DATA SHEET No. 129
DATE: March, 1941
SUBJECT: Model 708A
"Stratoliner"
Crystal Microphone
MODEL 708A "STRATOLINER" CRYSTAL MICROPHONE
GENERAL:
Model 708A “Stratoliner” is a pressure-ac-
tuated diaphragm-type semi-directional crys-
tal microphone with wide range response for
high quality reproduction of sound. The crystal used is
a grafoil (high capacity) bimorph unit, moisture-sealed
to withstand adverse climatic conditions. The case is at-
tractively streamlined for improved acoustical performance
and modern appearance. The microphone is provided with
built-in receptacle and 7-foot shielded rubber- jacketed
cable with microphone plug attached.
APPLICATIONS:
The Model 708A is designed for public ad-
pose use. The frequency response (see Fig.
dress, home recording, and all general pur-
B) is suitable for either voice or music, and is free from
undesirable peaks. When placed horizontally, the 708A ex-
hibits the semi-directional properties shown in Fig. C.
Used vertically, (microphone point straight up), it be-
comes non-directional in the horizontal plane, and per-
formers may be placed all around it without frequency dis-
crimination. A swivel is provided to permit tilting of
the microphone through an angle of 90°.
INSTALLATION: Model 708A is equipped with the standard
5/8”-27 thread and may be mounted on any
Shure desk, banquet, or floor stand. For
overhead suspension, an A35A Suspension Adapter may be
used. Convenient cable changing is possible due to the
built-in receptacle. A 7-foot single-conductor shielded
rubber-Jacketed cable is furnished with plug attached.
(See catalog for bulk length and special cables with plug
attached.) External flexible couplings are unnecessary
since the internal elements of the microphone are sub-
stantially isolated from the outer case.
CONNECTIONS :
The inner conductor of the cable should be
connected to the grid of the first tube in
the amplifier across a load resistance of 5
megohms. Input resistances as low as 1 megaohm may be used
if necessary but higher values are recommended because of
the better low-frequency response obtained. The shield
should be connected to the chassis. See Fig. A.
Added lengths of connecting cable will be accompanied
by a decrease in output level as given in the table below.
There is no frequency discrimination introduced by the
cable, regardless of length.
Total Cable Length Output Level* at
Cable Terminals
7
Ft.
(Standard)
-53.0 db
25
Ft.
-55.0 db
50
Ft.
-58.0 db
75
Ft.
-60.0
db
100
Ft.
-61.5 db
150
Ft.
-64.0
db
200
Ft.
-66.0 db
*(Expressed in db below 1 volt per bar.)
Most modern high-gain amplifiers have a sufficient
margin of gain to make up for the decrease in output
levels shown in the table. If the amplifier does not have
the necessary gain a preamplifier at the microphone or
near the main amplifier, is suggested. Preamplifiers
with low impedance output are recommended if the main
amplifier system has low impedance transformer or mixed
input.
Added cable should be of high quality and low capaci-
ty. The inner leads should be soldered and insulated
with a good grade of rubber tape. Metal braid sleeve or a
serve of fine wire should be soldered between the shields
of the cable to complete the shielding. Longer lengths of
cables with standard plug attached may be purchased at
small cost, and may be used interchangeably with shorter
cables. For unusually long cable lengths or for applica-
tions where the hum conditions are bad, Shure Type C30A
Super-shielded cable is recommended. (See catalog).
OPERATION: No polarizing voltage is required for crys-
tal microphones.
Crystal microphones may be seriously damaged if ac-
cidently connected to loud speaker or power supply outlets
carrying high voltage. Check your connections carefully.
Crystal microphones should not
be
used or kept in
places where the temperature exceeds 125°F. They should
not be exposed to the rays of the sun in very hot weather
for any considerable length of time - or left in closed
automobiles parked in the sun during hot weather, as the
temperature inside the automobile may easily build up to
over 125° and permanently damage the crystal.
When used near a radio transmitter, use the minimum
length of cable consistent with placement requirements.
Careful grounding of the cable shield is advisable.
ACOUSTIC Model 708A is a semi-directional microphone
CONSIDERATION:
with polar characteristics as shown in
Fig. C.
When turned to the vertical position, the microphone
is non-directional In the horizontal plane, and is ideal
for the grouping of artists around it without frequency
discrimination. It is also well-suited for “large-group
pickup of orchestras, etc.
(over)
Copyright Shure Brothers, 1941. Printed in U.S.A.
