Audio Technica Midnight Blues MB4000C Operating And Maintenance

Operation and Maintenance

If remote power is not available, install a battery before
attempting operation. Unscrew the lower section of the
microphone body, just below the on/off switch. Place the
battery in the handle compartment, then reassemble the
microphone. Be certain to observe the polarity as indicated
(+ end up). While standard carbon-zinc batteries will power
the microphone satisfactorily, alkaline cells are preferred for
longer service life. Only “leakproof” batteries should be used,
and they should be removed for long-term microphone storage.

Output of the MB4000C is low impedance balanced. The
professional 3-pin microphone output connector 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.

For balanced low-impedance inputs (required for phantom
power), MBC15L cable (or equal) is recommended. An accom­panying drawing shows the wiring used at the equipment end
of this cable. Note that other manufacturers may employ other
color codes for cable conductors. Regardless of the color code,
it is important that both ends of each cable are wired consis­tently, with the shield always connected to Pin 1, Pin 2 to Pin 2,
and Pin 3 to Pin 3. This will ensure that all microphones are
electrically in phase and reduce problems of uneven response
and sound cancellation when two microphones are used close
to each other.

For unbalanced low-impedance inputs, MBC15H cable (or
equal) is recommended. A 1/4" phone plug is wired to the
equipment end of this cable.

For high-impedance inputs, use MBC15L cable (or equal). Plug
this cable into a CP8201 line matching transformer, which has
an integral 1/4" phone plug for connecting directly to the Hi-Z
amplifier input. Locating the transformer at the equipment
input minimizes pickup of noise and hum, typical problems
experienced with long high-impedance lines. Use of the CP8305
Hi-Z transformer cable is also recommended.

The high sensitivity of the MB4000C assures useful output and
an excellent match to most mixer, tape recorder and amplifier
inputs. It will provide undistorted output even in very intense
sound fields. In some cases, however, an attenuator such as
the Audio-Technica AT8202 may be required between the
microphone and preamplifier to avoid overloading sensitive
input stages.

While a condenser microphone is not unduly sensitive to the
environment, temperature extremes can be harmful. Exposure
to high temperatures 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.

MB4000C

Vocal/Instrument

Cardioid Condenser Microphone

Description

The MB4000C is a wide-range condenser microphone with a
cardioid pickup pattern. It is designed to meet the needs of
professional musicians and sound engineers in live
performance, recording and sound reinforcement applications.
Smooth response, fast attack and quiet operation ensure
high-quality vocal and instrumental pickup.

The microphone features an open-cage design for minimum
disturbance of the studio-grade polar pattern. A special internal
shock mount system minimizes handling and case noise while
a multi-stage internal breath shield effectively reduces wind
noise and “popping” when performers work extremely close.

The MB4000C will accommodate any external phantom power
source supplying from 9V to 48V DC. If, however, remote
powering is not available, a common 1.5V AA battery will
provide sufficient power to the microphone. Current demands
are so low that a premium battery will provide more than a
thousand hours of service.

The cardioid pickup pattern of the MB4000C is useful in
reducing unwanted background noise and controlling feedback,
especially when used extremely close. Miking instruments or
vocalists at very close range also effectively reduces “leakage”
from one performer to the next. Low-frequency noise is
reduced by a low-frequency roll-off of sounds more than one
foot distant from the microphone.

Enclosed in a rugged housing, the MB4000C features a special,
baked-on “Midnight Blues” finish. In addition to being attractive
and comfortable to hold, this special finish further reduces han­dling noise and increases durability.

The included microphone clamp permits mounting on any
microphone stand with 5/8"-27 threads. A battery, foam
windscreen and foam-lined carrying case are also provided.

200 Hz

1 kHz
5 kHz
8 kHz

LEGEND

SCALE IS 5 DECIBELS PER DIVISION

90

60

120

30

150

210

240

270

300

330

180

0

MB4000C

SPECIFICATIONS

†

Element Condenser

Polar Pattern Cardioid (Unidirectional)

Frequency Response 100-18,000 Hz

Open Circuit Sensitivity 3.9 mV (–48 dBV) at 1 Pa*

Impedance 200 ohms

Maximum Input Sound Level PHANTOM 128 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.

BATTERY 124 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.

Dynamic Range (Typical) 100 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL

Signal-To-Noise Ratio

1

66 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa*

Switch On/off

Phantom Power Requirements 9-48V DC, 2.0 mA typical

Battery Type Use only “leakproof” AA/UM3

1.5V battery

Battery Current 1.0 mA typical

Battery Life More than 1000 hours, premium battery,

continuous use

Weight (Less Accessories) 4.7 oz (132 grams)

Dimensions 7.94" (201.8 mm) long,

1.53" (38.8 mm) head diameter

Output Connector Integral 3-pin XLRM-type

Accessories Furnished AT8427 stand clamp for 5/8"-27 threaded

stands; foam windscreen; battery;
protective foam carrying case

†

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

2

= 10 microbars = 94 dB SPL

1

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

Frequency Response

Polar Pattern

XLRM-type Plug Wiring

Low Impedance Balanced

1

/4" Phone Plug Wiring

Low Impedance Unbalanced

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.

Prior approval from A.T.U.S.

is required for return.

This warranty 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,

contact the
Service Department, Audio-Technica U.S., Inc., 1221
Commerce Drive, Stow, Ohio 44224.

Except to the extent precluded by applicable state law,

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

Audio-Techinca U.S., Inc., 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, Ohio 44224
Audio-Technica Limited, Old Lane, Leeds LS11 8AG England

Form No. 0323-9600-01 © 1998 Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. Printed in U.S.A.

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

RED WIRE

TIP SLEEVE

SHIELD

WHITE WIRE

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

MBC15H 15' 2-conductor, shielded,
vinyl-jacketed cable with XLRF-type
connector at microphone end, 1/4" phone
plug at equipment end.

MBC15L 15' 2-conductor, shielded,
vinyl-jacketed cable with XLRF-type
connector at microphone end, XLRM­type connector at equipment end.

CP8201 line matching transformer
(Lo-Z to 50,000 ohms).

AT8202 adjustable in-line attenuator for
use with balanced Lo-Z microphones.

AT8312 2-conductor, shielded,
vinyl-jacketed, broadcast-type cable with
XLRF-type connector at microphone end,

1

/4" phone plug at equipment end.

Available in 10', 20' and 25' lengths.

AT8314 2-conductor, shielded,
vinyl-jacketed, broadcast-type cable with
XLRF-type connector at microphone end,
XLRM-type connector at equipment end.
Available in 10', 20', 25', 30', 50' & 100'
lengths.

AT8407 universal “clothes-pin” stand
clamp fits both tapered and cylindrical
microphones.

AT8410a shock mount for boom or stand
operation. Universal “clothes-pin” stand
clamp fits both tapered and cylindrical
microphones.

AT8415 low-profile shock mount for
boom or stand operation.

CP8506 four-channel 48V phantom
power supply (AC powered).

AT8801 single-channel 48V phantom
power supply (AC powered).

Midnight Blues

®

Frequency in Hertz

Response in dB

10 dB

20k

10k

5k

2k

1k

500

200100

50

Q

LEGEND

12" or more on axis