Audio-Technica AT897 User Manual

SCALE IS 5 DECIBELS PER DIVISION

Polar Pattern

200 Hz

LEGEND

5 kHz

1 kHz

8 kHz

240

180

210

270

300

330

150

120

12" or more on axis (flat)

10050200

LEGEND

Roll-off

10k

500

20k

Frequency in Hertz

Frequency Response

Response in dB

10 dB

AT897 LINE + GRADIENT CONDENSER MICROPHONE

• Designed for video production and broadcast (ENG/EFP) audio acquisition

• Short length (11") ensures mic stays out of the shot – even when used with compact digital cameras

• Smooth, natural-sounding on-axis audio quality

• Provides the narrow acceptance angle desirable for long-distance sound pickup

• Excellent sound rejection from the sides and rear of mic

• Switchable low-frequency roll-off

• Operates on battery or phantom power

The AT897 requires 11V to 52V DC phantom power or a 1.5V AA battery for operation. A battery need not be in place for phantom power operation.

AT897 SPECIFICATIONS

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ELEMENT Fixed-charge back plate

permanently polarized condenser

POLAR PATTERN Line + gradient

FREQUENCY RESPONSE 20-20,000 Hz

LOW FREQUENCY ROLL-OFF 80 Hz, 12 dB/octave

OPEN CIRCUIT SENSITIVITY –40 dB (10.0 mV) /

(Phantom / Battery) –41 dB (8.9 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa*

IMPEDANCE (Phantom / Battery) 200 ohms / 300 ohms

MAXIMUM INPUT SOUND LEVEL 129 dB / 115 dB SPL,

(Phantom / Battery) 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.

SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO

77 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa*

DYNAMIC RANGE (typical) 112 dB / 98 dB, (Phantom / Battery) 1 kHz at Max SPL

PHANTOM POWER 11-52V DC, 2 mA typical REQUIREMENTS

BATTERY TYPE 1.5V AA/UM3

BATTERY CURRENT / LIFE 0.4 mA / 1200 hours typical

(alkaline)

SWITCH Flat, roll-off (recessed)

WEIGHT (less accessories) 145 g (5.1 oz)

DIMENSIONS 279.0 mm (10.98") long,

21.0 mm (0.83") diameter

OUTPUT CONNECTOR Integral 3-pin XLRM-type

ACCESSORIES FURNISHED AT8405a stand clamp for 5/8"-27

threaded stands; AT8134 windscreen; battery;5/8"-27 to

/8"-16 threaded adapter;

protective carrying case

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In the interest of standards development, A.T.U.S. offers full details on its test methods to other industry professionals on request.

*1 Pascal = 10 dynes/cm

Typical, A-weighted, using Audio Precision System One.

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

= 10 microbars = 94 dB SPL

Battery installation: Unscrew the lower section of the microphone body, just below the nameplate. Insert a fresh 1.5V AA battery in the handle compartment (“+” end up), then reassemble the microphone. Alkaline batteries are recommended for longest life. Remove the battery during long-term storage.

Output from the microphone’s XLRM-type connector 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.

An integral 80 Hz high-pass filter provides easy switching from a flat frequency response to a low-end roll-off. The roll-off position reduces pickup of low-frequency ambient noise (such as traffic, air-handling systems, etc.), room reverberation and mechanically coupled vibrations.

The microphone is RoHS compliant–free from all substances specified in the EU directive on hazardous substances.

Avoid leaving the microphone in the open sun or in areas where temperatures exceed 43° C (110° F) for extended periods. Extremely high humidity should also be avoided.

Audio-Technica U.S., Inc., 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, Ohio 44224

Audio-Technica Limited, Old Lane, Leeds LS11 8AG England

www.audio-technica.com