
 POLAR
PATTERN
MB-4
he Crown® MB-4 is a miniature boundary 
   microphone for multi-miking applications 
   such as teleconferencing, distance learning, 
T
boardrooms, courtrooms, and TV or theatrical 
applications. Double-sided sticky tape is provided for attaching the unit under shelves, on 
walls, etc.
Thanks to its supercardioid pickup pattern, the 
MB-4 greatly reduces ambient noise and pickup 
of room reverberation. The result is a clearer 
sound.
The MB-4 has a 15-foot attached cable leading 
to an XLR-type output connector with built-in 
mic electronics. It is powered by 12-48V phantom power, and is low-impedance balanced.
Features
  • Tiny, inconspicuous.
  • Can be used without putting holes in the 
table.
  • Clean, clear, natural sound.
  • Low-Z balanced output prevents hum and 
high-frequency loss.
  • Removable grille assembly can be painted.
How to Paint the Microphone
1. Using a small screwdriver, pry open one side 
of the grille, then the other side (Fig. 5).
2. Remove foam liner.
3. Wearing a dust mask, spray-paint the grille 
assembly. Be sure grille holes are not clogged.
4. Allow paint to completely dry.
5. Make sure the LED is properly aligned.
6. Carefully place the grille assembly over the 
LED, and snap in place.
Installation
1. Typical placement for each mic is at arm’s 
length from the user. Install one microphone in 
front of each person, or one between every two 
people.
If the microphone will be used on a lectern, 
install it on an open surface. Do not install it 
in a cavity or recessed area as the frequency 
response and polar pattern will be degraded.
2. Orient the mic so the word “Crown” is readable by the user (right-side-up).
3. Plug a mic cable with a female XLR-type connector into the power module. Connect the other 
end of the cable to a phantom power supply. Or 
if your mixer has phantom power, connect the 
mic cable directly to a mic input and turn on 
phantom power.
.
MINI-BOUNDARY 
™ 
MICROPHONE
Features
• Ideal for teleconferencing, distance
learning, boardrooms and courtrooms 
• Has a 15-foot attached cable leading to an 
XLR-type output connector with built-in 
mic electronics
Specifi cations
Typ e: Phase Coherent Cardioid. 
Element: Electret condenser. 
Frequency response (typical): 50 Hz to 15,000 Hz at 
30 degrees incidence to surface (see Fig. 1).
Polar pattern: Half-supercardioid (supercardioid in 
the hemisphere above the primary boundary). See 
Figs. 2 and 3.
Impedance: 150 ohms, balanced (recommended load 
impedance 1000 ohms or greater).
Open-circuit sensitivity (typical): 22 mV/Pa* (–33 
dB re 1 volt/Pa).
Power sensitivity: –30.5 dB re 1 mW/Pa.* EIA rating 
–125 dBm.
Equivalent noise level (self-noise): 22 dB SPL typical 
(0 dB=0.0002 dyne/cm
S/N ratio: 72 dB at 94 dB SPL. 
Maximum SPL: 120 dB SPL at 3% THD. 
Polarity: Positive (inward) pressure on the diaphragm 
produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to 
pin 3. 
Operating voltage: Phantom power, 12-48 volts DC 
on pins 2 and 3 with respect to pin 1 of output 
connector.
Current drain: 4 mA nominal. . 
Connector: 3-pin pro audio, XLR-type. 
Cable: Permanently attached, black, 15-foot (4.572-
m), 2-conductor shielded cable from mic to power 
module or interface. No other cable supplied. Use 
two-conductor shielded mic cable from power 
module to mixer.
Materials: High-impact molded plastic and steel mesh 
mic grille, steel power module.
Finish: Satin black. 
Operating temperature range: –10° to +50° C, or 
+14° to +122° F.
Net weight: Microphone: 0.7 ounces (19.8 grams). 
Power module: 2.8 ounces (78.6 grams).
Dimensions: See Fig. 4. 
Included accessories: Double-sided tape for fastening 
under shelves, etc., for theatrical applications.
Optional accessories:  PH-1A phantom power supply 
(1 channel, battery or DC-adapter powered). 
*1 pascal = 10 dynes/cm
2
), A-weighted.
2
 = 10 microbars = 94 dB SPL.
  • Half-supercardioid polar pattern reduces 
feedback, room acoustics and background 
noise
  • Clear, natural sound
  • Small and inconspicuous
Fig. 1
+15 
+10
+5
dB 0
–5
–10
–15
–20 
–25
–30
–35
20 100 1K
Fig. 2
30°
FRONT
0°
+
5
Frequency Response
0°
130°
Frequency in Hz
Vertical-Plane Polar Response
60° 90° 120°
–10
–0
–20–15
–5
1 kHz 
200 Hz 
5 kHz
REAR
Fig. 3
Horizontal-Plane Polar Response
330°
300°
270°
240°
210°
FRONT
REAR
180°
0°
–0
–5
–10
–15
–20
150°
30°
1 kHz 
200 Hz 
5 kHz
10K
150°
180°
60°
90°
120
 

Fig.4
Fig.5
MB-4
BOTTOM VIEW
SCREWDRIVER
PRY OPEN HERE AND 
ON OPPOSITE SIDE
Architects’ and Engineers’ Specifi cations
The microphone shall be the Crown model 
MB-4 or equivalent. The microphone shall be a 
half-supercardioid electret condenser type. The 
microphone shall use the principle of phase coherency achieved by mounting a small-diameter 
element very near a boundary. This eliminates 
comb fi ltering in the audible spectrum.
The microphone will exhibit excellent off-axis 
response and gain-before-feedback. The MB4 shall have a permanently attached 15-foot 
(4.572-m) cable connected to an XLR-type connector with built-in mic electronics. Powering 
shall be by 12-48V phantom power. 
At the output connector, nominal sensitivity shall 
be 22 mV/Pa. Maximum SPL shall be 120 dB 
SPL for 3% THD. Equivalent noise shall be 22 
dBA nominal. Frequency response shall be 50 
Hz to 15 kHz with a uniform off-axis response, 
about 20 dB down at the rear nulls.
The Crown model MB-4 is specifi ed.
Warranty
Crown professional microphones are guaranteed 
against malfunction for a period of three years 
from date of original purchase. See enclosed 
warranty sheet for additional information.
Service
If the microphone does not function properly, 
check that it is aimed correctly and is connected 
as described in this data sheet. If there is hum 
or no signal, fi rst repair or replace the cable. If 
the mic is defective, return the microphone and 
the interface in their original packaging to Crown 
Factory Service, 1718 West Mishawaka Road, 
Elkhart, IN 46517-9439. 
A Service Return Authorization (SRA) is required for product being sent to the factory for 
service. An SRA can be completed on line at        
www.crownaudio.com/support/factserv.htm. 
For further assistance or technical support call 
800-342-6939. 
Crown International 
1718 W. Mishawaka Rd. 
Elkhart, IN 46517-9439 
TEL: 574-294-8000 
FAX: 574-294-8FAX 
www.crownaudio.com
©
2008 Crown Audio® Inc. Specifi cations subject to change 
without prior notice. Latest information available at www. 
crownaudio.com. Mini-Boundary is a trademark, and Crown 
and Crown Audio are registered trademarks of Crown 
International. Printed in U.S.A.
4/08 103278-6