Spec Sheet

Countryman Associates, Inc. 195 Constitution Drive, Menlo Park, CA 94025 US: [phone] Intl: 650-364-9988 F: [phone]
[e-mail] For more information and warranty registration visit www.countryman.com Made in the United States.
How should I position the A3 for best coverage?
Choosing the right position depends on the microphone pickup pattern and subject
position. The A3 Podium Microphone is available with precision omnidirectional, cardioid, or
hypercardioid patterns, or in a selectable pattern version allowing the microphone to switch
patterns instantly. In all cases, the ideal distance from microphone to subject is about 12
inches (30 cm), positioned at chest level, pointing toward the face.This location eliminates
pops and other breath noises, doesn’t interfere with sight lines, and accommodates both
normal conversational levels and presenters who prefer to project to the crowd.
A3 Podium: Frequently Asked Questions
How should I mount the A3 to a desk or podium?
The Countryman A4CDM Desk Mount consists of a Neutrik connector module and a metal
bushing that can be mounted through a table top or podium surface. It both supports and
connects the mic, and provides an attractive, unobtrusive mount with a very small footprint.
This kind of mounting is practical only because of the A3’s Active Vibration Plus shock
isolation—other podium microphones require bulky shock mounts to avoid table vibration
noises.
Mounting the A4CDM requires drilling the table surface and soldering to the connector
module, and is recommended for permanent installations only. The mic itself is held in place
by the XLR connector’s latch and can be removed easily for storage.
Hypercardioid
The A3 Podium’s extremely accurate hypercardioid pattern picks up approximately a
90° cone extending from the tip of the microphone, allowing the presenter to move
around or share the podium with a second person. This pattern also has the most
rejection of ambient noise and feedback and is the most popular fixed pattern option.
Cardioid
The cardoid pattern has a pickup angle of about 130°, which is well-suited to groups
or moving subjects. This pattern has the most rejection to the rear of the microphone,
making it useful for taming feedback from nearby floor monitors.
Omnidirectional
The omnidirectional pattern picks up equally from all directions, making it ideal for a group
around a table or picking up the ambient sound of an ensemble or space. This pattern can’t
reject interfering sources and is not suitable for environments where feedback is an issue.
Selectable
Selectable pattern A3 Podium Microphones have a switch at the base allowing the
microphone to change instantly between any of the above patterns, making it the most
versatile choice.
XLR3 connection
1/8” pipe nipple or
“lamp pipe” bushing.
Can be any length;
one inch is normally
supplied for table
surfaces 3/4” or less
in thickness. Drill 7/16”
hole.