Audio-Technica AT897 Line + Gradient Short Condenser Shotgun Microphone Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica’s AT897 is designed for field audio acquisition in film/TV/video production, professional recording, wildlife recording and broadcast applications. It mounts conveniently on a DV camcorder without adding noticeable heft, and remains out of the frame even with compact digital cameras. This high-performance short shotgun offers outstanding long-distance audio pickup due to narrow acceptance angle of line + gradient design. It also features smooth, natural-sounding on-axis audio quality and excellent off-axis rejection of sound arriving from the sides and rear of mic.

The AT897 requires 11V to 52V DC phantom power or a 1.5V AA battery for operation. A battery need not be in place for phantom power operation.Battery installation: 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 longest life.Remove the battery during long-term storage.

Output from the microphone’s XLRM-type connector 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.To avoid phase cancellation and poor sound, all mic cables mustbe 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 pickup of low-frequency ambient noise (such as traffic, air-handling systems, etc.), room reverberation and mechanically coupled vibrations.The microphone is RoHS compliant-free from all substances specified in the EU directive on hazardous substances. Avoid leaving the microphone in the open sun or in areas where temperatures exceed 43° C (110° F) for extended periods. Extremely high humidity should also be avoided.

Features:

• Designed for video production and broadcast (ENG/EFP) audio acquisition
• Short length (11) ensures mic stays out of the shot – even when used with compact digital cameras
• Smooth, natural-sounding on-axis audio quality
• Provides the narrow acceptance angle desirable for long-distance sound pickup
• Excellent sound rejection from the sides and rear of mic
• Switchable low-frequency roll-off
• Operates on battery or phantom power