ATM73a
Cardioid Condenser Headworn Microphone
artist series live sound microphones
The ATM73cW is also available unterminated as the ATM73ac.
Operation and Maintenance
The ATM73a 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.
Features
• Ideal for drummers, keyboard players, guitarists or anyone
requiring hands-free operation
• Comfortable, unobtrusive headband design with side-of-mouth
pickup
• Belt-mounted power module operates on battery or phantom
power
• Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides
and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source
• Rugged design and construction for reliable performance
• Switchable 80 Hz high-pass lter minimizes pickup of undesired
low-frequency sounds
• Also available in two additional versions (without power module)
ATM73cW—cable terminated for A-T UniPak® wireless systems
ATM73ac—unterminated cable
ATM73a Description
The ATM73a is a headworn condenser microphone with a cardioid polar
pattern. It is designed for use by performing musicians and others who
require professional-quality vocal pickup with hands-free operation.
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’s cardioid polar pattern provides a 120° angle of
acceptance.
The microphone includes a 1.4 m (4.6') 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 XLRMtype 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 lter). The roll-off
position reduces the pickup of low-frequency ambient noise.
The microphone comes equipped with a power module, two windscreens
and a battery.
ATM73cW Description
The microphone is also available in a wireless model, the ATM73cW. The
ATM73cW includes a 1.4 m (55") permanently attached miniature cable
terminated with a locking 4-pin connector for use with Audio-Technica
UniPak® body-pack transmitters. No power module or battery is included
(or required) with the ATM73cW. The ATM73cW dimensions, polar pattern,
and included windscreens are otherwise identical to those of the ATM73a.
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 lter). The roll-off
position reduces the pickup of low-frequency ambient noise (such as
trafc, air-handling systems, etc.), room reverberation and mechanically
coupled vibrations. To engage the high-pass lter, slide the switch toward
the “bent” line. To turn the microphone on without engaging the highpass lter, slide the switch toward the at line.
For maximum stability and minimum visibility, the headband should be
worn around the back of the head, with each cushioned support pad
resting on the temple in front of the ear. The cable should remain clipped
to the headband, with some slack at the boom connection. The headset
is designed so the microphone descends from the left support pad.
After use in high-moisture applications, such as aerobics instruction,
on-stage performing, etc., remove the foam screen, wipe off the headset
with a towel and permit them to air-dry. (Do not store in a closed space,
such as a plastic bag, until all moisture has evaporated.)
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 Specications
The microphone shall be a xed-charge condenser designed for
headworn use. It shall have a cardioid polar pattern with a uniform 120°
angle of acceptance and a frequency response of 40 Hz to 15,000 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 146 dB (phantom) or
132 dB (battery) with a dynamic range of 111 dB (phantom) or 97 dB
(battery). Nominal open-circuit output voltage shall be 1.7 mV (phantom)
or 1.5 mV (battery) at 1 V, 1 Pascal. Output shall be low impedance
balanced (200 ohms – phantom, 270 ohms – battery).
The microphone shall have a 1.4 m (4.6') 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 a headworn design with an element diameter of
10.0 mm (0.39"). Weight shall be 31 grams (1.1 oz). The microphone shall
include a power module, two windscreens and a battery.
The microphone shall also be available in a wireless model with a
359
ATM73a
1.4 m (55") permanently attached miniature cable terminated with a
locking 4-pin connector for use with Audio-Technica UniPak® body-pack
transmitters. No power module or battery shall be required or included
with the wireless model. The wireless model dimensions, polar pattern
and included windscreens shall be identical to those of the wired model.
The wireless model shall also be available unterminated.
The Audio-Technica ATM73a [ATM73cW-wireless]; [ATM73ac-unterminated]
is specied.
Specications
Element
Polar pattern
Frequency response
Low frequency roll-off
Open circuit sensitivity
Impedance
Maximum input sound level
Dynamic range (typical)
Signal-to-noise ratio
Phantom power requirements
Battery type
Battery current / life
Switch
Weight
Dimensions
Output connector
Cable
Audio-Technica case style
Accessories furnished
In the inter est of standards devel opment, A.T.U.S.
offers full details on its test me thods to other industr y
1 Pascal = 1 0 dynes/cm
1
Typical, A-weighted, using Audio Precision System One.
Specication s are subject to chang e without notice.
professional s on request.
2
= 10 microb ars = 94 dB SPL
Fixed-charge back plate, permanently
polarized condenser
Cardioid
40-15,000 Hz
80 Hz, 18 dB/octave
Phantom:–55 dB (1.7 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa
Battery: –56 dB (1.5 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa
Phantom: 200 ohms
Battery: 270 ohms
Phantom: 146 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.
Battery: 132 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.
Phantom: 111 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL
Battery: 97 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL
1
59 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa
11-52V DC, 2 mA typical
1.5V AA/UM3
0.4 mA / 1200 hours typical (alkaline)
Off, on-at, on-roll-off
Microphone: 31 g (1.1 oz)
Power module: 139 g (4.9 oz)
Microphone: 10.0 mm (0.39") diameter
Power module: 84.0 mm (3.31") H x
63.0 mm (2.48") W x 22.0 mm (0.87") D
Headset: 165.0 mm (6.49") nominal at
widest point, 67.0 mm (2.64") exible
boom
Power module: Integral 3-pin XLRM-type
1.4 m (4.6') long (permanently attached
to microphone), 2.6 mm (0.10") diameter,
2-conductor shielded cable with TA3Ftype connector
M5
AT8531 power module; AT8128
windscreen; AT8125 windscreen; battery
frequency response: 40–15,000 Hz
10 dB
100
12" or more on axis
Roll-off
330˚
200
Frequency in Hertz
0˚
180˚
500
30˚
150˚
5k
2k
1k
60˚
120˚
10k
90˚
LEGEND
200 Hz
1 kHz
5 kHz
8 kHz
50
LEGEND
polar pattern
300˚
270˚
240˚
210˚
SCALE IS 5 DECIBELS PER DIVISION
Audio-Technica U.S., Inc., 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, Ohio 44224
Audio-Technica Limited, Old Lane, Leeds LS11 8AG England
©2010 Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. audio-technica.com 0001-0164-01
Response in dB
20k