artist series
live sound microphones
ATM450
Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone
Features
• Uncompromising sound quality for overheads, percussion,
acoustic guitar, strings and other acoustic instruments
• Unique side-address stick design maximizes placement options
with minimal obstructions
• Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides
and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source
• Rugged all-metal design and construction for years of trouble
free use
• Isolation clamp provides secure mounting, versatile positioning,
and effective dampening of unwanted mechanical noise
• Integral 80 Hz high-pass filter switch and 10 dB pad switch
Description
The ATM450 is a fixed-charge condenser microphone with a cardioid
polar pattern. It is designed specifically for use on overheads, percussion,
acoustic guitar, strings and other acoustic instruments in professional
live-sound and studio applications.
The microphone requires 11V to 52V phantom power for operation.
The cardioid polar pattern of the microphone is more sensitive to sound
originating directly in front of the element, making it useful for controlling
feedback and reducing pickup of unwanted sounds.
The output of the microphone is a 3-pin XLRM-type connector.
The microphone is equipped with a switchable 10 dB pad and a switch
that permits choice of flat response or low-frequency roll-off (via integral
80 Hz high-pass filter).
The microphone is enclosed in a rugged housing. The included AT8471
isolation clamp permits mounting on any microphone stand with
5
/
8
"-27
threads. A windscreen and a soft protective pouch are also included.
Operation and Maintenance
The ATM450 requires 11V to 52V phantom power for operation.
Output is low impedance (Lo-Z) balanced. The signal appears across Pins
2 and 3; Pin 1 is ground (shield). Output phase is “Pin 2 hot”— positive
acoustic pressure produces positive voltage at Pin 2.
To avoid phase cancellation and poor sound, all mic cables must be wired
consistently: Pin 1-to-Pin 1, etc.
An integral 80 Hz high-pass filter provides easy switching from a flat
frequency response to a low-end roll-off. The roll-off position reduces
the pickup of low-frequency ambient noise (such as traffic, air-handling
systems, etc.), room reverberation and mechanically coupled vibrations.
To engage the high-pass filter, use the end tip of a paperclip or other
small pointed instrument to slide the switch toward the “bent” line.
The microphone is also equipped with a switchable 10 dB pad that
lowers the microphone’s sensitivity, thus providing higher SPL capability
for flexible use with a wide range of users and system configurations.
To engage the 10 dB pad, use the end tip of a paperclip or other small
pointed instrument to slide the switch toward the -10 position.
Avoid leaving the microphone in the open sun or in areas where
temperatures exceed 110° F (43° C) for extended periods. Extremely high
humidity should also be avoided.
Architect’s and Engineer’s Specifications
The microphone shall be a fixed-charge condenser. It shall have a
cardioid polar pattern with a uniform 120° angle of acceptance and
a frequency response of 40 Hz to 20,000 Hz. The microphone shall
operate from an external 11V to 52V DC phantom power source. It shall
be capable of handling sound input levels up to 152 dB (162 dB with
10 dB pad) with a dynamic range of 127 dB. Nominal open-circuit output
voltage shall be 8.9 mV at 1V, 1 Pascal. Output shall be low impedance
balanced (200 ohms).
The output of the microphone shall be a 3-pin XLRM-type connector.
The microphone shall be equipped with a switchable 10 dB pad and a
switch that permits choice of flat response or 80 Hz low-frequency roll-off.
The microphone shall be 126.9 mm (5.00") long and have a diameter of
21.0 mm (0.83"). Weight shall be 98 grams (3.5 oz). The microphone shall
include an isolation clamp, a windscreen and a soft protective pouch.
The Audio-Technica ATM450 is specified.
