Audio Technica AT-915-AMR Owners Manual

AT915AMRx/ML

LEGEND

Roll-off

12" or more on axis (flat)

Frequency in Hertz

Response in dB

10 dB

20k

10k

500

200100

MicroLine



Description

The AT915AMRx/ML is a wide-range condenser microphone with a MicroLine polar pattern. It is designed for quality sound reinforcement, professional recording, television, and other demanding sound pickup applications. The small-diameter alternating gooseneck design permits highly flexible positioning while maintaining a smooth, well-contoured appearance. Its adjustable-length design allows for the ultimate in positioning flexibility. The AT915AMRx/ML features a 5/8"-27 threaded flange that allows it to mate with the threads of a standard microphone desk or floor stand. A 5/8"-27 threaded stud is also provided so it can be secured to a permanent mounting surface.

The microphone features a 9.8' (3.0 m) permanently-attached miniature cable. Its free end connects to the provided AT8533x power module via internal solderless screw terminals for simple length adjustment in the field. It can be powered from any external 9V to 52V DC phantom power supply. A recessed switch in the power module permits choice of flat response or low-frequency roll-off to help control undesired ambient noise.

Four additional interchangeable elements are available to permit selection of angle of acceptance from 90° to 360°.

Audio-Technica design engineers have utilized the newest low-mass diaphragm technology in the quest for superior performance. The permanent charge is now on the fixed back plate, rather than the moving element. With A-T fixed-charge “back plate” construction, a gold-vaporized diaphragm just 2 microns thick (about .000079") can be used. This considerably reduces moving mass, thus improving frequency response and transient response while reducing distortion.

The microphone is enclosed in a rugged housing with a low-reflectance black finish.

Installation and Operation

Output is low impedance balanced. The output connector of the power module mates with XLRF-type cable connectors. The balanced signal appears across Pins 2 and 3, while the ground (shield) connection is Pin 1. Output is phased so that positive acoustic pressure produces positive voltage at Pin 2, in accordance with industry convention.

To attach the microphone cable using the pre-stripped end: Remove the three screws from

the base of the power module and slide the outer case off to reveal the circuit board and screw terminals. Next, slide the case onto the cable (narrow end first), and tie a single knot in the cable about 1" from the tinned ends.

exposed small wires and shield.

Do not pull directly on the

Following Figure 3, attach the wires to their respective terminals. Make certain that the terminals are clamped on the conductors, not on the insulation, and that there are no loose strands of wire that might touch other terminals. Replace the case, being certain that it goes

over

the case grounding contact and that the roll- off switch is accessible. Finish by replacing the three base screws and testing for proper operation.

To shorten the cable: Remove the cable from the module, and cut it to the desired length (allowing a few extra inches). Next, after sliding the case back onto the cable, tie a single knot in

the cable about two inches from the cut end. Following Figure 2, cut the cable off 1" down from the top of the knot and carefully remove 1/2" of the outer jacket. Strip the mic cable wires and attach them to their respective terminals. Reassemble the module following the instructions in the previous paragraph.

By removing an attached AT8533x power module, the cable from the microphone can be routed through the bottom of the flange instead of exiting from the side as supplied (Fig. 1).

Figure 1. Cable routing

The provided foam windscreen simply slips over the MicroLine element, effectively reducing wind noise or “popping” when used extra close.

The small-diameter gooseneck is easy to manipulate for proper positioning. Heavily lubricated, it operates smoothly and quietly. Should the unit become noisy with prolonged use, apply a light machine oil directly on the gooseneck area affected.

While a modern condenser microphone is not unduly sensitive to the environment, temperature extremes can be harmful. Exposure to high temperature can result in gradual and permanent reduction of the output level. Avoid leaving the microphone in the open sun or in areas where temperatures exceed 110° F (43° C) for long periods of time. Extremely high humidity should also be avoided.

Frequency Response (Typical)

Terminal screws

Case grounding contact

Shield

Shield strands, fully twisted

/2"

Figure 2

Yellow-Yellow

Red-Red

/8" strip reds

and yellows

SYR

PC board

switch side

Figure 3

Yelow-Yellow Red-Red

Miniature Condenser Adjustable length Gooseneck Adapter mount Microphone

AT915AMRx /ML

21.0 mm

0.83"

91.0 mm

2.6 mm

0.10"

3.58"

30.0 mm

1.18"

8.0 mm

0.31"

580.0 mm

22.83"

20.28"

515.0 mm TO

131.5 mm

5.18"

AT915AMRx/ML Specifications

Element Fixed-charge back plate

Polar Pattern MicroLine

†

permanently polarized condenser



Frequency Response 30- 20,000 Hz Low-frequency Roll-off 150 Hz, 6 dB/octave Open Circuit Sensitivity –36 dB (15.8 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa* Impedance 200 ohms (1000 ohms without power module) Maximum Input Sound Level 131 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D. Dynamic Range (Typical) 105 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL Signal-to-noise Ratio

68 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa*

Switch Flat response, low-roll-off (recessed) Phantom Power Requirements 9-52V DC, 2 mA typical Weight

Microphone (less cable) 3.9 oz (110 grams) Power Module 2.1 oz (60 grams)

Dimensions

Microphone 20.28" (515.0 mm) to 22.83" (580.0 mm) long,

0.31" (8.0 mm) head diameter

Power Module 3.58" (91.0 mm) long, 0.83" (21.0 mm) diameter Output Connector (Power Module) Integral 3-pin XLRM-type Cable 9.8' (3.0 m) long (permanently attached to microphone),

Accessories Furnished AT8138 MicroLine foam windscreen; AT8533x power

Optional Interchangeable AT853C-ELE cardioid (120°) Elements

0.10" (2.6 mm) diameter, 2-conductor, shielded cable; free end attaches to screw terminals in power module

module; AT8425 5/8"-27 threaded mounting stud

AT853H-ELE hypercardioid (100°) AT853O-ELE omnidirectional (360°) AT853SC-ELE subcardioid (170 °)

†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/cm2 = 10 microbars = 94 dB SPL

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

These elements require a P10929 element adapter.

Architects and Engineers Specifications

The microphone shall be a fixed-charge condenser with a MicroLine polar pattern and a frequency response of 30 Hz to 20,000 Hz. It shall be capable of accepting optional interchangeable elements for additional polar patterns. It shall operate from an external 9V to 52V DC phantom power source. Nominal open-circuit output voltage with the included power module shall be

15.8 mV at 1 kHz, 1 Pascal. Output shall be low impedance balanced (200 ohms).

The microphone shall have a permanently-attached 9.8' (3.0 m) miniature cable with a pigtail output. The pigtail output shall connect to a power module via internal solderless screw terminals. The power module shall include a switch for low-frequency roll-off and shall terminate in a 3-pin XLRM-type output connector.

The microphone shall be a small-diameter alternating gooseneck design, with an overall length from 20.28" (515.0 mm) to 22.83" (580.0 mm). Head diameter shall be 0.31" (8.0 mm). The microphone shall include a 5/8"-27 threaded flange to mate with the threads of a standard microphone desk or floor stand. A 5/8"-27 threaded stud shall be provided for permanent installation to a mounting surface. The microphone weight shall be 3.9 oz (110 grams) without cable. Finish shall be low-reflectance black.

The Audio-Technica AT915AMRx/ML is specified.

270

LEGEND

200 Hz

300

240

1 kHz 5 kHz 8 kHz

Polar Pattern

330

210

180

SCALE IS 5 DECIBELS PER DIVISION

Dimensions

120

150

One-Year Limited Warranty

Audio-Technica microphones and accessories purchased in the U.S.A. are warranted for one year from date of purchase by Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. (A.T.U.S.) to be free of defects in materials and workmanship. In event of such defect, product will be repaired promptly without charge or, at our option, replaced with a new product of equal or superior value if delivered to A.T.U.S. or an Authorized Service Center, prepaid, together with the sales slip or other proof of purchase date. excludes defects due to normal wear, abuse, shipping damage, or failure to use product in accordance with instructions. This warranty is void in the event of unauthorized repair or modification.

For return approval and shipping information,

1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, Ohio 44224. Except to the extent precluded by applicable state law,

incidental, or special damages; any warranty of merchantability or fitness for particular purpose expires when this warranty expires.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.

Outside the U.S.A., please contact your local dealer for warranty details.

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

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

Prior approval from A.T.U.S. is required for return.

contact the Service Department, Audio-Technica U.S., Inc.,

A.T.U.S. will have no liability for any consequential,

This warranty

Form No. 0309-9503-00-B/W P50883