Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica AT831b
Miniature condenser (fixed-charge back plate), cardioid, clip-on lavalier and instrument mic, with a power module for phantom or AA battery and an 80 Hz UniSteep high-pass
Power Phantom 11-52 V DC, or one 1.5 V AA battery, in the AT8531 power module.
- Type
- Condenser (electret)
- Pattern
- Cardioid
- Sensitivity
- −44 dBV/Pa
- Among 311 mics: more output than 44%
- Self-noise
- 29 dB(A) computed
- Max SPL
- 135 dB SPL
- Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 36%
- Rated range
- 40 – 18k Hz
vs 204 condensers
More output than 20% of 204 condensers.
Each stripe is one condenser with a published sensitivity, and each bar counts them; further right means more output. This mic is in blue.
vs 277 condensers
Takes louder sound than 40% of 277 condensers.
Each stripe is one condenser with a published max SPL, and each bar counts them; further right means it takes louder sound. This mic is in blue.
Instruments sources recommend it for most
Proximity effect: the bass it gains up close
From the spec sheet, p. 1.
Printed under the graph: "12\" or more on axis" (30 cm or more). Room and smoothing not stated.
Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.
Polar pattern
From the spec sheet, p. 1.
Full circle, 0° at the top, "SCALE IS 5 DECIBELS PER DIVISION". Measuring conditions not stated.
In practice
All specs
| From the spec sheet | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity | −44 dBV/Pa (6.3 mV/Pa)open circuit, phantom power; also −46 dBV/Pa, open circuit, battery. "–44 dB (6.3 mV) / –46 dB (5.0 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa" (Phantom / Battery). | p. 1 |
| Self-noise | 29 dB(A)typical, A-weighted. Not stated; computed as 94 dB SPL minus the signal-to-noise ratio, "65 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa" (typical, A-weighted). | |
| Max SPL | 135 dB SPL1 kHz, 1% THD, phantom power; also 121 dB SPL, 1 kHz, 1% THD, battery. "135 dB / 121 dB SPL" (Phantom / Battery). | |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 65 dB1 kHz at 1 Pa; typical, A-weighted | |
| Dynamic range | 106 dB1 kHz at max SPL, typical, phantom power; also 92 dB, battery. "106 dB / 92 dB" (Phantom / Battery). | |
| Output impedance | 200 ohmphantom power; also 270 ohm, battery. "200 ohms / 270 ohms" (Phantom / Battery); low impedance balanced. | |
| Rated frequency range | 40 Hz to 18 kHzTolerance not stated. | |
| Powering | phantom 11-52 V DC, or one 1.5 V AA battery, in the AT8531 power module"The AT831b requires 11-52V DC phantom power, or a 1.5V AA battery for operation. A battery need not be in place for phantom power operation." | |
| Current draw | 2 mAphantom, typical; also 0.4 mA, battery. Phantom "11-52V DC, 2 mA typical"; battery "0.4 mA / 1200 hours typical (alkaline)". | |
| Low cut | flat, roll-off; 80 Hz; 18 dB/octave; high-pass"80 Hz, 18 dB/octave"; switch "Off, on-flat, on-roll-off"; an "integral 80 Hz high-pass UniSteep® filter". | |
| Connector | TA3F on the fixed 1.8 m cable, into the power module; XLR-3 male on the power moduleOutput connector "Integral 3-pin XLRM-type (power module)"; cable "with TA3F-type connector". | |
| Weight | 2.8 gmicrophone, less cable and accessories; power module 139 g | |
| Dimensions | 10.2 × 25 mmMicrophone diameter × length: "25.0 mm (0.98") long, 10.2 mm (0.40") diameter". | |
| Supplied accessories | AT8531 power module; AT8419 clothing clip; AT8444 instrument adapter; AT8116 windscreen; battery; protective carrying case | |
| Switch | Off, on-flat, on-roll-off (on the power module) | |
| Battery | 1.5 V AA/UM3; 0.4 mA, about 1200 hours (alkaline, typical) | |
| Power module size | 84.0 × 63.0 × 22.0 mm (H × W × D) | |
| Cable | 1.8 m, permanently attached to the mic, 2.6 mm diameter, 2-conductor shielded, TA3F-type connector | |
| PlacementAudio-Technica | As a lavalier, about six inches (15 cm) below the chin; also for acoustic guitar with the AT8444 instrument adapter | |
| Output | Low impedance balanced, pin 2 hot | |
| Operating temperature | Avoid more than 43 °C (110 °F) for long periods, and very high humidity | |
Documents
- AT831b Miniature Cardioid Condenser Microphonespec sheet, P52048
Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents), unchanged, with their original addresses. Each is © its publisher.
Recommended for
By recording guides, engineers and mic makers, for this mic or an earlier version of it.