Countryman B6P4FF05B, B6P4FF05L, B6P4FF05W, B6W4FF05BAT, B6W4FF05BRV User Manual

COUNTRYMAN ASSOCIATES INC

B6 OMNIDIRECTIONAL

LAVALIER MICROPHONE

Only one tenth of an inch in diameter, the B6 is the smallest lavalier in the world
and outperforms microphones many times its size.

The changeable protective caps provide moisture resistance and color options
and let you shape the frequency response to suit different applications or to
match other microphones.

With exceptionally low handling noise and rugged construction, the B6 is the
ideal choice for theater, broadcast, churches, and general lavalier applications.

Unobtrusive

Smaller than the cable of other
lavaliers, the B6 is easily hidden in
hair or on costumes, or taped to a
performer’s face. The B6 comes in
five colors to match clothing, hair, and
skin tones, or use a felt tip marker to
color the white caps for near-perfect
concealability. Never suffer the hassle
and degraded sound quality of under­clothing miking again.

Versatile

Changeable protective caps let you
shape the frequency response for
different situations or to match other
microphones. Versions available for
different speaking or singing styles,
with up to 140 dB SPL capability.

Rugged and Reliable

The B6 is exceptionally resistant to
makeup, sweat and moisture when
used with the supplied protective
caps and is well-suited to use in
hair or on the body. The protective
caps are easily removed for cleaning
or replacement when clogged with
makeup. The Kevlar-reinforced cable
gives it world-class survivability.

Exceptional Sound Quality

The highest-quality audio available
in a lavalier mic. Low distortion at
SPL up to 140 dB on 48 V Phantom
Power. The Kevlar cable and ultra­thin diaphragm combine to set a
new standard for low handling noise.
Excellent rejection of surrounding
noise.

Supplied with carrying case, black and white cable
clips, wind screen, and 3 protective caps.

Frequency Response : 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Operating Current : 500 µA
Operating Voltage : 1 to 2 Volts
Power Supply Voltage :

+3 V with 2.7 kOhm Load
+5 V with 6.8 kOhm Load
+9 V with 15 kOhm Load

Weight : .07 oz (2 grams)

The B6 lavalier is available in three sensitivities:

B6W4

standard (gray band) for most uses

Sensitivity: 16.0 mV/Pascal
Equivalent Acoustic Noise: 24 dBA SPL
Overload Sound Level: 120 dB SPL

B6W5

low (red band, -10 dB re W4) head mic for theater

Sensitivity: 7.0 mV/Pascal
Equivalent Acoustic Noise: 29 dBA SPL
Overload Sound Level: 130 dB SPL

B6W6

very low (blue band, -20 dB re W4) mic near user’s mouth

Sensitivity: 2 mV/Pascal
Equivalent Acoustic Noise: 39 dBA SPL
Overload Sound Level: 140 dB SPL

How Caps Change Frequency Response

dB

+10

0

-10

-20

20 50 100 500

measured at 6 inches

1k

5k 10k 20 kHz200 2k

+8 dB Very Bright

+4 dB Bright

+0 dB Flat

1 kHz Polar Response

0°

30°

60°

90°

330°

0

-5

-10

-15

-20

dB

300°

270°

120°

150°

180°

240°

210°

B6 Lavalier: Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right color for my skin tone?

Tan is the most popular color choice, because it works perfectly for average Caucasian skin
tones, as well as olive complexions. Light beige works well in theatrical applications due
to its slightly pink undertone, which is also appropriate for extremely fair skin. Cocoa is the
ideal choice for African American skin tones ranging from very light to chocolate, and black
is appropriate for extremely dark skin, or for situations where you want the mic to be visible.
When in doubt, choose the darker option. That’s because a mic that’s too light can resemble
a scar or blemish, while a mic that’s slightly darker than the background tends to blend
much better and draws less attention.

Which cap should I use?

The B6 lavalier should always be used with a protective cap in place to keep sweat,

Very Bright +8dB

Bright +4dB

makeup, and other foreign material out of the microphone. The three omni caps each have
a different high frequency response characteristic that controls the amount of “crispness” or
“sibilance” (response at 15 kHz). To identify caps, compare size to the drawings.

Flat +0dB

The omni ships with the +4 dB protective cap fitted to the mic. This will boost the perceived
amount of presence in your sound, while leaving the lower frequencies unchanged. If you
experience problems with high-frequency feedback, you should switch to the 0 dB cap.

Which sensitivity should I choose?

Making a microphone more sensitive to catch soft sounds means it will overload sooner for
loud sounds. Because sound pressure levels vary between individuals and applications, we
provide three sensitivities with three overload or clipping characteristics.

• The most sensitive (W4, gray band) is for general speaking, such as presentations or

sermons, where the mic is positioned on the chest or lapel

• The middle sensitivity (W5, red band) is ideal for use as a head mic in theater

• The least sensitive mic (W6, blue band) with the highest overload sound level is a good

choice for applications where the microphone will be positioned near the user’s mouth.

What are other popular applications for the B6?

Hair Mic

The B6 is very popular as an
ultraminiature hair microphone.
This placement provides good gain
before feedback and natural sound
that doesn’t change when the head
moves.

Positioned in the knot of a tie or behind
a shirt button, the B6 delivers flawless
audio and hides in plain sight. When
placed completely under clothing use
the +4dB or +8dB protective cap to
boost high frequencies.

Attached to EyeglassesBehind a Button

The B6 is also popular on stage
attached to glasses. Placement on
eyeglasses with O-rings is secure,
discreet, and a convenient alternative
to hair miking.

Countryman Associates, Inc. 195 Constitution Drive, Menlo Park, CA 94025

Phone: [phone] or [phone] Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail] Web: www.countryman.com