Omnidirectional Boundary Mic

US Audio-Technica introduces the U851RO 17/02/11

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Audio-Technica brings to market the new U851RO Omnidirectional Condenser Boundary Microphone. Here's what they have to say about it...
Featuring breakthrough audio and mechanical design innovations, the phantom-powered U851RO offers outstanding speech intelligibility and transparent sound quality for surface-mount applications. Such applications include high-quality sound reinforcement, professional recording, television, conferencing and other demanding sound pickup situations.
The U851RO's small-diameter UniPoint® capsule near the boundary eliminates phase distortion and delivers clear, high-output performance. The unit is equipped with a PivotPoint® rotating output connector, allowing the cable to exit from either the rear or the bottom of the microphone; a UniSteep® filter, which provides a steep low-frequency attenuation to improve sound pickup without affecting voice quality; and UniGuard® RFI-shielding technology, which offers outstanding rejection of radio frequency interference. Self-contained electronics eliminate the need for an external power module. It accepts interchangeable condenser elements in cardioid and hypercardioid polar patterns.
The U851RO features a low-profile design with a low-reflectance black finish for minimum visibility, in addition to a heavy die-cast case and silicon foam bottom pads to help minimize coupling of surface vibration to the microphone. The U851RO's low-profile element provides a uniform omnidirectional polar pattern with a 360-degree acceptance angle.
U851RO Specifications:

Element: Fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized condenser
Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional in hemisphere above mounting surface
Frequency Response: 30-20,000 Hz
Low Frequency Roll-Off: 80 Hz, 18 dB/octave
Open Circuit Sensitivity: -31 dB (28.2 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa
Impedance: 200 ohms
Maximum Input Sound Level: 132 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.
Dynamic Range (typical): 111 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 73 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa
Phantom Power Requirements: 11-52V DC, 4 mA typical
Switch: Flat, roll-off
Weight: 9.2 oz (262 g)
Dimensions: 4.25" (108.0 mm) maximum length, 3.31" (84.0 mm) maximum width, 0.91" (23.0 mm) maximum height
Output Connector: TB3M-type
Cable: 25' (7.6 m) long, 0.13" (3.2 mm) diameter, 2-conductor, shielded cable with TA3F-type and XLRM-type connectors
Optional Interchangeable Elements: UE-C cardioid (120°); UE-H hypercardioid (100°)
Accessory Furnished: Soft protective pouch

Pricing and Availability:
The U851RO Omnidirectional Condenser Boundary Microphone is currently available with a U.S. MSRP of $313.00. More information: