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POLAR
PATTERN
PRESSURE ZONE
MICROPHONE
PZM
®
-185
T
he Crown
®
PZM
®
-185 Pressure Zone
Microphone
®
is a microphone designed for
general-purpose use. Ideal for applications
such as conferences, group discussions, inter-
views, broadcast, home video production, lectures,
and recordings. The mic can be placed on a large
surface such as a table, fl oor, wall, or lectern.
The PZM-185 is powered either by an internal
AAA 1.5V battery or 12-48V phantom power. The
boundary “paddle” can be detached so the mic
will fi t in your pocket. Attached to the mic is an
8-foot (2.438-m) cable leading to a tubular power
module.
The microphone’s low-profi le design reduces “mic
fright” and minimizes clutter. It is nearly invisible
on camera. The PZM-185 minimizes pickup of
vibration and handling noise.
Its electret condenser capsule provides a wide,
smooth frequency response from 50 Hz to 16 kHz.
The mic’s hemispherical polar pattern allows clear
pickup of everyone surrounding the microphone.
The PZM-185 is protected against static and RFI.
The output is balanced, low impedance, which
allows long cable runs without hum pickup or
high-frequency loss.
Like other Pressure Zone Microphones, the PZM-
185 uses a miniature mic capsule mounted very near
a sound-refl ecting plate or boundary in the Pressure
Zone. In this zone, direct sound from the sound
source combines in phase at all frequencies with
refl ected sound off the boundary. The benefi ts are
many: 6 dB more sensitivity, 6 dB less noise, a wide
smooth frequency response free of phase interfer-
ence, excellent clarity and “reach,” and consistent
pickup anywhere around the microphone.
Operating Instructions
You can power the PZM-185 either by 12-48V
phantom power or battery power. To use phantom
power, plug the mic connector into a phantom
power supply or into a mic input that provides
12-48V phantom power.
To use battery power, open the cover (Fig. 3) and
insert a AAA 1.5V battery. Please note the correct
orientation of the battery.
If you’re using the microphone on a hard surface,
such as a table top, the boundary “paddle” is not
necessary. If you’re using the mic on a carpet or
other sound-absorbing surface, attach the bound-
ary “paddle” for best results.
Specifi cations
Element: Electret condenser.
Frequency response (typical): 50 Hz to 16 kHz (Fig. 1).
Polar pattern: Hemispherical (half-omni) on a large
surface.
Impedance: 150 ohms, balanced. Recommended mini-
mum load impedance 1000 ohms.
Open circuit sensitivity (1.5V battery power):
0.8mV/Pa (–62 dB re 1 volt/Pa*).
Power sensitivity (1.5V battery power): –59.5 dBm.
EIA sensitivity –154 dBm.
Open-circuit sensitivity (phantom power):
3.2 mV/Pa* (–50 dB re 1V/Pa).
Power sensitivity (phantom power): –47.5 dBm.
EIA sensitivity –142 dBm.
Equivalent noise level (self-noise): 21 dB SPLtypical,
A-weighted (0 dB = .0002 dyne/cm
2
).
S/N ratio: 73 dB at 94 dB SPL.
Maximum SPL: 120 dB SPL produces 3% distortion
with phantom power.
Polarity: Positive pressure on the diaphragm produces
positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3 of the
output connector.
Cable: 8-foot (2.438-m), 2-conductor shielded, perma-
nently attached cable. No other cable supplied; use
2-conductor shielded mic cable.
Output connector: 3-pin XLR-type pro audio connector.
Operating voltage: One 1.5V size AAA alkaline battery
(Duracell MN2400 or equivalent) or 12 to 48V phantom
power (positive voltage on pins 2 and 3 with respect to
pin 1).
Battery life: Approximately 45 days.
Current drain: 0.5 mA.
Materials: High-impact plastic housing and steel power
module.
Finish: Satin black.
Dimensions: Fig. 2.
Weight: 4 ounces (115 grams).
Included accessories: 1.5V AAA battery.
Fig. 2
.579 in.
(1.5 cm)
3.129 in.
(7.9 cm)
3.409 in.
(8.7 cm)
5.90 in.
(15.0 cm)
–20
–25
–30
–35
20 100 1K
+15
+10
+5
dB
0
–5
–10
–15
10K
20K
Frequency in Hz
Frequency Response
Fig. 1
Optional accessories: Crown PH-1A phantom power
supply (1 channel, battery or AC adapter powered).
*1 pascal = 10 dynes/cm
2
= 10 microbars = 94 dB SPL.
.607 in.
(1.5 cm)
.732 in.
(1.86 cm)
Features
Ideal for table-top or on-fl oor
recordings: conference, group discus-
sions, interviews, broadcast, home video,
lectures, music
Works on internal AAA battery or phantom
power
Low-impedance XLR-type output
Boundary “paddle” can be detached
Clear, bright sound quality with excellent
bass
Dimensions