U853A Cardioid Condenser Hanging Microphone

Maintaining the Audio-Technica tradition of clear and transparent sound quality, the U853A cardioid condenser hanging microphone is ideal for speech, theater, orchestra and choir sound reinforcement and recording. The microphone’s fast transient response and low distortion characteristics allow every complex detail to be heard with all its impact—rich, vibrant qualities faithfully reproduced. Equipped with UniGuard® innovations that offer unsurpassed immunity from radio frequency interference, the U853A accepts interchangeable elements, available in cardioid, hypercardioid, omnidirectional and UniLine® line cardioid polar patterns. The battery- or phantom-powered microphone also offers an 80 Hz low-cut UniSteep® filter that reduces pickup of low-frequency ambient noise.

  • Designed for suspension over choirs, instrumental groups and theater stages

  • Superior off-axis rejection for maximum gain before feedback

  • UniGuard® RFI-shielding technology offers outstanding rejection of radio frequency interference (RFI)

  • UniSteep® filter provides a steep low-frequency attenuation to improve sound pickup without affecting voice quality

  • Accepts interchangeable elements to permit angle of acceptance from 90° to 360°

  • Low-profile design with low-reflectance finish for minimum visibility

  • Available in two colors: black (U853A) and white (U853AW)

  • Operates on battery or phantom power


SPECIFICATIONS
ELEMENT Fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized condenser
POLAR PATTERN Cardioid
FREQUENCY RESPONSE 30-20,000 Hz
LOW FREQUENCY ROLL-OFF 80 Hz, 18 dB/octave
OPEN CIRCUIT SENSITIVITY Phantom: –42 dB (7.9 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa
Battery: –43 dB (7.0 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa
IMPEDANCE Phantom: 200 ohms
Battery: 270 ohms
MAXIMUM INPUT SOUND LEVEL Phantom: 133 dB, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.
Battery: 123 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.
DYNAMIC RANGE (typical) Phantom: 109 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL
Battery: 99 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL
SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO 70 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa
PHANTOM POWER REQUIREMENTS 11-52V DC, 2 mA typical
BATTERY TYPE 1.5V AA/UM3
BATTERY CURRENT / LIFE 0.4 mA / 1200 hours typical (alkaline)
SWITCH Off, on-flat, on-roll-off
WEIGHT (MICROPHONE) 0.5 oz (14 g)
WEIGHT (POWER MODULE) 4.9 oz (139 g)
DIMENSIONS (MICROPHONE) 1.34" (34.0 mm) long,
0.48" (12.2 mm) diameter
DIMENSIONS (POWER MODULE) 3.31" (84.0 mm) H x
2.48" (63.0 mm) W x
0.87" (22.0 mm) D
OUTPUT CONNECTOR (POWER MODULE) Integral 3-pin XLRM-type
CABLE 25.0' (7.6 m) long (permanently attached to microphone), 0.13" (3.2 mm) diameter, 2-conductor, shielded cable with TA3F-type connector
OPTIONAL INTERCHANGEABLE ELEMENTS UE-H hypercardioid (100°);
UE-O omnidirectional (360°);
UE-UL UniLine® (90°)
ACCESSORIES FURNISHED AT8153 two-stage foam windscreen; AT8451 steel hanger; AT8531 power module; AT8438 5/8"-27 stand adapter; battery
AUDIO-TECHNICA CASE STYLE M12


SPECIFICATION GRAPHS
Click on the chart to view the larger image
POLAR PATTERN
POLAR PATTERN
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
FREQUENCY RESPONSE


WARRANTIES


Conditions
(7 Questions : 7 Answers)

Product Q&A

Ask your questions. Share your answers.

 
 
« Back
 
 
Has staff answer
 
1 answer

Missing windscreen

I purchased three Pro 45's and two of them are missing the wind screen. I wanted to know if your company could provide those since they were missing during purchase. Or do you think that the wind screen isn't necessary in the church environment with commercial construction. Please do tell me what to do
Age: 25-34
User Type: Live Sound
Experience: Amateur
 
Products related to my question
PRO 45 Cardioid Condenser Hanging Microphone
 
 
 
 
 
1 year, 3 months ago
Customer avatar
by
Bigboiehbut
Lawrenceville, GA, USA
Read all my Q&A
 
Please wait while more information about Bigboiehbut is loaded.
Additional information about Bigboiehbut could not be loaded.
Answer this question
0points
0out of 0found this question helpful.
Was this helpful?helpful0unhelpful0
Report inappropriate content

Answers

Answer: 
Thank you for your inquiry. Contact our parts department at 330-686-2600 option 4. They can help with this.
Age: 45-54
1 year, 3 months ago
Customer avatar
by
AudioSolutionsManager
Stow, OH
Read all my Q&A
 
Please wait while more information about AudioSolutionsManager is loaded.
Additional information about AudioSolutionsManager could not be loaded.
0points
0out of 0found this answer helpful.
Was this helpful?helpful0unhelpful0
Report inappropriate content
Has staff answer
 
1 answer

What would be the max hanging height?

I am looking for a microphone for my assisted listening system and do not want a mic that hangs too low into the sight lines. I would need it to hang about 18 feet of of the floor.
User Type: Live Sound
9 months ago
Customer avatar
by
fatchanceofanickname
Middlebury VT
Read all my Q&A
 
Please wait while more information about fatchanceofanickname is loaded.
Additional information about fatchanceofanickname could not be loaded.
Answer this question
0points
0out of 0found this question helpful.
Was this helpful?helpful0unhelpful0
Report inappropriate content

Answers

Answer: 
Thank you for your inquiry. 18 feet would be too far to make any microphone effective in your scenario. If your source is spoken word, no more than a few feet is necessary. Otherwise you will pick too much backround noise.
Age: 45-54
Experience: Pro
8 months ago
Customer avatar
by
AudioSolutionsManager
Stow, OH
Read all my Q&A
 
Please wait while more information about AudioSolutionsManager is loaded.
Additional information about AudioSolutionsManager could not be loaded.
0points
0out of 0found this answer helpful.
Was this helpful?helpful0unhelpful0
Report inappropriate content
We bought 6ea of U853A for stage performance, both choir and skid. But we felt we can't make it works the way we expect. So please help. (1) The first question is what is the recommended distance range from microphone to signers (2) what is the difference between -- and -/ choice. (There is one switch on the side of power module, 3 position, off, -- and --/,) I think the --/ is for hanging and ---- is for mount on the microphone pole ? Is that right ? If ---- is for regular usage, please advise how to use it, just like regular microphone ? Thank you very much
If the included 25' cables is not enough, what kind of extension can we use ? Any P/N ?
Age: 45-54
User Type: Live Sound
Experience: Novice
8 months ago
Customer avatar
by
bwav
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Read all my Q&A
 
Please wait while more information about bwav is loaded.
Additional information about bwav could not be loaded.
Answer this question
0points
0out of 0found this question helpful.
Was this helpful?helpful0unhelpful0
Report inappropriate content

Answers

Answer: 
Microphones, like ears, can sense distance. Generally speaking, you want to observe the 3:1 Rule of Microphone Placement when using a multiple microphone setup. There is also a resource about how to mic a choir on the Audio-Technica homepage (www.audio-technica.com), under "Support".

http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/s...

To answer your questions one-by-one:
1) Refer to the above information.
2) Bent line = low end roll-off. it reduces some low end information. Use if you think it sounds better.
3) Refer to #2.

If you need an extension, a standard copper-braided XLR will do. If you have addition questions after thoroughly reviewing the above, please contact audio-solutions@atus.com.
Age: 25-34
User Type: Other
Experience: Pro
7 months ago
Customer avatar
by
AudioSolutionsSpec2
Stow, OH
Read all my Q&A
 
Please wait while more information about AudioSolutionsSpec2 is loaded.
Additional information about AudioSolutionsSpec2 could not be loaded.
0points
0out of 0found this answer helpful.
Was this helpful?helpful0unhelpful0
Report inappropriate content
Has staff answer
 
1 answer

Effective range for U853A

Thank you for the prompt answer. Sorry I am not experienced so I still need more explanation, please bear with me. (1) distance based on 1:3 ratio. But what is the effective range for the 1 (in 1:3 raio). Let me ask in a stupid way,can we hang the microphone 30 feet from the first signer ? I think not, so what is the recommended range from the microphone to the first signer, 5 feet to 10 feet, or 5 feet to 30 feet ?
For the 2nd question, bent or straight setting choice ? what is the intended application, hanging or on the microphone stand ? Can you provide some guidelines, or we just try and see ?

For the 3rd question, that is a good suggestion. But if we use regular XLR cable to extend the distance, the power module will be located on the ceiling which is very difficult to access, and we need to access to turn on and off the switch, to replace battery. So my question is whether there is way to extend the 25" cable, which come with the microphone.
Age: 45-54
User Type: Live Sound
Experience: Novice
7 months ago
Customer avatar
by
bwav
Read all my Q&A
 
Please wait while more information about bwav is loaded.
Additional information about bwav could not be loaded.
Answer this question
0points
0out of 0found this question helpful.
Was this helpful?helpful0unhelpful0
Report inappropriate content

Answers

Answer: 
Microphones, like ears, can sense distance. The further away a microphone is from a source, the more distant it will sound. Adversely, the closer the microphone is, the closer it will sound. This is why there is no "range" spec for microphones.

The bent switch engages the low-end roll-off. This attenuates some of the low frequencies, but not all. The straight line is normal frequency response. It is recommended that you experiment, and use the one you think sounds better to you.

There is no other way to extend the cable without the power-module and subsequent XLR cable. To avoid using batteries, it is recommended that you enable Phantom Power. If you do not have a Phantom Power supply, we manufacture the AT8801.

If you have further questions, please contact the Audio-Solutions Department (audio-solutions@atus.com).
Age: 25-34
User Type: Other
Experience: Pro
7 months ago
Customer avatar
by
AudioSolutionsSpec2
Stow, OH
Read all my Q&A
 
Please wait while more information about AudioSolutionsSpec2 is loaded.
Additional information about AudioSolutionsSpec2 could not be loaded.
+1point
1out of 1found this answer helpful.
Was this helpful?helpful1unhelpful0
Report inappropriate content
Has staff answer
 
1 answer

Can use 9 volt Unbalanced phantom power?

What pin is phantom power on?
7 months ago
Customer avatar
by
Craigo
Read all my Q&A
 
Please wait while more information about Craigo is loaded.
Additional information about Craigo could not be loaded.
Answer this question
0points
0out of 0found this question helpful.
Was this helpful?helpful0unhelpful0
Report inappropriate content

Answers

Answer: 
No it cannot.The U853A Cardioid Condenser Hanging Microphone can be powered by its associated (AT8531) power module only. The module accepts phantom power (11 to 52 V DC) through its audio output connector when phantom power is provided on a balanced 3-pin XLR microphone input connector. The module also accepts a single AA 1.5 V battery for battery powering the microphone if phantom power is not available. The power module manages phantom power by stepping it down to a much lower (less than 9 volts) bias voltage. It also balances the audio signal and sets the output impedance.
Age: 45-54
User Type: Other
Experience: Pro
7 months ago
Customer avatar
by
AudioSolutionsSpec1
Stow,OH
Read all my Q&A
 
Please wait while more information about AudioSolutionsSpec1 is loaded.
Additional information about AudioSolutionsSpec1 could not be loaded.
0points
0out of 0found this answer helpful.
Was this helpful?helpful0unhelpful0
Report inappropriate content
2 next>>

Product Q&A

7 Questions7 Answers
2 next>>

Share on Facebook
U853A : Cardioid Condenser Hanging Microphone
http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/resource_library/product_images/46eeb2e2884b19d1/orig/u853a.jpg

U853A : Cardioid Condenser Hanging Microphone

http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/resource_library/product_images/3798282939402a91/orig/06_tec_nom.jpg

Audio-Technica Audio-Technica Audio-Technica Audio-Technica Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica Audio-Technica Audio-Technica Audio-Technica Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica Audio-Technica Audio-Technica Audio-Technica Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica Audio-Technica Audio-Technica Audio-Technica Audio-Technica