Rane MIC 1 User Manual

Relative Humidity 0 to 95 % Operating or Storage

Professional Audio Products Data Sheet

General Description

The Rane MIC 1 Condenser Microphone is a professional
quality back-electret condenser microphone with an omnidi­rectional pickup pattern. Originally designed specifically for
use with Rane’s real-time equalizers and analyzers, it may be
used with any real-time analyzer to measure room response
and/or sound pressure levels.

Today, the MIC 1 finds itself being used in a number of
other related areas. Indeed, it is well suited for any application
requiring a full frequency, high SPL omnidirectional micro­phone. This includes many broadcast, sound reinforcement,
and musical instrument uses.

The MIC 1 comes complete with an extra long 40 ft
(12.2m) cord to facilitate distant placing of the microphone

MIC 1

CONDENSER MICROPHONE

from the analyzer. Included also is a zippered, weather­resistant carrying/storage bag for added convenience and
protection. The MIC 1 comes with a non-reflective black
wrinkle powder-coat finish that is extremely durable and
scratch resistant.

Like all condenser microphones, the MIC 1 must be
powered before operating. This may be done using standard
batteries, or a remote DC power supply. (See Application
Information section for details).

The MIC 1 is supplied with the RA 27 Realtime Analyzer
and the RE 27 Realtime Equalizer. When ordering separately,
please contact the Parts Department and specify part number
410-008.

Features and Specifications

Parameter Specification Limit Units Conditions/Comments
Microphone Type Back-Electret Condenser 6mm capsule
Frequency Response 20 to 16,000 1 dB +2dB at 20kHz
Polar Pattern Omnidirectional
Impedance 1.8k 5% Ohms With 2.2k Ohms Load
Sensitivity -64 3 dBV re 0dB=1V/µbar, 1kHz

(0.63 mV @ 74dB SPL) 1µbar = 74dB SPL
Maximum SPL 140 dB 1kHz
Signal-To-Noise Ratio 58 (re 94dB SPL) Min dB 1kHz, A-weighted
Phasing Non-inverting Positive pressure on diaphragm

equals positive output voltage
Power

..........Voltage Range 1.5 to 10 VDC Absolute Min & Max Ratings

..........Rated Voltage 2.0 10% VDC

..........Sensitivity Loss -3dB @ 1.5VDC

..........Current Demand 0.5 Max mA At 2.0 VDC

..........Battery 9 VDC Alkaline (Type 1604A) 1000 hrs (typ) continuous

or (2) 1.5 VDC Alkaline (Size AA) 4000 hrs (typ) continuous
Cable Attached; 40 ft (12.2m) Long 1 cond. shielded; ¼" TS phone
Case 6" x 9" (15.2cm x 22.9cm) Zippered Heavy Black Vinyl
Storage Temperature -20 to 60 oC -4 to 140 oF
Operating Temperature -18 to 50 oC 0 to 122 oF

MIC 1

CONDENSER MICROPHONE
Electrical Diagram

Optional Battery Power Supply

Professional Audio Products Data Sheet

Application Information

The MIC 1 is a back-electret condenser microphone. The
“back-electret” is an improved version of the standard electret
condenser design where the polarization charge voltage, or
electret bias, is applied to the rear backplate. This provides
increased mechanical strength, improved resistance to
environmental effects, and better sensitivity and stability of
the charge. Since the electret is permanently charged (we
think 30 years qualifies as permanent) it does not need the
high voltage powering common to standard condenser
designs—a major benefit. This benefit is reduced, however,
by the electret requiring an impedance converter (built-in
JFET) which does need low voltage powering. So, as always,
you just can’t quite win.

Details of the simple power supply appear in the Electrical
Diagram. As shown, the recommended standard operating
voltage is +2 VDC supplied through a 2.2k ohms resistor.

©Rane Corporation 10802 47th Ave. W., Mukilteo WA 98275-5098 TEL [phone] FAX [phone] WEB http://www.rane.com

Printed in the U.S.A. on Recycled Paper

All features & specifications subject to change without notice 520-169 JUN96

Usually the 2 volts is zener regulated to a higher voltage and
resistively divided down. Regulation and tolerances are not
critical; however, the supply should be as noise free as
possible. While 2 volts is recommended, the MIC 1 runs
equally well up to 10 volts. When using higher voltages be

sure to observe the absolute maximum voltage limit of 10
volts.

Battery power is an option where it is not possible to build
the supply into the receiving unit, or portable applications
demand it. The diagram shows a complete battery power
supply using either (2) AA cells (preferred) or a single 9 volt
transistor battery. Either design should use alkaline cells for
longest life. Standard 5% tolerance, ¼ watt resistors work just
fine. The capacitor and pull-down resistor values are mini­mum; larger sizes are okay.