Audio Technica UniPoint AT859QMLx User manual

Description
The AT859QMLx is a wide-range condenser
microphone with a cardioid (unidirectional)
polar pattern. It was designed for high quality
sound reinforcement and other demanding
sound pickup situations. The AT859QMLx
features a 3-pin male connector insert at its
base, allowing it to be plugged directly into a
3-pin panel jack connector. It can also be
plugged directly into a standard microphone
cable. The small-diameter alternating goose-
neck design permits highly flexible positioning
while eliminating the unsightly kinks and
twists associated with conventional gooseneck
types.
Audio-Technica design engineers have utilized
the newest low-mass condenser technology in
the quest for superior performance. The charge
is now on the fixed back plate, rather than the
moving element. With the A-T fixed-charge
“back plate” construction, a gold-vaporized
diaphragm just 2 microns thick (about
0.000079") can be used. This reduces moving
mass by one-third, improving frequency
response and transient response while
reducing distortion.
The microphone element is enclosed in a
rugged housing with low-reflectance finish.
Operation and Maintenance
The AT859QMLx 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 bal-
anced 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 AT859QMLx features a flat/roll-off switch
built into its power module. The roll-off feature
allows the low-frequency response to be
attenuated to compensate for proximity
effect if the unit is used very close. Roll-off
can also be used to minimize background
ambience, air conditioning rumble, mechanical
noise, etc., improving the quality of sound
pickup under difficult conditions.
The small diameter gooseneck is very easy
to manipulate for proper positioning. It is
heavily lubricated to offer very smooth and
quiet operation. Should it become noisy with
prolonged use, apply a light machine oil
directly on the gooseneck area affected.
The provided AT8102 two-stage windscreen
simply slips over the head of the microphone,
effectively reducing wind noise or “popping”
when used extra-close.
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 output
level. Avoid leaving the microphone in the
open sun or areas where temperatures
exceed 110° F (43° C) for long periods of
time. Extremely high humidity should also be
avoided if possible.
Architects and Engineers Specifications
The microphone shall be a fixed-charge
condenser with a cardioid polar pattern and
a frequency response of 50 Hz to 18,000 Hz.
It shall operate from an external 9V to 52V
DC phantom power source.
The microphone shall have a nominal open-
circuit output voltage of 5.0 mV at 1 kHz, 1
Pascal. Output shall be low impedance
balanced (200 ohms). The microphone shall
accept a 140 dB SPL at 1 kHz while producing
no more than 1% T.H.D.
The microphone shall consist of a double
gooseneck and 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 flat
response/low-roll-off switch. The microphone
shall have an overall length of 18.50" (470.0
mm). The case shall be turned brass and have
a head diameter of 0.48" (12.3 mm). The
microphone weight shall be 4.2 oz (120 grams).
Finish shall be low-reflectance matte black.
The Audio-Technica AT859QMLx 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
AT859QMLx
MINIATURE
CARDIOID
CONDENSER
GOOSENECK
MICROPHONE

AT859QMLx SPECIFICATIONS†
ELEMENT Fixed-charge back plate,
permanently polarized condenser
POLAR PATTERN Cardioid (Unidirectional)
FREQUENCY RESPONSE 50-18,000 Hz
LOW-FREQUENCY ROLL-OFF 150 Hz, 6 dB/Octave
OPEN CIRCUIT SENSITIVITY –46 dB (5.0 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa*
IMPEDANCE 200 ohms
MAXIMUM INPUT SOUND LEVEL 140 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.
DYNAMIC RANGE (TYPICAL) 111 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL
SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO165 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa*
SWITCH Flat, roll-off (recessed)
PHANTOM POWER REQUIREMENTS 9-52V DC, 2 mA typical
WEIGHT 4.2 oz (120 grams)
DIMENSIONS 18.50" (470.0 mm) long
0.48" (12.3 mm) head diameter
0.83" (21.0 mm) power module diameter
OUTPUT CONNECTOR Integral 3-pin XLRM-type
ACCESSORY FURNISHED AT8102 two-stage foam windscreen
†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:
• AT8117 large foam windscreen for
high-wind conditions.
• CP8201 line matching transformer
(Lo-Z to 50,000 ohms).
• AT8202 adjustable in-line attenuator for use
with low-impedance microphones.
• 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.
• CP8506 four-channel 48V phantom power
supply (AC powered).
• CP8508 single-channel 24V phantom power
supply (AC powered).
• AT8616x locking ring/isolator.
• AT8617x locking ring.
AT859QMLx
Polar Pattern
Dimensions
Audio-Technica U.S., Inc., 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, Ohio 44224
Audio-Technica Limited, Old Lane, Leeds LS11 8AG England
Form No. 0310-0843-03-B/W © 1995 Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. Printed in U.S.A.
One-Year Limited Warranty
Audio-Technica microphones and accessories pur-
chased 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, con-
tact 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.
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
80.3 mm
3.16"
48.0 mm
1.89"
0.98"
25.0 mm
34.7 mm
1.37"
0.48"
12.3 mm
7.0 mm
6.0 mm
0.24"
0.28"
18.50"
470.0 mm
8.0 mm
0.31"
21.0 mm
0.83"