempera-
ture extremes can be harmful. Exposure to high
temperature 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.
Figure 2 Figure 3
Figure 1. Cable routing
Frequency Response (Typical)
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
Shield strands,
fully twisted
Yellow-Yellow
Red-Red
1
/ 8 " strip reds
and yellows
1
/ 2 "
1"
Terminal
screws
Case
grounding
contact Yellow-Yellow
Red-Red
Shield
PC board
switch side
SYR
Miniature
Condenser
Adjustable-
length
Gooseneck
Adapter-
mount
Microphone

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.
Form No. 0309-9503-00-B/W P50883
© 1996 Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. Printed in U.S.A.
Audio-Technica U.S., Inc., 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, Ohio 44224
Audio-Technica Limited, Old Lane, Leeds LS11 8AG England
Element Fixed-charge back plate
permanently polarized condenser
Polar Pattern MicroLine
Frequency Response 30-20,000 Hz
Low-frequency Roll-off 150 Hz, 6 dB/octave
Open Circuit Sensitivity –36 dB (15.8 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa*
Impedance 200 ohms (1000 ohms without power module)
Maximum Input Sound Level 131 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.
Dynamic Range (Typical) 105 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL
Signal-to-noise Ratio168 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa*
Switch Flat response, low-roll-off (recessed)
Phantom Power Requirements 9-52V DC, 2 mA typical
Weight
Microphone (less cable) 3.9 oz (110 grams)
Power Module 2.1 oz (60 grams)
Dimensions
Microphone 20.28" (515.0 mm) to 22.83" (580.0 mm) long,
0.31" (8.0 mm) head diameter
Power Module 3.58" (91.0 mm) long, 0.83" (21.0 mm) diameter
Output Connector (Power Module) Integral 3-pin XLRM-type
Cable 9.8' (3.0 m) long (permanently attached to microphone),
0.10" (2.6 mm) diameter, 2-conductor, shielded cable;
free end attaches to screw terminals in power module
Accessories Furnished AT8138 MicroLine foam windscreen; AT8533x power
module; AT8425 5/8"-27 threaded mounting stud
Optional Interchangeable AT853C-ELE cardioid (120°)
Elements2AT853H-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/cm2= 10 microbars = 94 dB SPL
1Typical, A-weighted, using Audio Precision System One.
2These elements require a P10929 element adapter.
AT915AMRx/ML Specifications†
Architects and Engineers Specifications
The microphone shall be a fixed-charge condenser with a MicroLine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 with the included power module shall be
15.8 mV at 1 kHz, 1 Pascal. Output shall be low impedance balanced (200 ohms).
The microphone shall have a permanently-attached 9.8' (3.0 m) miniature cable with a
pigtail output.The pigtail output shall connect to a power module via internal solderless screw
terminals.The power module shall include a switch for low-frequency roll-off and shall terminate
in a 3-pin XLRM-type output connector.
The microphone shall be a small-diameter alternating gooseneck design, with an overall
length from 20.28" (515.0 mm) to 22.83" (580.0 mm). Head diameter shall be 0.31" (8.0 mm).
The microphone shall include a 5/8"-27 threaded flange to mate with the threads of a standard
microphone desk or floor stand. A 5/8"-27 threaded stud shall be provided for permanent
installation to a mounting surface.The microphone weight shall be 3.9 oz (110 grams) without
cable. Finish shall be low-reflectance black.
The Audio-Technica AT915AMRx/ML is specified.
Polar Pattern
200 Hz
1 kHz
5 kHz
8 kHz
LEGEND
SCALE IS 5 DECIBELS PER DIVISION
90
60
120
30
150
210
240
270
300
330
180
0
AT915AMRx/ML
Dimensions
21.0 mm
0.83"
91.0 mm
2.6 mm
0.10"
3.58"
30.0 mm
1.18"
8.0 mm
0.31"
580.0 mm
22.83"
20.28"
515.0 mm
TO
131.5 mm
5.18"