Audio Technica 895

Adaptive Array Microphone
The AT895 breaks new ground in directional microphone technology. GLEN TREW reports.
Shotgun mics do their job well. They can reach five feet across a film set and reject moderate ambience to enhance an actor's conversational voice, all with full-range fidelity. Parabolic mics do their job well too. They can reach 150 feet across a football field and isolate the cracks of helmets from the screaming fans, with all of the purposeful bandwidth of a carbon telephone handset. The problem is that there is a huge gap that needs to be filled between these two jobs. So, Audio-Technica decided to build a better mic trap', the AT895, for the long-range job in between. Why? Well, let's start with sporting events. While we're familiar with the metallic sounding clashes and thin sounding voices that the parabolic gives us with football, we tend to forget that the sound a football makes when kicked is actually more of a thump' than a smack'. With the common use of better sounding home systems, a smack' is unacceptable when there should be a thump'. American football certainly dominates in the US, but games such as soccer and Australian rules football, for example, use no helmets, so there is not much contact noise that the typical parabolic will do justice. When the AT895 is used, because of its full-range and narrow low-frequency pattern, the home audience will discover that there are thuds' and whomps' when these and other games are played. At the other extreme, consider another televised sporting event, such as rowing. A microphone is needed to pick up the subtle rumble of the oars against the locks, the ripples in the water and the voice of the Coxswain, while rejecting the motor noise of the camera chase boat. New Directions in Design Audio-Technica's new AT895 is unique in the way it accomplishes an astonishing amount of rejection of sound coming from unwanted directions. While the system does incorporate a conventional ported interference tube element, that's where tradition ends. Surrounding the base of this shotgun element is an interesting array of four cardioid condenser capsules dedicated to picking up the sounds you don't want to hear. The sound from all of these elements is fed into a small, belt-pack sized DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and if the cardioid array hears sounds that the shotgun doesn't hear, and/or sounds that the shotgun does hear, then those sounds are digitally suppressed from the output. The DSP is also aware of the tendencies for the shotgun element to be less selective with low frequencies, and it compensates for this. The result is a microphone with up to a remarkable 80dB (that is 80dB!) of off-axis rejection at 1kHz, and has directional characteristics that are actually narrower in the lower end than the high end. To add to the mic's versatility, the DSP box has a switch for selecting three pattern options: tight, extremely tight, and blade' (my term, not A-T's). When the blade pattern is selected, two of the cardioid elements are disabled so that the pattern can be horizontally wide from left to right while remaining razor thin from top to bottom. Rotate the mic 90 degrees to make the pattern vertical. I imagine this pattern could allow the AT895 to be permanently mounted overhead to cover, for instance, a hockey arena while still minimizing the crowd noise.
Audio Technica 895 Page 1 of 3
Does It Really Work? For part of this evaluation, we loaned an AT895 to Robert Britain of CBS Cable, EIC of the remote trucks used for their Rodeo productions, where shotguns and parabolics had not been working well. In rodeo events, most of the action sounds are low-frequency thuds and snorts, the occasional clanging of the gate and voices. Parabolics proved unsuitable for several reasons, such as being too large, and having to be held by someone out of danger from the bulls and broncos, and parabolics don't do well with the sounds that bulls and cowboys make. The TNN crew also had tried mounting standard shotgun mics onto the camera lenses, but the rejection was not enough to overcome the crowd noise and PA system. Since shotguns become more and more omni around the low frequencies, they are of little use in isolating the important thumps and bumps. When the only options were either shotguns or parabolics, all we could do was concede that we cannot fight the laws of physics and shrug our shoulders. Audio-Technica didn't shrug. When used at the rodeo, the AT895 was awesome. Robert supplied us with a copy of the taping with the AT895 isolated on one channel. The results were unbelievable. Distinct sound effects including speech, fence noise, leather saddle noise, the thud of the cowboy hitting the dirt, even rope noise, were all easily discernable and intelligible at distances of, get this, over 250 feet! That's right; the AT895 was mounted to the lens of a camera positioned 250 feet from the action. The sounds weren't parabolic thin either, but fat and crisp, even overcoming the sound of the crowd and PA announcer. During a subsequent rodeo event, I suggested that they mount the AT895 onto a closer camera, say, a mere 75 feet away. They are now AT895 owners. The director told the A-1, Kim Raymer, he wanted "that Audio-Technica super mic" on every rodeo he does, and they'd better not show up without it. Used for a different broadcast sporting event, 'Sculling' (rowing a thin boat), the challenges are somewhat different. When televised, these boats are chased by a small powered boat containing the camera and sound crew. There is not the frantic crowd noise of stadium events to overcome, but the distance can be a formidable 200 feet or more, and the sounds are of much lower level and more delicate in nature. Trying to pick up these sounds while avoiding the noisy chase boat's motor had previously been impossible when using conventional shotgun mics. According to Audio-Technica, the AT895 met this challenge wonderfully (and based on what I've already heard, I believe them). I understand that it sounded like being only a few feet away from the boats, with no detectable motor noise from the chase boat. This is totally consistent with CBS Cable's experience with the AT895. I'm sure that after reading this far, the gears in heads of news producers are already spinning, dreaming about what they could do from a distance of more than 250 feet. Being able to grab distinct, full-sounding voices at this range would be an incredible asset for news sound, finally being able to match the camera's zoom lens. Just How Good Does It Sound? This microphone is bound to peak the skeptical interest of location sound mixers for film and television production, but their criteria for quality will be stricter than the sports production recording of distant sound effects. They will, and have asked, "How does it sound when compared to the standard top-shelf shotgun mics?" Well, all of this range and rejection comes at a price. With a max SPL of 117dB and a noise spec of 24dB, yielding a dynamic range of 93dB, the AT895 would certainly not be the preferred choice when distance and ambience are controlled and in the 'normal' range. However, don't be misled by these specs, because when used at great distances, the SPL would rarely exceed 117dB, and the ambient level that makes this microphone necessary in the first place would certainly mask the self-noise. For film production dialog, I believe the microphone could be very useful in wide crowd scenes, for instance, when needing to focus on a particular area, and in action scenes when competing with the special effects noises of wind machines, etc. Physical Description The AT895 is actually a little shorter than most long shotguns, with a length of 14 inches. Because of the four-element array, it takes on a modified cone shape with a maximum diameter of two and three quarter inches. However, the larger diameter is in no way a detriment, because its special zeppelin' windscreen (made by Rycote) is still the same diameter used by the standard shotguns. The biggest difference is in the weight, which comes in a bit more than most long shotguns at one pound. However, the weight is not unmanageable on poles of 12 feet or less. The DSP control box can be clipped to a belt and is powered internally by three 9V cells, or externally with 12V on its standard fourpin male XLR. With a current of 250mA, internal battery life is about five hours using alkaline or 12 hours using lithium.

Audio Technica 895 Page 2 of 3
Conclusion I can easily imagine an instant acceptance by sports production trucks, news production stake-outs' and government security areas such as prisons, etc. This microphone is truly a unique and useful tool.
Audio Technica 895 Page 3 of 3

Adaptive-array Microphone Systems
New Technology Enhances Audio Acquisition Unique, groundbreaking optimization of acoustic, analog and digital design produces unmatched directional performance, operating versatility and ease of use.

AT895/MK

Mount Kit

AT895/RK

Remote Kit
Installation and Operation
AT895 Adaptive-array Microphone Systems
Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the users authority to operate the equipment.

Introduction

Thank you for choosing an AT895 Adaptive-array Microphone System. AT895 Systems incorporate a revolutionary DSPcontrolled five-element microphone array that provides adaptive directional audio acquisition. Utilizing Audio -Technicas proprietary DeltaBeam technology, the AT895 System manipulates and filters the output of the array by acoustical, analog and digital means. This process enhances the pickup of a sound source from a desired direction relative to unwanted background noise or interference, providing cancellation of up to 80 dB. Other benefits include minimized audibility of proximity effect, minimized nearfield effect on the low-frequency directionality of the array, and markedly reduced susceptibility to mechanical noise, wind noise and racking as compared to currently-available professional microphones. The AT895 functions equally well for handheld interview use or long-range sound pickup in the field, in the studio, or in security operations.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio TV technician for help.
AT895 vs. Typical Shotgun Performance
Compare acceptance angles (at 3 dB down): Microphone 200 Hz 400 Hz Shotgun AT20 Compare polar patterns at 200 Hz: Microphone 200 Hz Rejection at 90/270 Shotgun 15 dB ATdB
1 kHz 2 kHz 4 kHz 8 kHz 20 50
Compare maximum off-axis rejection: Microphone Maximum Off-axis Rejection Shotgun 30 dB ATdB
Compared to typical performance of a professional-quality 15.5" line + gradient microphone (measurement conditions: 1Pa
at 0.5 m). Due to the adaptive nature of its digital processing, AT895 performance in actual field conditions will vary with the environment encountered.

Incorporated in the AT895 design are: DSDA-PRO software (U.S. Patent No. 5,825,898) by Lamar Signal Processing, Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Andrea Electronics Corporation; DeltaBeam (U.S. Patent pending) and MicroLine technologies by Audio-Technica. DSDA-PRO is a trademark of Lamar Signal Processing, Ltd.; DeltaBeam is a trademark of and MicroLine is a registered trademark of Audio-Technica.

The Basic System

Model No. AT895 at Top No ribs on Top and Bottom

Fig. A AT895 Microphone

Ribs on Sides
AT895 Microphone The AT895 Microphone itself is all analog, housing one Audio -Technica MicroLine element, four A-T cardioid elements mounted in a co-planar diamond configuration, and five mic preamps. The five amplified analog signals from the microphone elements are sent individually down a special detachable cable to the AT895CP Control Pack. AT895CP Control Pack The AT895CP Control Pack provides all the power, Digital Signal Processing, and control for the AT895. Output from the Control Pack is analog at mic-level (23 dBV). The lightweight, sturdy metal housing accepts a quick-change, click-on Battery Housing for totally self-contained operation, if desired. The Control Pack also operates on external 12-14V DC from an Anton/Bauer or similar-type battery source, or from an AC adapter via an industry-standard 4-pin XLR-type connection.
Control features on the AT895CP are: Three-position Mode (pickup pattern) switch which provides Full-field Adaptive ( ) Planar-adaptive ( ) and Line + Gradient ( ) settings. (See page 5 for a full explanation of the Mode settings). Audio filter switch with Flat, High-pass and Band-pass settings. Monitor headphone jack with volume control. LCD battery condition indicator. Power switch with LED indicator.
Two System Configurations
The AT895 is available as the AT895/RK Remote Kit for field use, and as the AT895/MK Mount Kit for studio and fixed-install applications. AT895/RK Remote Kit includes: AT895MIC AT895CP AT895BH AT895PG AT895Z AT895C-10 AT895CC Adaptive-array Microphone Control Pack with attached belt clip Click-on Battery Housing Pistol-grip shock mount Zeppelin-type windscreen Special 6-conductor shielded Cable, 10' long Carrying Case AT895FBK All components and accessories are interchangeable and available separately to augment systems or to use as field spares. In addition, two accessory kits are available: AT895CK Conversion Kit adds the components needed for an AT895/MK system to function as an AT895/RK system. Fisher Boom Kit permits use of the AT895 on a Fisher boom.
(See page 7 for a complete listing of available system components and accessories.)
The AT895 Microphone and Control Pack are designed to operate as a system only. Do not attempt to use these components with other devices.

AT895/MK Mount Kit includes: AT895MIC AT895CP AT895SC AT895PS1 AT895C-25 Adaptive-array Microphone Control Pack Shock-mount Stand Clamp with 5/8" - 27 threaded stud Multi-input AC Power Supply with 120V IEC detachable power cord Special 6-conductor shielded Cable, 25' long
AT895CP Controls and Functions
7 Fig. C Control Pack Rear Panel
Fig. B Control Pack Front Panel
Front Panel Controls and Functions (Fig. B) 1. MONITOR: 1/4" (6.3 mm) Monitor headphone jack; TRS type with signal on both Tip and Ring. 2. MONITOR LEVEL: Monitor headphone level control. 3. FILTER SWITCH: 3-position switch offers Flat ( High-pass ( ) and Band-pass ( ) settings. ) ,
Rear Panel Functions (Fig. C) 8. BALANCED AUDIO OUTPUT JACK: 3-pin XLRM-type connector. Output is analog; the balanced signal appears across Pins 2 and 3. Output phase is Pin 2 hot; positive acoustic pressure produces positive voltage at Pin 2. Pin 1 is ground (shield). A standard 2-conductor shielded cable (not included) can be used to connect the AT895CP output to the associated electronics. Phantom power cannot be used, but if present will have no effect on the Control Pack. 9. DC POWER INPUT: 4-pin XLRM-type connector for an external 12-14V DC source from an Anton/Bauer or similar battery supply, or from an AC adapter. Wiring is industry-standard: V on Pin 1, V+ on Pin 4, no connection to Pins 2 or 3. 10. MIC INPUT JACK: 7-pin XLRM-type connector accepts the special AT895C 6-conductor shielded cable used to connect the AT895 Microphone to the Control Pack.
4. MODE (PICKUP PATTERN) SWITCH: 3-position switch offers Full-field Adaptive ( ) , Planar-adaptive ( ) and Line + Gradient ( ) settings. (See page 5 for a full explanation of the Mode settings.) 5. LCD BATTERY CONDITION INDICATOR: Markers disappear as power remaining decreases. Functions only during 9V battery operation using the AT895BH. 6. POWER LED INDICATOR: Lights red when power is on. 7. POWER SWITCH: On/off switch controls DC power from all sources.
Mode (Pickup Pattern) Settings

Model No. AT895 at Top

MicroLine
Fig. D AT895 Microphone Elements
The microphone array in the AT895 consists of one Audio -Technica MicroLine element and four A -T cardioid elements mounted in a co-planar diamond configuration. A switch on the AT895CP Control Pack selects from three Mode (pickup pattern) options: two adaptive modes and one non-adaptive mode. In the adaptive modes, signals from the MicroLine element and either one pair (labeled 1 & 2 in Fig. D) or both pairs (1 & 2, 3 & 4) of the corrective cardioid elements are utilized. These signals are processed in the Control Pack by both analog and digital means to provide continuouslyadapting rejection of off-axis sounds. This means that as the off-axis soundscape changes (either in intensity or directionality) the microphone system compensates for those changes. Even off-axis wind is interpreted as unwanted noise, and is suppressed. Full-field adaptive Mode ( ) The Full-field adaptive mode provides the maximum directionality and off-axis rejection. Signals from the MicroLine element and both pairs of cardioid elements are utilized. Planar-adaptive Mode ( ) In the Planar-adaptive mode, signals from the MicroLine element and only the vertical pair of cardioid elements (1 & 2) are utilized. The resultant elliptical pickup pattern provides optimum rejection in one plane (tighter vertically, wider horizontally).

Understanding the correct orientation of the microphone is crucial for effective application of the Planar-adaptive mode. When the microphone is positioned with the Audio -Technica logos along the sides of the mic handle and the AT895 on the name ring is up (as shown above and in Fig. A on page 3), maximum off-axis rejection occurs in the vertical plane of the pickup pattern only, while the horizontal pickup is nonadaptive. This produces a horizontal ellipse pickup pattern. (Of course, if the microphone is rotated 90 degrees, so the logos are at the top and bottom of the handle and the AT895 name ring marking is sideways, the resulting pattern would be tall and adaptively narrow.) Line + Gradient Mode ( ) The Line + Gradient mode is non-adaptive, with only the signal from the MicroLine element being utilized. (The cardioid elements and the adaptive circuitry are still functioning, but the correcting signals are not applied to the MicroLine elements signal.)

Power Sources

The AT895CP Control Pack may be powered three different ways: From an AC adapter, using an industry-standard 4-pin XLR connection. (An AC power supply with 9V DC output is included in the AT895/MK System). From an Anton/Bauer or similar-type external 12-14V battery source. From three 9V batteries in a click-on AT895BH Battery Housing (included in the AT895/RK System) for completely self-contained operation.
AT895Z Zeppelin-Type Windscreen
The two sections of the AT895Z Zeppelin-type windscreen bayonet-latch together. To open the windscreen, rotate the rear section to the left (counter-clockwise, viewed from the rear), then pull the sections apart. Place the nose of the microphone in the foam recess provided in the front section. Slide the rear section of the windscreen over the handle of the mic until it reaches the front section, making certain the mics nose remains in its foam recess. Engage the bayonet lugs on the windscreen and rotate the rear section fully to the right (clockwise). Once installed, the windscreen may be rotated on the microphone if desired.

AT895BH Battery Housing

Battery Selection and Installation Always use fresh alkaline or lithium 9V batteries. For greatest reliability and longest operation, replace all three batteries at the same time, using identical types. To open the battery tray, press down firmly on the tray release button until it clicks; then lift the tray slightly and slide it out. Insert three batteries, observing polarity as marked inside the battery compartment. Slide the battery tray closed, making certain it clicks shut. Due to current requirements of the system, always use three batteries. Attaching the Battery Housing to the Control Pack Slide the Battery Housing onto the Control Pack. When it is fully seated, the two release buttons at the bottom of the Battery Housing will click into place. To remove the Battery Housing, simultaneously push both release buttons while sliding it down and off the Control Pack. The Battery Housing may be in place when external power is used. The batteries will still be consumed, but at a slower rate, depending upon the external voltage. The batteries will also provide back-up power in case of external supply interruption.
AT895PG Pistol-Grip Shock Mount
For correct balance of the microphone and proper orientation of the elements, the microphone should be mounted in the AT895PG with the Audio -Technica logos visible between the rubber rings along the left and right sides. In use, the rubber rings should be positioned behind the Pistol-grip, above the users forearm. (If the Zeppelin is to be used, the mic must be installed in it before mounting the mic in the Pistol-grip.)

Specifications

Elements (5)
System Components and Accessories
All AT895 components and accessories are interchangeable and available separately to augment systems or to be used as field spares. Basic System Components
AT895MIC AT895CP Adaptive-array Microphone Control Pack with attached belt clip.
Fixed-charge back plate permanently polarized condenser Full-field adaptive, Planar-adaptive, Line + Gradient 60-12,000 Hz 80 Hz, 18 dB/octave 300-5,500 Hz, 6 dB/octave 23 dBV (70 mV) at 1 Pa*, 1kHz 450 ohms
Pickup Pattern Modes Frequency Response High-pass Filter (Low-end Roll-off) Band-pass Filter Open Circuit Sensitivity Output Impedance Noise, Typical (A-weighted) Dynamic Range (Typical) Signal-To-Noise Ratio1 Monitor Headphone Output T.H.D., (Typical)
AT895 Microphone Accessories
AT895PG AT895SC Pistol-grip shock mount. (3/8"-16 threaded metal insert in bottom of grip.) Shock-mount Stand Clamp with 5/8"-27 threaded stud for mounting the AT895 on a microphone stand. Zeppelin-type windscreen reduces on-axis wind noise while protecting the microphone.

Maximum Input Sound Level 117 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D. 24 dB 93 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL 70 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa*

AT895Z

120 mW max. at 1 kHz, 1% into 20 ohm (each channel) stereo headphones 1/4" TRS, signal on both Monitor Headphone Jack Tip and Ring External Power Requirement 9-15V DC, 250 mA typical Battery Requirement Three 9V (NEDA type 1604), (AT895BH) not included Battery Life, Typical (AT895BH) Weight AT895 Microphone (less cable) AT895CP Control Pack AT895BH Battery Holder (with typical batteries) AT895PG Pistol Grip AT895Z Zeppelin Windscreen Dimensions AT895 Microphone Alkaline: 4- 6 hours Lithium: 10 -12 hours 16.7 oz (473 g) 10.0 oz (284 g) 7.6 oz (215 g) 10.0 oz (284 g) 5.0 oz (142 g)
AT895CP Control Pack Accessories
AT895BH AT895PS1 Click-on Battery Housing holds three 9V batteries for self-contained AT895 operation. Switching Power Supply (90-263V AC input, 47-63 Hz), UL /CSA/ TV-approved, with detachable 120V 3-pin IEC power cord. Output 9V DC regulated, 1.5A max. Attached output cable is 6'/1.8 m long, terminating in an XLR4F-type connector. Rack-mount plate for mounting one or two AT895CP Control Packs in a 1U 19" rack space.

AT895RP

Cables
AT895C-xx Special 6-conductor shielded cable with XLR7F-XLR7F connectors for use between the AT895 Microphone and AT895CP Control Pack. Available in 1.5'/ 0.4 m (C-1.5), 10'/ 3 m (C-10), 25'/ 7.6 m (C-25), 50'/15.2 m (C-50) and 100'/ 30.4 m (C-100) lengths. Custom lengths are available on special order from the A -T Service Department.
14.00" (355.6 mm) long, 2.75" (69.9 mm) max. diameter, 1.18" (30.0 mm) handle diameter 4.16" (105.7 mm) long, 3.34" (84.8 mm) wide, 0.98" (24.9 mm) high 4.13" (104.9 mm) long, 3.28" (83.3 mm) wide, 1.27" (32.3 mm) high Integral 3-pin XLRM-type 6-conductor shielded cable with XLR7F-type connectors 10' (3.0 m) long

25' (7.6 m) long

Conversion Kit
AT895CK Conversion Kit adds the components needed for an AT895/MK system to function as an AT895/RK system. Includes AT895BH Battery Housing, AT895PG Pistol-grip shock mount, AT895Z Zeppelin-type windscreen, AT895CC Carrying Case, AT895C-10 special 10'/ 3 m cable.

AT895CP Control Pack

AT895BH Battery Holder

Fisher Boom Kit

AT895FBK Fisher Boom Kit adapts the AT895 for use with a Fisher boom. Includes mounting bracket adapter and special 30'/ 9.1 m cloth-covered cable.
Output Connector (Control Pack) Cable AT895/RK AT895/MK

Carrying Case

AT895CC All-weather, protective carrying case with pressure equalization vent, custom-fitted to hold all AT895/RK System components.
In the interest of standards development, A.T.U.S. offers full details on its test methods to other industry professionals on request. * 1 Pascal = 10 dynes/cm2 = 10 microbars = 94 dB SPL
Typical, A-weighted, using Audio Precision System One.
One-Year Limited Warranty
Audio-Technica brand products purchased in the U.S.A. are warranted for one year from date of purchase by Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. ( A.U.S.) to be T free of defects in materials and workmanship. In event of such defect, product will be repaired promptly without charge or, at our option, replaced with a new product of equal or superior value if delivered to A.U.S. or an Authorized Service Center, prepaid, together with the sales slip or other T proof of purchase date. Prior approval from A.T.U.S. is required for return. This warranty excludes defects due to normal wear, abuse, shipping damage, or failure to use product in accordance with instructions. This warranty is void in the event of unauthorized repair or modification, or removal or defacing of the product labeling.
For return approval and shipping information, contact the Service Dept., Audio-Technica U.S., Inc., 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, Ohio 44224.
Except to the extent precluded by applicable state law, A.T.U.S. will have no liability for any consequential, incidental, or special damages; any warranty of merchantability or fitness for particular purpose expires when this warranty expires. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state. Outside the U.S.A., please contact your local dealer for warranty details.
Audio-Technica U.S., Inc., 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, Ohio 44224 330/686-2600 www.audio-technica.com Audio-Technica Limited, Old Lane, Leeds LS11 8AG England 1441

P51171-B/W 1999 Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. Printed in U.S.A.