User Manual

broadcast & production microphones
AT803
Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone
Features
• Clip-on lavalier mic provides high intelligibility for lecturers and
stage/TV performers
• Provides excellent yet unobtrusive sound pickup
• Offers the convenience of battery or phantom power operation
• Rugged design and construction for reliable performance
• UniSteep
®
lter provides a steep low-frequency attenuation to
improve sound pickup without affecting voice quality
Description
The AT803 is a miniature clip-on/lavalier condenser microphone with
an omnidirectional polar pattern. It is designed for quality sound
reinforcement, professional recording, television and other demanding
sound pickup applications.
The microphone is intended to be worn on the clothing or hidden in props
for excellent yet unobtrusive sound pickup. The wide-range capability of the
microphone ensures clean, accurate reproduction with high intelligibility for
speakers, presenters and other performers. Its small size makes it ideal for
use in applications where minimum visibility is required.
The microphone requires 11V to 52V phantom power or a 1.5V AA battery
for operation. A battery need not be in place for phantom power operation.
The microphone includes a 1.8 m (6') permanently attached miniature
cable. Its free end connects to the provided AT8531 power module via a
TA3F-type connector. The output of the power module is a 3-pin XLRM-
type connector.
A 3-position switch in the power module permits choice of off, on/at
response or on/low-roll-off (via integral 80 Hz high-pass UniSteep
®
lter).
The roll-off position reduces the pickup of low-frequency ambient noise.
The microphone comes equipped with a power module, a clothing clip, a
windscreen, a battery and a protective carrying case.
Operation and Maintenance
The AT803 requires 11V to 52V phantom power or a 1.5V AA battery for
operation. A battery need not be in place for phantom power operation.
To install the battery, remove the cap from the top of the power module.
Insert a fresh 1.5V AA battery (“+” end toward the cap release button),
then reassemble the power module. For longest battery life, the switch
should remain off except when the microphone is in use. Alkaline
batteries are recommended for longest life. Remove the battery during
long-term storage.
Output is low impedance (Lo-Z) balanced. The signal appears across Pins
2 and 3; Pin 1 is ground (shield). Output phase is “Pin 2 hot”— positive
acoustic pressure produces positive voltage at Pin 2.
To avoid phase cancellation and poor sound, all mic cables must be wired
consistently: Pin 1-to-Pin 1, etc.
A 3-position switch in the power module permits choice of off, on/at
response, or on/low-roll-off (via integral 80 Hz high-pass UniSteep
®
lter).
The roll-off position reduces the microphone's sensitivity to popping in
close vocal use. It also reduces the pickup of low-frequency ambient
noise (such as trafc, air-handling systems, etc.), room reverberation and
mechanically coupled vibrations. To engage the UniSteep
®
lter, slide
the switch toward the “bent” line. To turn the microphone on without
engaging the UniSteep
®
lter, slide the switch toward the at line.
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.
Avoid leaving the microphone in the open sun or in areas where
temperatures exceed 110° F (43° C) for extended periods. Extremely high
humidity should also be avoided.
Architect’s and Engineer’s Specications
The microphone shall be a xed charge condenser. It shall have an
omnidirectional polar pattern and a frequency response of 30 Hz to
20,000 Hz. The microphone shall operate from an external 11V to 52V DC
phantom power source or, alternatively, from a 1.5V AA/UM3 battery. It
shall be capable of handling sound input levels up to 135 dB (phantom)
or 121 dB (battery) with a dynamic range of 107 dB (phantom) or 93 dB
(battery). Nominal open-circuit output voltage shall be 6.3 mV (phantom)
or 5.0 mV (battery) at 1 V, 1 Pascal. Output shall be low impedance
balanced (200 ohms – phantom, 270 ohms – battery).
The microphone shall have a 1.8 m (6') permanently attached miniature
cable terminating in a TA3F-type output connector. The output connector
shall connect to a TB3M-type jack on the included power module. The
power module shall house the battery, and shall contain a switch that
permits choice of off, on/at response or on/low-roll-off (80 Hz). The
output of the power module shall be a 3-pin XLRM-type connector.
The microphone shall be 25.0 mm (0.98") long and have a diameter of
10.2 mm (0.40"). Weight shall be 2.8 grams (0.1 oz). The microphone
shall include a power module, a clothing clip, a windscreen, a battery
and a protective carrying case. Finish shall be low-reectance black.
The Audio-Technica AT803 is specied.