Audio-Technica AT898 Microphone User Manual


 
Subminiature Cardioid Condenser Lavalier Microphone
broadcast & production microphones
AT898
Features
Maximum intelligibility and clean, accurate reproduction for
vocalists, lecturers, stage and television talent, and houses of
worship
Low-prole design (a mere 5 mm in diameter) is ideal for
applications requiring minimum visibility
Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides
and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source
Offers the convenience of battery or phantom power operation
Rugged design and construction for reliable performance
Switchable 80 Hz high-pass lter minimizes pickup of undesired
low-frequency sounds
Also available in wireless models (without power module)
terminated for use with all Audio-Technica UniPak
®
wireless
systems and many other manufacturers' wireless systems
Description
The AT898 is a subminiature clip-on/lavalier condenser microphone with a
cardioid polar pattern. It is designed to provide accurate reproduction for
vocalists, lecturers, stage and television talent, and houses of worship.
The microphone is intended to be worn on the clothing or hidden in props
for excellent yet unobtrusive sound pickup. The wide-range capability
of the microphone ensures clean, accurate reproduction with high
intelligibility for speakers, presenters and other performers. Its small size
makes it ideal for use in applications where minimum visibility is required.
The microphone requires 11V to 52V phantom power or a 1.5V AA battery
for operation. A battery need not be in place for phantom power operation.
The microphone's cardioid polar pattern provides a 120° angle of
acceptance.
The microphone includes a 3 m (9.8') permanently attached miniature
cable. Its free end connects to the provided AT8537 power module via
TA3F-type connector. The output of the power module is a 3-pin XLRM-
type connector.
A recessed switch in the power module permits choice of at response
or low-frequency roll-off (via integral 80 Hz high-pass lter) to help control
undesired ambient noise.
The microphone comes equipped with a power module, a cable clip,
a clothing clip base, a viper clip base, a magnet clip base and plate
with lanyard, three single mic holders, two double mic holders, two
windscreens and a battery. A protective carrying case is also included.
The microphone has a low-reectance black nish.
Wireless Models Description
The microphone is also available in a variety of wireless models,
including the AT898cW. The AT898cW includes a 1.4 m (55")
permanently attached miniature cable terminated with a locking 4-pin
connector for use with Audio-Technica UniPak
®
body-pack transmitters.
Models are also available in a variety of terminations for use with many
other manufacturers’ wireless systems. No power module or battery is
included (or required) with the wireless models. The wireless models’
dimensions, polar pattern and included accessories are otherwise
identical to those of the AT898.
The AT898cW is also available unterminated as the AT898c.
Cable Terminations
AT898cW Terminated with locking 4-pin
connector for use with
Audio-Technica
®
UniPak
body-pack transmitters
AT898cL4 Terminated for Sennheiser
®
wireless systems using Lemo
connector
AT898cT4 Terminated for Shure
®
wireless
systems using TA4F-type
connector
AT898cT5 Terminated for Lectrosonics
®
wireless systems using
TA5F-type connector
AT898c Unterminated
Audio-Technica
®
is a registered trademark of Audio-Technica. Other product and company names
mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or service marks of their respective owners.
Operation and Maintenance
The AT898 requires 11V to 52V phantom power or a 1.5V AA battery for
operation. A battery need not be in place for phantom power operation.
To install the battery, unscrew the base of the power supply unit and
insert one AA battery into the battery compartment, being certain to
observe battery polarity as marked. Then simply screw the base shut.
Alkaline batteries are recommended for longest life. Remove the battery
during long-term storage.
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.
An integral 80 Hz high-pass lter provides easy switching from a at
frequency response to a low-end roll-off. The roll-off position reduces the
microphone’s sensitivity to popping in close vocal use. It also reduces
the pickup of low-frequency ambient noise (such as trafc, air-handling
systems, etc.), room reverberation and mechanically coupled vibrations.
To engage the high-pass lter, use the end tip of a paperclip or other small
pointed instrument to slide the switch toward the “bent” line.
For use as a lavalier, attach the microphone about six inches below the
chin. Anticipate movements that may cause the microphone to rub against
or be covered by clothing, and position the microphone to avoid it.
The included single and double mic holders are interchangeable with the
included bases. To change the holders, simply remove original holder and
snap in the desired one. When using the microphone in extremely close
situations, slip the included open-pore foam windscreen over the mic to
reduce wind noise or popping.
CAUTION! To avoid possible injury, use caution when afxing the
microphone viper clip to clothing. The pins are sharp and may puncture