Audio-Technica BP896 Microphone User Manual


 
broadcast & production microphones
BP896 & BP896-TH
MicroPoint
Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphones
Features
• Subminiatureclip-onlavaliermicrophonedesignedforbroadcast
productionandtheatersettings
• Microphonediameterofjust2.6mmfortheultimateinlow-
prole,high-performanceaudio
• Extremelyintelligible,naturalaudio
• Handleshighsoundpressurelevelswithease
• Locking4-pinmicrophoneoutputconnectorcompatiblewith
includedpowermoduleandallAudio-TechnicaUniPak
®
body-
packwirelesstransmitters
• Ruggeddesignandconstructionforreliableperformance
• UniSteep
®
lterprovidesasteeplow-frequencyattenuationto
improvesoundpickupwithoutaffectingvoicequality
• Offeredinblackandbeige(-TH)models
• RoHS-compliant—freefromallsubstancesspeciedintheEU
directiveonthereductionofhazardoussubstances(RoHS)
• Alsoavailableinwirelessmodels(withoutpowermodule)
terminatedforusewithallAudio-TechnicaUniPak
®
wireless
systemsandmanyothermanufacturers’wirelesssystems
BP896 Description
The BP896 is a subminiature clip-on/lavalier condenser microphone with
an omnidirectional polar pattern. It is designed to provide intelligible,
natural audio for stage/television talent, lecturers 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 for operation.
The microphone includes a 1.4 m (55") permanently attached miniature
cable. Its free end connects to the provided AT8539 power module via
a locking 4-pin connector. The connector is also compatible with all
Audio-Technica UniPak
®
body-pack wireless transmitters. 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 UniSteep
®
lter) to
help control undesired ambient noise.
The microphone comes equipped with a power module, a clothing clip
base, a viper clip base, three single mic holders, two double mic holders,
two windscreens and six element covers (two each in black, white and
beige) for blending in with users’ attire. A belt clip and a protective carrying
case is also included. The microphone is available in black and beige.
Wireless MicroPoint
Description
The microphone is also available in a variety of wireless models, including
the BP896cW. The BP896cW 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 belt clip is included (or required)
with the wireless models. The wireless models’ dimensions, polar pattern
and included accessories are otherwise identical to those of the BP896.
The BP896cW is also available unterminated as the BP896c.
Cable Terminations
BP896cW, BP896cW-TH Terminated with locking 4-pin
connector for use with
Audio-Technica
®
UniPak
body-pack transmitters BP896c,
BP896cL4, BP896cL4-TH Terminated for Sennheiser
®
wireless systems using Lemo
connector
BP896cLM3, BP896cLM3-TH Terminated for Sennheiser
®
wireless systems using locking
3.5 mm connector
BP896cT4, BP896cT4-TH Terminated for Shure
®
wireless
systems using TA4F-type
connector
BP896cT5, BP896cT5-TH Terminated for Lectrosonics
®
wireless systems using
TA5F-type connector
BP896c, BP896c-TH Unterminated
Model numbers ending in “TH” are beige.
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 BP896 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.
An integral 80 Hz high-pass UniSteep
®
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 UniSteep
®
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. Use the included element cover to protect
the microphone element from contaminants.
The four small sleeves on the cable are used for securely mounting the
microphone in the included holders. To attach the microphone in a holder,
slide the sleeve(s) to the required position on the cable, and snap the
holder onto the sleeve(s). Note: If a sleeve becomes difcult to slide,