Audio-Technica AT897 Line + Gradient Short Condenser Shotgun Microphone

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.

• 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