Audix OM5 Specifications

OM5

DYNAMIC VOCAL MICROPHONE

overview

First produced in 1995, the OM5 dynamic
vocal microphone has become highly regard­ed by artists and engineers for its ability to
produce quality sound at very high sound
pressure levels without distortion or feed­back. The OM5 is naturally attenuated at
120 Hz to reduce boominess and handling
noise. The mid-range is tailored for clarity
and presence making it easier for the vocals
to be heard both in the mains and monitors.

By employing Audix’s VLM (very low mass)
capsule technology, the OM5 has exception­al transient response. An extremely tight
and uniformly controlled hypercardioid pat­tern helps to isolate the vocals from the
rest of the instruments on stage. The OM5
is comfortable to hold, durable, and manu­factured with extremely tight tolerances.
The result is an unparalleled consistency in
sound and performance at a very competi­tive price.

features

g

Clear and accurate vocal reproduction

g

Handles high SPL without distortion

g

Low handling noise

g

Provides exceptional gain before feedback

g

Provides maximum vocal isolation on stage

g

Dent resistant spring steel grill

specifications

Transducer Type

Dynamic

Frequency Response

48 Hz- 19 kHz

Polar Pattern

Hypercardioid

Output Impedance

200 ohms

Sensitivity

2.4 mV

ref 1k @ 1 Pascal

Capsule Technology VLM Type C

Off axis rejection >30 dB

Maximum SPL

>144 dB

Cable/Connector 3 pin gold

plated male XLR

Polarity

Positive voltage on pin

2 relative to pin 3 of

output XLR connector

Housing

Zinc alloy

Weight

10.8oz/307 grams

Finish Black E-coat

Lead Vocals

Background

Vocals

Brass

Guitar

Saxophone

Drums

Percussion

applications

g

Live Stage, live recording

Excellent for lead and backing vocals - all venues

g

Instruments

Sax, brass, guitar, dobro, flute, percussion, drums

g

Broadcast

Announce mic, interview mic

g

Home Studio

Multi-use vocal and instrument applications

Audix Corporation PO Box 4010, Wilsonville, OR 97070 In Canada, Cabletek Electronics LTD, 604-942-1001 fax [phone]
©Audix Corporation 2002. All rights reserved. Audix and the Audix logo are trademarks of Audix Corporation.

CALL: 503-682-6933 FAX: [phone]
www.audixusa.com

Specifications are subject to change without written notice.

Operation and Maintenance: Although the OM-5 is a durable handheld
dynamic microphone with a dent-resistant spring steel grill, it should
still be handled with care. Avoid extreme temperatures wherever possible.

Phantom power: The OM-5 is a dynamic microphone and does not
require phantom power; be assured that phantom power will not
adversely affect the performance of the OM-5 in any way.

Recording: The OM-5 has a very sophisticated, high quality transducer
element, and can be very useful for a wide variety of recording
applications. For live recording, or to attain the feel of a live vocal, the
OM5 is an excellent choice. It will provide a true, accurate sound and
isolate the vocal(s) from other surrounding instruments.
Because of the tight hypercardioid pattern of the OM5, it is important
to place the microphone directly on axis and as close as possible to
the sound source. Since the OM5 is able to handle very high sound
pressure levels, it can be successfully utilized to mic a wide variety of
instruments, both acoustic and electric.

Live Sound:

Impedance: The OM5 is a low impedance microphone and for optimum

results it should be plugged into a low impedance mic input. In most
cases a mic level input is a 3 pin XLR, however, in some cases (as
with Karaoke machines) a mic level input may require a 1/4” jack. In
this case, you will want to use an XLR–1/4” mic cable.

Output level: The OM-5 has a fairly high output level, however, it is

important to note that “high output” from a microphone in and of
itself may not necessarily be a good feature. In fact, high output from
the mic may result in overloading the input level of the consule and
cause distortion. Loudness can be easily controlled by simply using
the faders!
More important questions to ask regarding a microphones performance
would be the following:

1) How loud can a microphone get before feedback
(gain before feedback)

2) How much sound on stage will the microphone reject, especially
on a stage with floor monitors and multiple microphones
(off axis rejection)

3) How much sound pressure level (SPL) will a microphone handle
before it distorts

PA System: Although the OM5 can be utilized in any type of venue, it

is ideally suited for a professional PA system with subs and floor mon­itors on stage. It is designed with a natural bass attenuation in order
to reduce boominess, and it has a slight midrange presence to provide
vocal clarity. In most cases, the OM5 sounds very natural without adding
much EQ.

Stage Use: The OM5 is a problem solver. It can help control feedback

and also help to get the vocals above the music. Try using an OM5 when:

•

The stage is very tight and the vocal mics are in close proximity to
the drums and amps.

•

The drummer’s vocal mic is picking up more drums than vocals.

•

The vocalists are having a difficult time hearing themselves.

•

You want cleaner separation of sound through the mains

•

You want to achieve more gain from your background vocals

The Trade Off: There is a trade off for achieving higher levels of gain

before feedback and for getting the vocals above the mix. Since the
OM5 has such an incredibly tight pick-up pattern, the singers MUST
STAY RIGHT ON the microphone. Even if the vocalist wanders of the
mic a few inches, you will notice a drop off in their vocal.
With the OM5, you can achieve remarkable results if the vocalist
understands the benefits of staying right on top of the mic.

Floor Monitors: The OM5 is extremely stable around floor monitors and

will work with the monitors either straight on or at an angle. This
allows lead vocalists freedom on stage without the worry of feedback.
The behavior of the microphone relative to floor monitors will, of
course, vary from room to room, which means that dialing in the
monitors becomes an important part of sound check.

Mic Placement: In general, allow a minimum distance of 2-3 feet

between microphones to avoid phase problems.

Supplied Accessories

g Mic clip (MC1) adjustable through 180

degrees with standard 5/8 inch 27 thread.
Note: Metal thread adapter also supplied to
accommodate European stands.

g Zippered microphone carrying pouch. (P1)

Optional Accessories

g WS357 External Foam windscreen (WS-357)
g 25’ XLR-XLR low noise microphone cable (CBL25)

OM5

DYNAMIC VOCAL MICROPHONE

Measurement in
Millimeters

Polar Charts

Measurements

The frequency response curve shown (measuring tolerance at ±3dB) and polar
pattern correspond to typical production run specifications for this microphone.

Frequency Response (on and off axis)

125Hz

8000Hz

16000Hz

WARNING:

Avoid excessive moisture as it can adversely affect the sound and
performance of your microphone.

OUTPUT:

The OM-5 output is balanced across Pin 2 (positive)
with respect to Pin 3. The shield is connected to Pin 1.
It is recommended to use a high quality microphone
cable with 3 pin XLR connectors.

SERVICE AND WARRANTY:

This microphone is warranted for a period of 1 year
from any and all manufacturing defects. Should your
microphone fail in any way, please contact the Audix
Service department at 503-682-6933. A Return
Authorization number is required before sending back
any products.