Audio-Technica AT898 User Manual
Subminiature Cardioid Condenser Microphones
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this product. Before using the product, read through the user manual to ensure that you will use the product correctly. Please keep this manual for future reference.
Features
- Maximum intelligibility and clean, accurate reproduction for lecturers, stage and television talent, and worship leaders.
- Low-profile design (5 mm diameter) is ideal for applications requiring minimum visibility.
- Cardioid polar pattern improving isolation of desired sound source.
- Includes an extensive array of accessories.
- Switchable low-frequency roll-off reduces sensitivity to popping in close vocal use.
- Operates on battery or phantom power.
Notes on Use
The AT898 is designed to be worn as a lavalier or hidden in loose clothing. For use as a lavalier, attach the microphone about six inches below the chin. Anticipate movements that may cause the microphone to rub against or be covered by clothing, and position the microphone to avoid it.
The included single and double mic holders are interchangeable with all the bases. To change the holders, simply remove the original holder and snap in the desired one. When using the AT898 in extremely close situations, slip the included open-pore foam windscreen over the mic to reduce wind noise or "popping."
CAUTION! To avoid possible injury, use caution when affixing the AT898 viper clip to clothing. The pins are sharp and may puncture skin. For best results, ensure that pin ends rest on the outside of clothing.
The AT898 requires 11-52V DC phantom power, or a 1.5V AA battery for operation. A battery need not be in place for phantom power operation.
Battery installation: Unscrew the base of the power supply unit and insert one AA battery into the battery compartment, being certain to observe battery polarity as marked. Then simply screw the base shut. Alkaline batteries are recommended for longest life. Remove the battery during long-term storage.
Avoid leaving the microphone in the open sun or in areas where temperatures exceed 43°C for extended periods. Extremely high humidity should also be avoided.
Safety Precautions
Although this product was designed to be used safely, failing to use it correctly may result in an accident. To ensure safety, observe all warnings and cautions while using the product.
Cautions for the product
- Do not subject the product to strong impact to avoid malfunction.
- Do not disassemble, modify, or attempt to repair the product.
- Do not handle the product with wet hands to avoid electric shock or injury.
- Do not store the product under direct sunlight, near heating devices, or in a hot, humid, or dusty place.
Specifications
Element | Fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized condenser |
Polar pattern | Cardioid |
Frequency response | 200 - 15,000 Hz |
Low Frequency Roll-off | 80 Hz, 12 dB/octave |
Open circuit sensitivity | Phantom: -43 dB (7.0 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa Battery: -46 dB (5.0 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa |
Impedance | Phantom: 200 ohms Battery: 250 ohms |
Maximum input sound level | Phantom: 131 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D. Battery: 115 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D. |
Dynamic range (typical) | Phantom: 100 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL Battery: 84 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL |
Signal-to-noise ratio | 63 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa |
Phantom Power Requirements | 11-52V DC, 2 mA typical |
Battery Type | 1.5V AA/UM3 |
Battery Current / Life | 2.0 mA / 1200 hours typical (alkaline) |
Switch | Flat, roll-off (recessed) |
Weight | Microphone - 0.9 g / Power Module - 102 g |
Dimensions | Microphone - 23.0 mm long, 5.3 mm diameter Power Module - 145.0 mm long, 21.0 mm diameter |
Output connector | Integral 3-pin XLRM-type |
Cable | 3.0 m long (permanently attached to microphone), 2.0 mm diameter, 2-conductor, shielded cable with TA3F output connector |
Included accessories | AT8537 power module; AT8439 cable clip; clothing clip base; viper clip base; magnet clip base and plate with lanyard; three single mic holders; two double mic holders; two windscreens; battery; protective carrying case. |
Note: 1 Pascal = 10 dynes/cm² = 10 microbars = 94 dB SPL. Typical, A-weighted, using Audio Precision System One. For product improvement, the product is subject to modification without notice.
Diagrams and Visual Descriptions
Polar Pattern
The polar pattern diagram shows a cardioid pickup pattern. It illustrates that the microphone is most sensitive to sound coming from the front (0 degrees) and less sensitive to sounds from the sides (90 and 270 degrees) and rear (180 degrees). The sensitivity decreases as the angle from the front increases.
Frequency Response
The frequency response graph displays the microphone's output level (in dB) across a range of frequencies (in Hertz), from 200 Hz to 100 kHz. The graph indicates a relatively flat response within the audible range, with a noticeable roll-off starting at lower frequencies, as indicated by the 'Roll-off' legend.
Connection Procedure
Connect the output terminals of the AT8537 power module to a device that has a microphone input (balanced input) compatible with a phantom power supply. The output connector is an XLRM-type with polarity as shown in the figure below.
Output terminals (XLRM Connector)
- PIN 1: Ground
- PIN 2: Hot (Positive signal)
- PIN 3: Cold (Negative signal)
This product requires 48V DC phantom power.
Manufacturer Information
Audio-Technica Corporation
2-46-1 Nishi-naruse, Machida, Tokyo 194-8666, Japan
Global Support Contact: www.at-globalsupport.com
©2017 Audio-Technica Corporation
Form No. ATGC-L0406-21, Dated: 3-MAR-2021