Audio-Technica AT897 Line + Gradient Condenser Microphone User Guide

Table of Contents

Audio-Technica AT897 Line + Gradient Condenser Microphone

Audio-Technica is a well-known Japanese audio equipment manufacturer that specializes in the design and production of high-quality audio products. The company was founded in 1962 by Hideo Matsushita and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Since its inception, Audio-Technica has gained a strong reputation in the audio industry for its commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and technical expertise.

The company’s product range includes a wide variety of audio equipment, such as headphones, microphones, turntables, wireless systems, and other audio accessories. They cater to various markets, including professional audio, broadcast, live sound, studio recording, and consumer audio.

Features

Designed for video production and broadcast (ENG/EFP) audio acquisition
Short length ensures the mic stays out of the shot – even when used with compact digital cameras
Provides the narrow acceptance angle desirable for long-distance sound pickup
Smooth, natural-sounding on-axis audio quality
Offers the convenience of battery or phantom power operation
Rugged design and construction for reliable performance • Switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter minimizes pickup of undesired low-frequency sounds

Description

The AT897 is a fixed-charge condenser microphone with a line + gradient polar pattern.
It is designed for video production, broadcast (ENG/EFP) audio acquisition, wildlife recording, and high-quality sound reinforcement.
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 highly directional polar pattern provides a narrow acceptance angle along with crisp, intelligible audio reproduction desirable for long-distance sound pickup.
The output of the microphone is a 3-pin XLRM-type connector.
A switch permits the choice of flat response or low-frequency roll-off (via an integral 80 Hz high-pass filter) to help control undesired ambient noise.
The microphone is enclosed in a rugged housing. The included AT8405a stand clamp permits mounting on any microphone stand with ⁵/₈“-27 threads. A windscreen, two o-rings, a battery, and a protective carrying case are also included.

Operation and Maintenance

The AT897 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 lower section of the microphone body, just below the nameplate. Insert a fresh 1.5V AA battery in the handle compartment (“+” end up), then reassemble the microphone. Alkaline batteries are recommended for the 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).
The output phase is “Pin 2 hot”— positive acoustic pressure produces positive voltage at Pin 2.
To avoid phase cancellation and poor sound, all mic cables must be wired consistently: Pin 1-to-Pin 1, etc.
An integral 80 Hz high-pass filter provides easy switching from a flat frequency response to a low-end roll-off. The roll-off position reduces the pickup of low-frequency ambient noise (such as traffic, air-handling systems, etc.), room reverberation, and mechanically coupled vibrations. To engage the high-pass filter, use the end tip of a paperclip or other
small pointed instrument to slide the switch toward the “bent” line.
Avoid leaving the microphone in the open sun or in areas where temperatures exceed 110° F (43° C) for extended periods. Extremely high humidity should also be avoided.

Note: To use the microphone with a camera-mount microphone holder whose diameter is too large to secure the microphone, slide the two supplied o-rings onto the microphone handle, spaced so that one fits just in front of, and the other fits just behind, the rubber nubs inside the microphone holder. When the top of the microphone holder is closed and tightened down, the o-rings should hold the microphone securely in place.

Important Note
To reduce the environmental impact of a multi-language printed document, product information is available online at www.audio-technica.com in a selection of languages.

Specifications

frequency response: 20–20,000

polar pattern

In the interest of standards development, A.T.U.S. offers full details on its test methods to other industry professionals on request.

1 Pascal = 10 dynes/cm2= 10 microbars = 94 dB SPL1
Typical, A-weighted, using Audio Precision System One.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.

FAQS About Audio-Technica AT897 Line + Gradient Condenser Microphone

Do Audio Technica microphones perform well?

Undoubtedly, the Audio Technica is a flexible microphone for the home studio. It sounds good on a variety of vocal and spoken voices. But with appropriate mic placement and EQ, it may also be utilized with a variety of instruments, particularly acoustic guitar.

Line gradient microphone: what is it?

To significantly increase the cancellation of sound coming from the sides, the line microphone employs an interference tube in front of the element. The interference tube and directional (“gradient”) element are combined in Audio-Technica line microphones to improve cancellation in the back as well.

For what is Audio-Technica renowned?

Audio-Technica, once famed for its cutting-edge phonograph cartridges, today produces high-performance microphones, headphones, wireless systems, mixers, and other electronic equipment for both personal and business use.

Is Audio-Technica a reliable recording brand?

The Audio-Technica brand makes the greatest closed-back studio headphones. Closed-back headphones are ideal for activities like recording audio because of their design, which helps reduce some background noise so you can still hear what’s going on around you while monitoring your audio.

What distinguishes line audio from mic audio?

Since a line-level signal is about one volt strong, or 1,000 times stronger than a mic-level signal, the two typically do not use the same input. Your pre-amp sends this signal on to the amplifier that drives your speakers.

Is Audio-Technica a company name?

By the late 1960s, Audio-Technica had also started to export phono cartridges to makers of audio equipment all over the world, further solidifying the company’s position as a major producer.

What country produces Audio-Technica?

Japan’s Tokyo

Are speakers required for an Audio-Technica?

You won’t be able to hear the music from your vinyl records without speakers. Audio-Technica turntables lack the built-in speaker that some turntables feature. In order to listen to your vinyl collection, you must buy external speakers.

Are drivers required for Audio-Technica?

Audio-Technica Audio-Technica USB audio products are designed to be “plug and play” by employing an operating system’s USB Audio CODEC driver instead of requiring any unique drivers.

Is there software from Audio-Technica?

Users can make a device list, coordinate frequencies, and keep an eye on Audio-Technica wireless devices using the powerful yet user-friendly Wireless Manager program.

For more manuals by Audio-Technica, Visit Manualsdock

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