Audio-Technica AT897 Line + Gradient Condenser Microphone

Create studio sound quality in field audio acquisition with Audio-Technica’s condenser microphone AT897. Lightweight and short enough to mount conveniently on a DV camcorder, this mic stays out of a shot while offering outstanding long-distance audio pickup. Able to run with a battery or phantom power, this shotgun mic is convenient for on the go recordings. This line + gradient condenser microphone is an excellent choice for field audio in film/TV/video production, wildlife recording, documentaries, and indie films.

A fixed-charge condenser microphone, the AT897 has a line + gradient polar pattern. Using this highly directional polar pattern allows the shotgun microphone to be relatively short yet accurately pick up long-distance sounds. Narrow acceptance angle delivers crisp, intelligible audio reproduction.

Field audio presents one of the least controlled sound environments to work with. Integral 80 Hz high-pass filter gives the option to switch between flat frequency response to a low-end roll-off. Roll-off position minimizes pickup of low-frequency ambient noise - helping keep noises from traffic and passerby to wind and mechanically coupled vibrations out of your recording.

Since the intent for this microphone is travel use, durability and convenience are key factors. Rugged housing protects microphone elements from minor damage during travel. Stand clamp offers versatility in mounting capabilities, and windscreen not only helps filter out sound but keeps dust from the capsule as well. Adding superior convenience is the AT897’s ability to be run using a battery or phantom power. Use a 1.5V AA battery for battery operation or connect the microphone to any device providing 11V to 52V of phantom power.

Line + gradient pattern condenser microphone excels with video production and broadcast audio acquisition in just about any location you hope to create in.

Audio-Technica AT897 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
• Line + gradient polar pattern
• Provides narrow acceptance angle desirable for long-distance sound pickup
• Excellent sound rejection from the sides and rear of mic
• 20-20,000 Hz frequency response
• Switchable low-frequency roll-off
• Operates on battery or phantom power

• AT897 Line + Gradient Condenser Microphone1
• Battery1
• Stand clamp1
• Threaded adapter1
• Carrying case1

• Transducer TypeCondenser
• Polar PatternLine + gradient
• Frequency Response20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Output Impedance
  • Phantom: 200 ohms
  • Battery: 300 ohms
• Low frequency roll-off80 Hz, 12 dB/octave
• Sensitivity
  • Phantom: -40 dBV/Pa (10.0 mV)
  • Battery: -41 dBV/Pa (8.9 mV)
• Impedance
  • Phantom: 200 ohms
  • Battery: 300 ohms
• Maximum input sound level
  • Phantom: 129 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.
  • Battery: 115 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.
• Dynamic range (typical)
  • Phantom: 112 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL
  • Battery: 98 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL
• Signal-to-noise ratio ( Pascal = 10 dynes/cm2 = 10 microbars = 94 dB SPL) 77 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa
• Phantom power requirements 11-52V DC, 2 mA typica
• Battery type 1.5V AA/UM3
• Battery current / life 0.4 mA / 1200 hours typical (alkaline)
• Switch Flat, roll-off
• Connector3-Pin XLRM
• Dimensions 279 mm (10.98") long, 21 mm (0.83") diameter
• Weight 5.1 oz (145 g)