Audio-Technica U853R Datasheet

U853R & U853RW

Cardioid Condenser Hanging Microphones

unipoint® microphones

Installation and Operation

The U853R requires 11V to 52V phantom power for operation.

A uniform 120° angle of acceptance provides well-balanced audio
pickup. The microphone should be located forward of the front-most
source, above the rear-most source, and “aimed” between them
(Fig.1). Increasing the height of the mic above the sources will tend to
equalize sound levels between them, but may also increase background/
reverberant sound pickup. When possible, the distance from the mic to
the rear-most source should be no more than twice the distance to the
front source, to maintain front-to-rear balance (Fig. 1).

Width of pickup is approximately three times the distance to the closest
performer. If additional mics are needed for wide sources, they should
be positioned apart laterally at least three times the distance to the front
source, to avoid phase cancellation (Fig. 2).

Features

• Uniform cardioid polar pattern with 120° acceptance angle

• Low-prole design with low-reectance nish for minimum
visibility

• Superior off-axis rejection for maximum gain before feedback

• UniGuard® RFI-shielding technology offers outstanding rejection
of radio frequency interference (RFI)

• UniSteep® lter provides a steep low-frequency attenuation to
minimize pickup of undesired ambient noise

• Available interchangeable elements permit angle of acceptance
from 90º to 360º

• Steel hanger positions microphone over choirs, instrumental
groups and theater stages

• Available in two colors: black (U853R) and white (U853RW)

Description

The U853R is a wide-range miniature condenser microphone with a
cardioid polar pattern. It is designed for quality sound reinforcement,
professional recording, television and other demanding sound pickup
applications. The combination of small size and excellent response makes
the microphone ideal for suspension over choirs, instrumental groups or
theater stages.

The microphone requires 11V to 52V phantom power for operation.

The microphone is equipped with UniGuard® RFI-shielding technology,
which offers outstanding rejection of radio frequency interference (RFI).

The microphone's cardioid polar pattern provides a 120° angle of
acceptance. Additional interchangeable elements with omnidirectional
(360°), hypercardioid (100°) and UniLine® (90°) pickup patterns are
available.

The microphone includes a 7.6 m (25') permanently attached miniature
cable. Its free end connects to the provided AT8538 power module via
a special TA3F-type connector designed to optimize RFI immunity. The
output of the power module is a 3-pin XLRM-type connector.

A recessed switch in the power module permits choice of at response
or low-frequency roll-off (via integral 80 Hz high-pass UniSteep® lter) to
help control undesired ambient noise.

To orient the microphone in the proper direction, twist the housing
slightly in its wire holder. (Clockwise rotation moves the microphone to
the right; counterclockwise rotation moves it to the left.)

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.

The provided two-stage foam windscreen simply slips over the head of
the microphone, effectively reducing noise from wind or ventilation air
currents.

An integral 80 Hz high-pass UniSteep® lter provides easy switching from
a at frequency response to a low-end roll-off. The roll-off position reduces
the pickup of low-frequency ambient noise (such as trafc, air-handling
systems, etc.), room reverberation and mechanically coupled vibrations. To
engage the UniSteep® lter, use the end tip of a paperclip or other small
pointed instrument to slide the switch toward the “bent” line.

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.

Note: Audio-Technica has developed a special RFI-shielding mechanism,
which is an integral part of the connectors in the UniPoint® line. If you
remove or replace the connector, you may adversely affect the unit's
RFI immunity. Audio-Technica offers a crimp tool (ATCT) and RFI shields
that enable you to shorten the cable and correctly reinstall the connector
while maintaining the highest level of RFI immunity.

Architect’s and Engineer’s Specications

The microphone shall be a xed-charge condenser designed for
permanent installation or portable applications. It shall have a cardioid
polar pattern with a uniform 120° angle of acceptance and a frequency

LES

S T

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AN 2

TIMES

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X

D

IS

T

A

N

CE

“

X

”

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The microphone comes equipped with a power module, a vinyl-coated
steel hanger for positioning over a choir/orchestra/stage, a two-stage
foam windscreen and a 5/8"-27 stand adapter. The microphone is enclosed
in a rugged housing with a low-reectance black nish. It is also available
with white housing, cable, hanger and windscreen as the U853RW.

120°
ANGLE OF
ACCEPTANCE

Figure 1 Figure 2

MIC A MIC B

3 TIMES

DISTANCE “X”

120°120°

347

U853R & U853RW

response of 30 Hz to 20,000 Hz. It shall be capable of accepting optional
interchangeable elements for additional polar patterns. The microphone
shall operate from an external 11V to 52V DC phantom power source.
It shall be capable of handling sound input levels up to 139 dB with a
dynamic range of 115 dB. Nominal open-circuit output voltage shall be

11.2 mV at 1 V, 1 Pascal. Output shall be low impedance balanced (250
ohms). It shall offer outstanding rejection of radio frequency interference
(RFI).

The microphone shall have a permanently attached 7.6 m (25') miniature
cable terminating in a special TA3F-type output connector designed
to optimize RFI immunity. The output connector shall connect to a
TB3M-type jack on the included power module. The power module shall
contain a recessed switch to permit choice of at response or 80 Hz
low-frequency roll-off. The output of the power module shall be a 3-pin
XLRM-type connector.

An adjustable steel wire hanger shall be provided for suspended
installations. The steel wire hanger shall attach to the microphone body
and allow for the positioning of the microphone without the need for
tools. A two-stage foam windscreen and a 5/8"-27 stand adapter shall also
be included.

The microphone shall be a hanging design, with an overall length of

34.0 mm (1.34") and a head adapter of 12.2 mm (0.48"). Weight shall
be 14 grams (0.5 oz) without cable. The microphone, cable and steel
hanger shall be black [white].

The Audio-Technica U853R [U853RW] is specied.

0.48"

12.2 mm

0.39"

10.0 mm

0.95"

24.0 mm

Specications

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

Dimensions

Output connector

Optional interchangeable elements

Audio-Technica case style

Accessories furnished

U853RW

In the intere st of standards develo pment, A.T.U.S. offers full

details on it s test methods to othe r industry

1 Pascal = 10 dynes/cm

1

Typical, A-weighted , using Audio Precisio n System One.

Specications are subject to change without notice.

professionals on request.

2

= 10 microba rs = 94 dB SPL

Switch
Weight

Cable

U853R

Fixed-charge back plate, permanently
polarized condenser
Cardioid
30-20,000 Hz
80 Hz, 18 dB/octave
–39 dB (11.2 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa
250 ohms
139 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.
115 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL

1

70 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa
11-52V DC, 2 mA typical
Flat, roll-off
Microphone: 14 g (0.5 oz)
Power module: 81 g (2.9 oz)
Microphone: 34.0 mm (1.34") long,

12.2 mm (0.48") diameter
Power module: 92.9 mm (3.66") long,

18.9 mm (0.74") diameter
Power module: Integral 3-pin XLRM-type

7.6 m (25.0') long (permanently attached
to microphone), 3.2 mm (0.13") diameter,
2-conductor shielded cable with TA3F­type connector
UE-O omnidirectional (360°)
UE-H hypercardioid (100°)
UE-UL UniLine® (90°)
M12

AT8538 power module; AT8451 steel
hanger; AT8153 two-stage foam wind­screen; AT8438 5/8"-27 stand adapter
AT8538 power module; AT8451(WH)
steel hanger; AT8153(WH) two-stage
foam windscreen; AT8438 5/8"-27 stand
adapter

0.13"

3.2 mm

25'

7.6 m

frequency response: 30–20,000 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 0001-0159-01

Response in dB

20k