U853RU & U853RWU
UniLine® Condenser Hanging Microphones
unipoint® microphones
Installation and Operation
The U853RU requires 11V to 52V phantom power for operation.
A uniform 90° 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 1.5 times the distance to the closest
performer. If additional mics are needed for wide sources, they should
be positioned apart laterally at least 1.5 times the distance to the front
source, to avoid phase cancellation (Fig. 2).
Features
• UniLine® polar pattern provides narrow 90º acceptance angle
• Low-prole design with low-reectance 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 (U853RU) and white (U853RWU)
Description
The U853RU is a wide-range miniature condenser microphone with a
UniLine® (line 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 UniLine® (line cardioid) polar pattern provides a
90° angle of acceptance. Additional interchangeable elements with
omnidirectional (360°), cardioid (120°) and hypercardioid (100°) pickup
patterns are available.
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 trafc, airhandling 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.
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.
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-reectance black nish. It is also available
with white housing, cable, hanger and windscreen as the U853RWU.
L
ES
S
T
H
AN 2 TIMES
“X
D
90°
ANGLE OF
ACCEPTANCE
IS
T
A
N
CE
“
X
”
”
90
Figure 1 Figure 2
MIC B
°
90
°
MIC A
1.5 TIMES
DISTANCE “X”
349
U853RU & U853RWU
Architect’s and Engineer’s Specications
The microphone shall be a xed-charge condenser designed for
permanent installation or portable applications. It shall have a UniLine®
(line cardioid) polar pattern with a uniform 90° angle of acceptance
and a frequency 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 135
dB with a dynamic range of 115 dB. Nominal open-circuit output voltage
shall be 17.7 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 156.0
mm (6.14") and a head diameter of 12.2 mm (0.48"). Weight shall be 30
grams (1.1 oz) without cable. The microphone, cable and steel hanger
shall be black [white].
The Audio-Technica U853RU [U853RWU] is specied.
Specications
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
U853RWU
Element
Switch
Weight
Cable
U853RU
Fixed-charge back plate, permanently
polarized condenser
UniLine® (line cardioid)
30-20,000 Hz
80 Hz, 18 dB/octave
–35 dB (17.7 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa
250 ohms
135 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.
115 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL
1
74 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa
11-52V DC, 2 mA typical
Flat, roll-off
Microphone: 30 g (1.1 oz)
Power module: 81 g (2.9 oz)
Microphone: 156.0 mm (6.14") 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-C cardioid (120°)
UE-H hypercardioid (100°)
M32
AT8538 power module; AT8451 steel
hanger; AT8154 two-stage foam
windscreen; AT8438 5/8"-27 stand
adapter
AT8538 power module; AT8451(WH)
steel hanger; AT8154(WH) two-stage
foam windscreen; AT8438 5/8"-27 stand
adapter
5.20"
132.0 mm
156.0 m
In the intere st of standards develo pment, A.T.U.S. offers full
6.14"
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
Specications are subject to change without notice.
professionals on request.
2
= 10 microba rs = 94 dB SPL
frequency response: 30–20,000 Hz
100
330˚
500
200
Frequency in Hertz
12" or more on axis
Roll-off
0˚
30˚
150˚
180˚
2k
1k
60˚
90˚
120˚
LEGEND
200 Hz
1 kHz
5 kHz
8 kHz
0.48"
12.2 mm
0.13"
3.2 mm
25'
7.6 m
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 0001-0160-01
10 dB
5k
10k
Response in dB
20k