Audio-Technica Debuts Flexible Boundary Mic
Audio-Technica has expanded its contractor-exclusive Engineered Sound line with the introduction of the ES963 Three-Element Multidirectional Boundary Microphone.
Audio-Technica has expanded its contractor-exclusive Engineered Sound line with the introduction of the ES963 Three-Element Multidirectional Boundary Microphone. The ES963 is designed for surface-mount applications such as sound reinforcement, conferencing, professional recording, television, and other demanding sound-pickup applications in the installed sound and sound contracting markets, according to the company. The microphone provides full, efficient and flexible coverage of large table areas, giving users a more streamlined mic setup.
Three cardioid condenser elements mounted in the microphone housing are factory set with an angle of 120 degrees between them to provide complete 360-degree coverage above mounting surface. Two positioning levers on the microphone base allow two of the three elements to be reoriented (no tools or disassembly are required) to offer angles of 90/90/180 degrees between elements. Such configurability makes the mic ideal for positioning at the end of long conference tables, for example.
Because elements can be powered and used individually or in combination, users can be even more flexible in their deployment. For example, with two elements powered, the microphone can provide a figure-of-eight polar pattern. With a single element powered, the microphone functions as a standard cardioid boundary microphone. Four indented recessed pathways on the base of the ES963 enable the user to route the cable as required to accommodate any installation requirements.
The ES963 includes a 24.6-foot permanently attached output cable. Its free end is unterminated, giving the installer flexibility in interfacing with a variety of equipment. Small-diameter capsules near the boundary eliminate phase distortion and deliver clear, high-output performance, A-T officials said.
The ES963 comes with UniGuard RFI-shielding technology, which rejects radio frequency interference. The microphone requires 11V to 52V DC phantom power for operation. Elements can be powered and used individually or in any combination.
The ES963’s heavy die-cast case and non-slip silicon foam bottom pads minimize coupling of surface vibration to the microphone. The microphone features a low-profile design and a low-reflectance black finish, and comes equipped with a soft protective pouch. Output is low impedance (Lo-Z balanced).
Audio-Technica’s ES963 Three-Element Multidirectional Boundary Microphone will be available summer 2010 with a U.S. MSRP of $495. It comes standard with a five-year warranty.
