POLAR
PATTERN
CM-312A
CM-312AE
HYPERCARDIOID HEADWORN
CONDENSER MICROPHONE
The Crown® CM-312A is a rugged, lightweight
head-worn microphone designed for aerobics,
live entertainment, and sports broadcasting. It
is intended for applications that require a light, incon-
spicuous mic.
Because the microphone is to the side of the mouth,
breath pops are eliminated. The sound of the CM-
312A can be tailored to taste by moving the micro-
phone closer or farther from the corner of the mouth.
The CM-312A sounds like the best handheld micro-
phones. Its hypercardioid pickup pattern reduces
feedback and aids isolation. In difficult situations, the
Crown CM-311A headworn mic is recommended be-
cause it picks up even less feedback and leakage than
the CM-312A.
Designed for comfort, the headband fits behind the
head and disappears in use. Both the headband and
boom adjust to fit any head. Because of the boom’s
unique behind-the-ear design, it does not cover up the
user’s face.
Two models are available: CM-312A and CM-312AE.
The CM-312A is powered by a 9V battery or phantom
power. It has a battery belt pack with a battery on/off
switch, a programmable mic on/off switch, and a “Mic
On” LED. The CM-312AE has no connector; you con-
nect it to a wireless transmitter of your choice. Crown
has some versions of the CM-312AE pre-wired with
connectors for various wireless systems, such as the
CM-312AESH for Shure wireless systems. Please ask
your local dealer or Crown Technical Support for more
information.
How to adjust for best fit
For best results, the CM-312A MUST be custom fitted
to one wearer’s head. This simple procedure takes
only a few minutes. Please refer to Fig. 3 and locate
the parts described.
1. If the microphone is for yourself, we suggest that
you use a mirror to double check the fit as you make
adjustments.
2. Loosen (just a little) the thumbscrew located on the
outside of the foam block, part way back on the boom.
This allows the boom to slide in and out, and to rotate
left and right.
3. Now adjust the headband to fit your head. Put the
foam block wire behind your ear.
Start bending the headband wire from the boom
side, moving around to the other ear. The back of the
headband should fit firmly against the back of the
neck. If you can slide a finger between the headband
and the back of your neck, then the headband is not
fitted correctly. For users with smaller or petite heads,
you may have to re-bend the earpiece around the ear,
and cut off extra headband material.
4. Next, adjust the foam pad snug against your head
or neck. To do this, bend the wire that goes into the
foam block. CAUTION! Do not bend the boom itself
– just the foam-block wire. A snug fit of the foam pad
prevents boom bounce when you move around.
Specifications
Transducer type: Electret condenser.
Frequency response (typical): 50 Hz to 17,000 Hz (see
Fig. 1).
Polar pattern: Hypercardioid (see Fig. 2).
Impedance: CM-312A, 75 ohms balanced.
CM-312AE, 6 kilohms unbalanced.
Recommended load impedance: CM-312A, 1000 ohms or
greater. CM-312AE, 10 kilohms.
Open-circuit sensitivity, typical, close-talking:
CM-312A, 3.8 mV/Pa* (–48.5 dB re 1V/Pa).
CM-312AE, 2.9 mV/Pa (–51 dB re 1V/Pa).
Power sensitivity, typical, close-talking:
CM-312A: –43 dB re 1 mW/Pa*.
CM-312AE: –65 dB re 1 mW/Pa.
Equivalent noise level (self noise): 31 dB SPL typical
(0 dB = 0.0002 dyne/cm2), A-weighted.
S/N ratio: 63 dB at 94 dB SPL.
Maximum SPL: 148 dB SPL produces 3% THD.
Operating voltage: CM-312A, 9V DC internal alkaline bat-
tery or 18-48V phantom power.
CM-312AE, 3–9V DC from the transmitter’s battery.
Polarity: Positive pressure on diaphragm produces
positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3, and on
CM-312AE white lead with respect to shield.
Current drain: CM-312A, 6 mA nominal.
CM-312AE, 0.27 mA nominal.
Battery life: CM-312A, 90 hours. CM-312AE, approxi-
mately equal to transmitter battery life.
Off-attenuation: 70 dB @ 1kHz.
Output connectors: CM-312A, 3-pin pro audio (XLR type).
CM-312AE, supply your own to match your transmitter.
Cables (CM-312A): 2-conductor shielded, unbalanced ca-
ble, 3-feet (0.915-m) from mic capsule to battery pack.
Use 2-conductor shielded mic cable (not included)
between XLR connector and mixer mic input.
Cable (CM-312AE): 45-inches long (1.144-m),
2-conductor shielded unbalanced cable, unterminated.
In-line with this cable is a small circuit module that
equalizes the microphone signal.
Materials: High-impact plastic and PVC mic housing,
brass boom, steel wire headband, high-impact plastic
and steel battery pack.
Finish: Satin black.
Net weight: Head-worn mic, 1.5 oz (43 g). CM-312A belt
pack and battery, 6.1 oz (173 g).
Dimensions: Headband 5.5 in. (13.97 cm) diameter,
adjustable. Boom approximately 5.75 in. (14.61 cm).
See Figs. 6 and 7.
Included accessories: Microphone carrying case, WS-7
foam pop filter and clothing clip for aerobics.
Optional accessories: PH-1A phantom power supply
(1 channel, battery or AC-adapter powered).
*1 pascal = 10 dynes/cm2= 10 microbars = 94 dB SPL.
Frequency in Hz
Frequency Response
Fig. 1
Fig. 3
Fig. 2
+15
+10
+5
dB 0
-5
-10
-15
-20
-25
-30
-35
0 0"
140 2’
0 2’
-
REAR
FRONT
-20
-15
-10
-5
-0
60
90
120
150180
210
240
270
300
030
330
200 Hz
300 Hz-3 kHz
10 kHz
Polar Response
Fig. 4
TO MOVE MIC
UP OR DOWN
TO MOVE MIC
IN OR OUT
TO MOVE MIC
LEFT OR RIGHT
THUMBSCREW
FOAM BLOCK
EARPIECE
MIC
HEADBAND
WIRE
DETAIL
BOOM
FOAM BLOCK
WIRE
