New Audio-Technica Snare Mic

Audio-Technica's new ATM23HE is a wide-range moving coil dynamic microphone primarily designed for snare drum pickup in high-quality live sound reinforcement applications.

The ATM23HE's hypercardioid polar pattern allows it to focus on the desired sound location-such as the "sweet spot" of a drum head-controlling feedback, reducing pickup of unwanted sounds and providing isolation between sound sources during performance. The low-profile design of the microphone permits versatile placement around drum kit hardware, while its response is specifically tailored to provide natural sounding reproduction on closely miked instruments. Combining excellent performance characteristics and dependability to deliver superior results on snare, the ATM23HE also works well with other highly dynamic instruments such as stand and rack toms, piano and electric guitar/bass cabinets.

The ATM23HE features a Hi-ENERGY neodymium magnet with almi-chromate magnet coating. The low-mass voice coil, which is wound with copper-coated aluminum wire, provides maximum sensitivity by allowing the greatest number of turns within the Hi-ENERGY gap. This combination of magnet and voice coil ensures excellent transient response coupled with high efficiency.

When used ultra-close, the ATM23HE provides a proximity effect (extra bass boost) which can be used to achieve a fuller sound, or to further reduce feedback or unwanted noise in conjunction with equalization of the microphone input.

The microphone features a rugged housing with a multi-level steel grille and low-reflectance finish. An internal shock mount provides effective isolation of the microphone element from handling and cable noise. Output is via a three-pin professional XLRM-type connector, while an integral microphone clamp permits mounting on any microphone stand with 5/8"-27 threads.

Weighing only 10.6 ounces and measuring 3.25 inches long with a 1.5-inch head diameter, the 600-ohm ATM23HE features a 70 Hz to 16 kHz frequency response and an open circuit sensitivity of-53 dB (2.2 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa.