ART C3 Multi-pattern Condenser Microphone
APPLIED RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY
Product Overview
The ART C3 multi-pattern wide diaphragm condenser microphone is one of the most versatile microphones available for your studio toolkit. Three selectable polar patterns, two position low frequency roll-off, and a two position pad switch on the body of the microphone ensure the ART C3 can easily be applied to virtually any recording or live application.
The ART C3 is the microphone of choice for recording critical tracks including solo vocals, saxophones, flutes, brass or woodwinds, acoustic guitars, or acoustic bass. The ART C3 excels anywhere superior sound quality is required, yet subtlety and clarity are paramount.
Due to its rugged construction and ability to handle high SPL, the ART C3 is an outstanding choice for live sound reinforcement or live recording applications. It can handle the levels you'd see on an overhead mic for drum kits or in front of guitar or bass cabinets.
Controls
Controls on the microphone itself include a -6 & -12dB pad switch, allowing distortion-free reproduction of extremely loud at-source signals, and a two position -12dB/octave low frequency roll off at 100Hz & 200Hz that reduces unnecessary low end 'boominess' and low frequency interference.
The included heavy-duty shock-mount suspension virtually eliminates vibration and handling noise, while at the same time safely securing the microphone in any position needed during the recording process.
Multiple Polar Patterns
A Cardioid polar pattern is the standard setting for almost all applications. It will give you the best results on most voice and a wide range of instruments. It offers full frequency response off of the front of the microphone. The advantage of proximity effect (increased low frequency response when microphone is placed close to sound source*) and excellent noise rejection from the sides and back, or 180° position of the microphone.
The cardioid pattern is ideal for single instrument or vocal use. The pattern picks up only sound directly in front of the mic. Sound from the other direction is rejected. In live sound applications and remote recording, ART C3's cardioid pattern offers excellent feedback rejection and better isolation and will give you the best results on most vocal applications and a wide range of solo instruments including background brass and woodwinds, acoustic stringed instruments (violin, viola and cello), drums and percussion. Note: The cardioid symbol on the microphone housing denotes the 'live side', or front face of the microphone that in all cases should face the performer.
The Omnidirectional polar pattern picks up sound equally from all around the microphone. This is mostly used for recording ambient sounds, or when recording in an exceptionally good sounding live room where the character, ambiance, and tone of the studio needs to be recorded, as well as the source voice or instrument. It would also be the ideal choice for picking up audience interaction in a live recording situation.
The Bi-directional or Figure-8 polar pattern will hear sound from both front and back. This is ideal for recording a solo vocal or instrument with limited proximity effect, better off-axis rejection (limited interference from the sides of the microphone) while still picking up room ambience or natural reverberation from behind the microphone. It also can be used for duet vocals or for recording harmony vocals with two vocalists.
*Vocalists can use the proximity effect to their advantage, adding fullness and more 'bottom end' to the voice. Experienced vocalists can easily incorporate it as part of their overall microphone technique. Again, experimentation with mic placement during the recording process is the key. The omnidirectional polar pattern does not exhibit this effect.
Specifications & Features
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Multi-pattern Condenser Microphone |
| Capsule | 34mm Diaphragm Side Address |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid, Figure-8, Omnidirectional |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz to 20kHz |
| MAX SPL | 132dB |
| S/N Ratio | 78dB |
| Sensitivity | -37dB (+/-2dB) |
| Self Noise | 16dB A |
| Impedance | <150 ohms |
| Recommended Load Impedance | 1000 ohms |
| Power Requirement | 48v Phantom Power |
| Dimensions | 57mm x 168.5mm (2.2 inches x 6.6 inches) |
Key Features
- ✔️ Exceptionally Warm Sounding FET Design
- ✔️ Smooth Frequency Response
- ✔️ Cardioid, Omnidirectional and Figure-8 Polar Patterns
- ✔️ Two Position Pad & Two Position High Pass Filter Switches
- ✔️ 34mm Gold Sputtered Diaphragm
- ✔️ Wide Dynamic Range with Low Noise Floor
- ✔️ Secure Cradle Mount and Hard Case Included
Diagram Descriptions
Frequency Response Graphs
Three frequency response graphs are presented, each showing the microphone's output in decibels (dB) across a frequency range from 20Hz to 20kHz. The graphs illustrate the microphone's sensitivity at different frequencies for its various settings or polar patterns.
Polar Pattern Graphs (at 1kHz)
Three polar pattern graphs illustrate the microphone's directional sensitivity at 1kHz. Each graph shows the sensitivity in decibels (dB) at different angles around the microphone, from 0° (front) to 180° (back) and 270° (side).
- Cardioid at 1kHz: Shows maximum sensitivity at 0° (front) and significant rejection at 180° (back) and sides (90°, 270°).
- Omni at 1kHz: Shows relatively uniform sensitivity across all angles (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°), indicating it picks up sound equally from all directions.
- Figure-8 at 1kHz: Shows maximum sensitivity at 0° (front) and 180° (back), with significant rejection at the sides (90°, 270°).
