CAD Audio
CAD M179
Large dual-diaphragm condenser, continuously variable pattern (omni to figure-8, cardioid detent), transformerless, with pad and high-pass filter
Approximate Some readings for this mic are uncertain; see the graphs.
Power Phantom 24-52 V, at least 8 mA.
- Type
- Condenser
- Pattern
- Switchable, 5
- Sensitivity
- −36 dBV/Pa
- Among 204 condensers: more output than 58%
- Among 311 mics: more output than 71%
- Self-noise
- 11 dB(A)
- Among 258 condensers: quieter than 78%
- Among 272 mics: quieter than 79%
- Max SPL
- 143 dB SPL
- Among 277 condensers: takes louder sound than 77%
- Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 74%
- Rated range
- 10 – 20k Hz
- Released
- 2000
vs 75 side-address condensers
More output than 47% of 75 side-address condensers.
Each stripe is one side-address condenser with a published sensitivity, and each bar counts them; further right means more output. This mic is in blue.
vs 99 side-address condensers
Quieter than 58% of 99 side-address condensers.
Each stripe is one side-address condenser with a published self-noise, and each bar counts them; further right means quieter. This mic is in blue.
vs 107 side-address condensers
Takes louder sound than 78% of 107 side-address condensers.
Each stripe is one side-address condenser 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 (Recording Hacks copy), p. 2.
"Cardioid", "Figure 8", "Omni" graphs; relative dB ("RESPONSE IN dB"), the line near 0 dB at 1 kHz. Distance, room, smoothing and switch settings 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 (Recording Hacks copy), p. 2. Approximate
"card" polar; 5 dB per ring, rings labelled -5 to -25, 0 dB at the outer ring. Each half shows different frequencies: left 100 Hz, 500 Hz, 1 kHz; right 5, 10, 15 kHz.
Approximate: reading error up to about 1 dB.
In practice
All specs
| From the spec sheet | ||
|---|---|---|
| Capsule | 1.1-inch dual diaphragm, gold-sputtered, externally biased; the dual-pattern version of the Equitek E-300 capsule"the dual pattern version of the original equitek e-300 capsule, an externally biased capsule with a gold sputtered 1.1" diaphragm"; "Large 1.1" dual diaphragm external bias condenser capsule". | p. 2 |
| Sensitivity | −36 dBV/Pa (16 mV/Pa)"-36 dBV (16mV) @ 1Pa". The 2001 manual: "-56 dB (0 dB = 1 volt per microbar). 15.9 mV/Pascal." Pattern not stated. | |
| Self-noise | 11 dB(A)"Equivalent Noise Level: 11 dB-A". Pattern not stated. | |
| Max SPL | 143 dB SPLpad on. "143 dB SPL (with pad)". No figure without the pad. | |
| Output impedance | 200 ohm"200 ohms"; the 2001 manual: "Low (200 ohms nominal)". Transformerless balanced output. | |
| Rated frequency range | 10 Hz to 20 kHzPrinted "10-20 kHz" (both documents); the graphs run from 10 Hz. No tolerance given. | |
| Powering | phantom 24-52 V, at least 8 mA"Minimum requirements are 24-52V phantom power capable of delivering at least 8 mA." The 2001 manual: "24, 48 Volt Phantom Power". | |
| Current draw | 8 mAthe supply must deliver at least this | |
| Low cut | flat, 100 Hz; 100 Hz; 6 dB/octave"6dB/Octave @ 100Hz high-pass filter"; "Right position = Low end roll off below 100 Hz. Left Position = Flat low end response." Not graphed. | |
| Pad | −20 dB"20 dB non-capacitive pad"; switch positions "0dB" and "-20dB". | |
| Connector | XLR-3 male"Three pin male XLR type." | |
| Weight | 506 gnet. "17.8 oz. (506 grams)". | |
| Dimensions | 177.8 × 57.2 mm"2.25" (57.2 mm) Dia., x 7.00" (177.8 mm) High"; height and diameter. The drawing gives 6 11/16 in. | |
| Finish | Charcoal grey urethane, satin nickel-plated front and rear screen"Durable charcoal gray urethane. Satin nickle plated front & rear screen." The 2001 manual: "Black urethane front & rear screen". | |
| Supplied accessories | MZM-5 elastic suspension shock mount"Furnished Accessories". Optional: 40-350 (50 ft), 40-351 (100 ft) and 40-352 (25 ft) extension cables. | |
| Total harmonic distortion | Less than 0.15% | |
| Electronics | Laser-trimmed op-amps instead of discrete FETs, with a large amount of negative feedback; transformerless balanced output | |
| Pop filter | Internal stainless steel pop/EMI filter | |
| Pattern control | Rotary knob ("360° Variable Pattern") with a centre detent at cardioid | |
| From the Recording Hacks page | ||
| Released | 2000 | |
| From the manual (Recording Hacks copy) | ||
| Dynamic range | 133 dB"Dynamic Range: 133 dB." Only in the 2001 manual. | p. 3 |
Documents
- M179 Variable Pattern Externally Biased Condenser Microphone, User Manual / Specification Sheet"M179_spec_0305_small"
- M179 User Manual / Specification Sheet
- M179 Variable Pattern Condenser Microphonemanual, 2001
- CAD Audio M179 | RecordingHacks.com
Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents). Each is © CAD Audio, unchanged, with its original address.