Electro-Voice PL84S, PL84 User Manual

Key Features:

• Voiced for intimate detail and presence

• Smooth midrange frequency response

• Cardioid polar pattern

• High-output self-biased condenser element

• Shock mounted capsule and low handling noise

• Fine mesh Memraflex™ grille

General Description:

Thank you for purchasing the Electro-Voice® PL84 (or PL84S
switched version). This product is a professional-grade cardioid
condenser microphone designed to enhance the creative expres­sion professional singers have built their craft around. With its warm
lows, musical mid-range and smooth high frequency response, the
PL84 captures all of the intimate detail expressive vocalists require.
Should you have purchased the PL84S, in addition to all of the
outstanding performance characteristics of the PL84, you’ll also
enjoy the added benefit of a virtually silent on/off switch that allows
electrical muting at the microphone. Although designed to be a vocal
microphone for music and spoken word, the PL84 will also function
well as an acoustic instrument microphone where a condenser ele­ment capsule would be desired.

Application Notes:

1) This product requires external power to function (see technical
specifications panel for voltage spec), which is commonly supplied
via the Phantom Power function on your sound system mixer or
input module.

2) As with most directional microphones, the low frequency re­sponse of the PL84 microphone varies with the distance from the
sound source. Known as “proximity effect”, the bass response of the
microphone increases as the working distance to the microphone is
reduced. This “bass boost” is only audible when working at distances
closer than 6 inches. Using this microphone at distances greater
than 6 inches provides minimal coloration from proximity effect.

Proximity effect can be used to your advantage when a thin voice
is being recorded. As the vocalist decreases their working distance
to the microphone, the low frequency content is enhanced. Close­up positioning of the microphone will also reduce the potential for
feedback from the sound reinforcement system. When close-talked,
the bass-boost provides an increase in overall microphone output
level. The mixer gain may be proportionately reduced, resulting in
a reduction of the system’s sensitivity to feedback caused by the
sound entering the microphone from the loudspeakers.

Warranty:

This Electro-Voice® PL84 product is guaranteed against malfunction
due to defects in materials or workmanship for a period of three (3)
years from the date of original purchase. Please refer to the Limited
Warranty card included with your product for further warranty infor­mation.

PL84, PL84S

Cardioid Condenser

Vocal Microphone

Technical Specifications:

Element Type: Self-Biased Condenser

Frequency Response: 50 Hz - 20,000 Hz

Polar Pattern: Cardioid

Sensitivity, Open Circuit

Voltage, 1 kHz:

Polarity: Positive pressure on diaphragm

Rated Impedance: 200 ohms

Max SPL (1% THD @1 kHz): 141 dB SPL

Self Noise: 26 dB SPL, A-weighted

Dynamic Range: 115 dB

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 68 dB (@94 dB SPL)

Power Requirements: Phantom Supply Requirement:

Microphone Connector: 3-pin, XLR-type

Dimensions: Length = 7.18” (182.5 mm)

Accessories Included: Stand adapter with Euro-thread

Net Weight: 9.3 oz (261 g)

Shipping Weight: 18.2 oz (516 g)

3.5 mV/Pa (-49 dBV)

produces positive voltage on pin 2
relative to pin 3

11 to 52 VDC, 1.9 mA

Finish: Textured black satin handle with

MemraflexTM grille

Width = 1.93” (49.0 mm)
Shank = 0.93” (23.6 mm)

insert, Soft zippered gig bag

Frequency Response: Polar Response:

Locking Switch Feature (switched versions only)

To lock the switch
in the “ON” position,
slide the switch up
and rotate the small
screw in the center
of the switch but­ton clockwise 90° as
shown.

To unlock the switch,
turn the screw coun­terclockwise 90°.

Microphone Use and Placement

Please note that micing techniques are a matter of personal preference. These are merely guidelines to assist in the placement of the
microphone to gain optimal performance.

Usage Optimal Placement

Vocals 0 to 6 inches away, aimed directly at the sound source.

Spoken Word 5 to 10 inches away, aimed directly at the sound source.

Standard Placement & Use Guidelines

1. Always point the microphone at the desired source of sound, and away from any unwanted sources.

2. The microphone should be located close to the sound source to minimize interference from other potential sound sources.

3. Use the 3-to-1 rule when using multiple microphones. Place each microphone three times farther from other microphones as from

the desired sound source.

4. Minimize over-handling of the microphone to reduce unwanted mechanical noise.

Dimension Drawing:

PL84 Part Numbers

PRD000159000 PL84, Cardioid Condenser Vocal •
Microphone
PRD000160000 PL84S, Cardioid Condenser Vocal •
Microphone with Switch

ACC000045000 SAPL-1, Replacement Microphone Stand •
Adapter

ACC000048001 WSPL-1, Optional Foam Windscreen, Black•

Electro-Voice

12000 Portland Avenue South, Burnsville, MN 55337
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone]

®

www.electrovoice.com

© Bosch Communications Systems 09/2008

Part Number LIT000245 Rev D

Europe, Africa, and Middle East only. For customer orders, contact Customer Service at:

U.S.A. and Canada only. For customer orders, contact Customer Service at:

800/392-3497 Fax: [phone]

+ 49 9421-706 0 Fax: + 49 9421-706 265

Other Internatonal locations. For customer orders, Contact Customer Service at:

+ 1 952 884-4051 Fax: + 1 952 887-9212

For warranty repair or service information, contact the Service Repair department at:

800/685-2606

For technical assistance, contact Technical Support at: 866/78AUDIO

Specifications subject to change without notice.