Audio-Technica Unveils Bp893 Headworn MicroEarset Microphone

The BP893 is ideal for theater, house-of-worship and broadcast use.

Audio-Technica unveils its BP893 MicroEarset Omnidirectional Condenser Headworn Microphone. With its ergonomically molded earpiece and unobtrusive one-inch boom, the BP893 offers inconspicuous placement along with clear, consistent voice pickup. Its extended frequency response provides natural sound reproduction, and its lightweight low-profile design and ease of use make the microphone ideal for use in theatrical performances, houses of worship and broadcast studios.

The BP893 is positioned unobtrusively over either ear. Its omnidirectional miniature condenser capsule offers outstanding pickup tailored for crystal-clear vocal reproduction, similar to that of a high-quality lavalier microphone. The mic is also ideal for use in violin pickup violinists should simply wear the BP893 over the ear as usual, and there is no need for clamps on the violin.

The microphone includes a 55-inch (1.4-meter) permanently attached miniature cable. Its free end connects to the provided AT8539 power module via a locking four-pin connector. The connector is also compatible with all A-T UniPak body-pack transmitters. The output of the power module is a three-pin XLRM-type connector.

The microphone requires 11V to 52V phantom power for operation. A recessed switch in the power module permits the choice of flat response or low-frequency roll-off (via the integral 80-Hz high-pass UniSteep filter) to help control undesired ambient noise. The BP893 comes equipped with a power module, a cable clip, two windscreens, two element covers, a moisture guard, a belt clip and a protective carrying case. The microphone is available in both black and theater beige.

The microphone is also available in a variety of wireless models, including the BP893cW. The BP893cW includes a 55-inch (1.4-meter) permanently attached miniature cable terminated with a locking four-pin connector for use with Audio-Technica UniPak body-pack transmitters. Models are also available in a variety of terminations for use with many other manufacturers wireless systems (see below). No power module or belt clip is included (or required) with the wireless models. The wireless models dimensions, polar pattern and included accessories are otherwise identical to those of the BP893.

BP893 Specifications Element Fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized condenser

Polar pattern Omnidirectional

Frequency response 20-20,000 Hz

Low frequency roll-off 80 Hz, 18 dB/octave (wired only)

Open circuit sensitivity -34 dB (19.9 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa

Impedance 245 ohms (wired only)

Maximum input sound level 114 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 3\% T.H.D.

Dynamic range (typical) 88 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL (wired only)

Signal-to-noise ratio 68 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa*

Phantom power requirements 11-52V DC, 2 mA typical (wired only)

Current consumption 0.1 mA typical at 5V (wireless only)

Voltage range 2.5-11V (wireless only)

Switch Flat, roll-off (wired only)

Weight Microphone, boom & earpiece: 0.07 oz (2.0 g)

Power module (wired only): 3.0 oz (85 g)

Dimensions Microphone: 0.32" (8.1 mm) long, 0.10" (2.6 mm) diameter

Boom: 1.04" (26.4 mm) long, 0.04" (1.07 mm) diameter

Power module (wired only): 3.84" (97.6 mm) long, 0.74"

(18.9 mm) diameter

Output connector (power module) Integral 3-pin XLRM-type

Cable 55" (1.4 m) long (permanently attached to microphone),0.06" (1.6 mm) diameter, 2-conductor shielded cable with locking 4-pin connector (wired and cW versions only)

Audio-Technica case style M31

Accessories furnished AT8539 power module (wired only); AT8440 cable clip; two

AT8157 windscreens; two AT8156 element covers; moisture guard; belt clip (wired only); carrying case

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. Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Audio-Technicas BP893 and BP893-TH will be available in December 2010 at an MSRP of $479.00.

BP893 Wireless Units and Cable Terminations (Model numbers ending in TH are beige) BP893cW, BP893cW-TH Terminated with locking 4-pin connector for use with A-T UniPak body-pack transmitters; $359.00 MSRP.

BP893cL4, BP893cL4-TH Terminated for Sennheiser wireless systems using Lemo connector; $439.00 MSRP.

BP893cLM3, BP893cLM3-TH Terminated for Sennheiser wireless systems using locking 3.5 mm connector; $379.00 MSRP.

BP893cT4, BP893cT4-TH Terminated for Shure wireless systems using TA4F-type connector; $379.00 MSRP.

BP893cT5, BP893cT5-TH Terminated for Lectrosonics wireless systems using TA5F-type connector; $379.00 MSRP.

BP893c, BP893c-TH Unterminated; $339.00 MSRP.

For more information, please visit http://www.audio-technica.com.