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There are more than 30 microphones in the
UniPoint line, so I reviewed a representative
sample. I chose nine different mics, including
extra capsules, various mounting and
installation hardware, numerous windscreens,
and a plethora of different ways to get the
mics’ signals from A to B. As always, Audio-
Technica’s hardware is solid, sturdy, and it looks
nice too. In particular, I love its small-diameter
goosenecks with “virtually no memory.” This
claim is not an exaggeration in the least. These
are truly excellent goosenecks.
The fi rst of the three gooseneck-mount mics
I listened to was the U859QL, intended for use
with an XLRF-type desk-mounted connector. It
accepts any of the UniPoint interchangeable
elements and features the UniSteep fi lter. This
is the only mic in the entire UniPoint line that
does not feature UniGuard RF shielding. I like
the way this mic sounds—it’s absolutely perfect
for podium work. It ships with a cardioid ele-
ment, and the off-axis rejection is perfect for
most gooseneck-oriented applications.
The next gooseneck-based mic was the
U857QL, the longer (18.94in.) version of the
U857Q (14.37in.). This gooseneck also mounts
to an XLRF-type connector. It also accepts any of
the interchangeable elements and features the
UniSteep fi lter and the UniGuard RF shielding.
This mic also shipped with a cardioid element
with just the right amount of off-axis rejection
for most likely applications. I discovered the
low-end response of this mic (along with that
of all the other gooseneck-type A-T mics) to be
excellent for a small-diaphragm condenser.
The third and final gooseneck was the
U857RU. This mic direct-mounts to any standard
5/8in. to 27in. stand or the included mounting
fl ange with a cable pass-through adapter. This
mic shipped with the UniLine “line-array” cardi-
oid element, which has a substantially narrow
pattern, perfect for applications where feed-
back is problematic. It also features UniSteep
and UniGuard.
I tested two hanging microphones, the fi rst
of which was the U853A. It shipped with both a
steel hanger and a plastic stand-mounted hous-
ing for podium or other stand-attached applica-
tions. It includes the AT8531 power module that
operates on phantom or battery power. It also
accepts interchangeable elements and features
UniGuard and UniSteep. The other hanging mic
was the U853PMWU, which is essentially the
same as the U853A, aside from the fact that
it features the UniLine mini-shotgun element in
a white fi nish. Did I mention that I love these
“line-array” mics?
I also tested three boundary mics—the
U841A, U851RW, and U891RC. The U841 is a
simple omnidirectional mic, the U851RW and
U891RC both exhibit a cardioid pattern, and
all three feature UniGuard, UniSteep, plus the
U851RW and U891RC employ A-T’s PivotPoint
rotating output connectors. The U851RW sports
a white fi nish, and the U891RC also includes a
switch that can trigger external devices or it can
switch the mic on or off with touch-on/touch-off,
press-to-talk, or press-to-mute modes.
Finally, I tested the U873R handheld mic,
which is a condenser unit with interchange-
able elements for diverse polar patterns. The
mic ships with a hypercardioid capsule. Like
the other mics, this one features UniGuard
and UniSteep.
In regard to the UniGuard technology, I threw
everything I had at these mics—cell phones,
BlackBerries, walkie-talkies, cordless tele-
phones, 802.11g wireless Internet —anything I
could muster in an attempt to get RF noise and/
or interference, but to no avail. The shielding
is truly excellent. Also, most of these mics can
handle 130dB SPL or more—certainly enough
for virtually any install/integration application.
It came as no surprise to me that the quality of
the mics is excellent. I’ve come to expect that
from A-T. The pleasant surprise is the updates
and enhancements to the entire line.
THE LAST WORD
I had an epiphany as I tested the new UniPoint
microphones. The difference between a good
manufacturer and a great one is that a good
manufacturer will develop a good product or line
and continue to maintain good quality. A great
manufacturer will develop a good product or line,
then improve it, based upon experience. Audio-
Technica has heard what contractors and inte-
grators have had to say about these products
and used that feedback to improve the entire
line. The UniPoint line was good before, but now
it’s truly great. Bravo, Audio-Technica.
John McJunkin is the principal of Avalon Studio
Service in Phoenix and consults for both studios and
live sound applications.
PRODUCT SUMMARY
Company: Audio-Technica
www.audio-technica.com
Product: UniPoint line
Pros: Major enhancements and improve-
ments to entire line.
Cons: None.
Applications: Ideal for boardrooms, podi-
ums, house of worship, and broadcast.
SPECIFICATIONS
U857Q
Frequency Response: 30Hz-
20,000Hz
Maximum Input Sound Level:
139dB SPL, 1kHz at 1% THD
Dynamic Range: 115dB, 1kHz at
max SPL
Signal-Noise Ratio: 70dB, 1kHz
at 1 Pa
U853PMWU
Frequency Response: 30Hz-
20,000Hz
Maximum Input Sound Level:
124dB SPL, 1kHz at 1% THD
Dynamic Range: 102dB, 1kHz at
max SPL
Signal-Noise Ratio: 72dB, 1kHz
at 1 Pa
U851RW
Frequency Response: 30Hz-
20,000Hz
Maximum Input Sound Level:
134dB SPL, 1kHz at 1% THD
Dynamic Range: 108dB, 1kHz at
max SPL
Signal-Noise Ratio: 68dB, 1kHz
at 1 Pa
Audio-Technica U.S., Inc.
1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, Ohio 44224
(330) 686-2600 • Fax (330) 686-0719 • Email: pro@atus.com • www.audio-technica.com
Reprinted with permission from the January 2006 issue of
Sound & Video Contractor
.
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Copyright 2006, Prism Business Media. All rights reserved.
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