Audix
Audix OM5
Dynamic, hypercardioid, handheld vocal mic with a tight pattern for loud stages
Approximate Some readings for this mic are uncertain; see the graphs.
Power None. Low output: it needs a lot of preamp gain.
- Type
- Dynamic
- Pattern
- Hypercardioid
- Sensitivity
- −54 dBV/Pa computed
- Max SPL
- 144 dB SPL
- Among 36 dynamics: takes louder sound than 57%
- Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 75%
- Rated range
- 48 – 19k Hz
vs 13 handheld dynamics
Takes louder sound than 67% of 13 handheld dynamics.
Each stripe is one handheld dynamic with a published max SPL, and each bar counts them; further right means it takes louder sound. This mic is in blue.
Proximity effect: the bass it gains up close
From the spec sheet, p. 2.
Titled "Frequency response"; relative dB (axis labelled "dBm", +10 to -10). Distance, 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. 2. Approximate
Titled "Polar patterns"; two plots, "Lo" (125 Hz to 1 kHz) and "Hi" (2 to 16 kHz), full circles, 0° at the right. Scale "dBSPL" from 0 at the outer circle to -36 at the centre. Measuring conditions not stated.
Approximate: reading error up to about 1 dB.
In practice
All specs
| From the spec sheet | ||
|---|---|---|
| Capsule | VLM Type C (very low mass diaphragm)"Capsule Technology VLM Type C"; page 1: "VLM™(Very Low Mass) diaphragm". | p. 2 |
| Sensitivity | −54 dBV/Pa (2 mV/Pa)1 kHz; also −54.9 dBV/Pa, 2010 sheet, from 1.8 mV/Pa. Not stated by the manufacturer: Converted from "2 mV / Pa @ 1k" (20·log10(0.002) = -54.0). The 2010 sheet says 1.8 mV/Pa (-54.9 dBV/Pa). | |
| Max SPL | 144 dB SPLat least ("≥144 dB"). "Maximum SPL ≥144 dB"; no THD figure. | |
| Output impedance | 200 ohmnominal, at 1 kHz. "Output Impedance 200 ohms"; the architect and engineer text: "equal to 200 ohms at 1 kHz". The 2010 sheet agrees. | |
| Rated frequency range | 48 Hz to 19 kHz"48 Hz - 19 kHz"; no tolerance given. | |
| Powering | none"Power Requirements None". | |
| Connector | XLR-3 male, gold plated"3-pin XLRm"; page 1: "gold plated XLR connector". The 2010 sheet: "Switchcraft® male XLR". | |
| Weight | 330 galso 307, 2010 sheet. "330 g / 11.6 oz". The 2010 sheet: "307 g / 10.8 ounces". | |
| Dimensions | 53 × 176 mmGrille diameter × length: "53 mm in diameter at the widest point on the grill and 176 mm in length"; 23 mm at the base. | |
| Finish | zinc alloy, black E-coat; steel mesh grille"Zinc Alloy / Black Finish"; page 1: "durable black E-coat finish, dent resistant steel mesh grill". | |
| Supplied accessories | MC1 nylon mic clip; P1 carrying pouch"Supplied accessories". Optional: WS357 windscreen, CBL20 and CBLDR25 cables, T50K transformer, tripod stand. | p. 1 |
| Off-axis rejection | >30 dB | p. 2 |
| Low-frequency tailoring | "naturally attenuated at 120 Hz to reduce boominess and handling noise" | p. 1 |
| Polarity | Positive pressure on the diaphragm gives positive voltage on pin 2 relative to pin 3 | p. 2 |
| PlacementAudix | Sing directly into the mic within 2 inches; keep it parallel to the floor with floor monitors; 2-3 feet between mics on stage | |
| Warranty | 5 years | |
Documents
- OM5 Dynamic Vocal Microphonespec sheet, ver 3.0 05-16
- OM5 Dynamic Vocal Microphonespec sheet, 2010
Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents). Each is © Audix, unchanged, with its original address.