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Cardioid Condenser Hanging Microphone
Product Description
Maintaining the Audio-Technica tradition of clear and transparent sound quality, the U853A cardioid condenser hanging microphone is ideal for speech, theater, orchestra and choir sound reinforcement and recording. The microphone's fast transient response and low distortion characteristics allow every complex detail to be heard with all its impact-rich, vibrant qualities faithfully reproduced. Equipped with UniGuard® innovations that offer unsurpassed immunity from radio frequency interference, the U853A accepts interchangeable elements, available in cardioid, hypercardioid, omnidirectional and UniLine® line cardioid polar patterns. The battery or phantom powered microphone also offers an 80 Hz low-cut UniSteep® filter that reduces pickup of low-frequency ambient noise.
- Designed for suspension over choirs, instrumental groups and theater stages
- Superior off-axis rejection for maximum gain before feedback
- UniGuard® RFI-shielding technology offers outstanding rejection of radio frequency interference (RFI)
- UniSteep® filter provides a steep low-frequency attenuation to improve sound pickup without affecting voice quality
- Accepts interchangeable elements to permit angle of acceptance from 90° to 360°
- Low-profile design with low-reflectance finish for minimum visibility
- Available in two colors: black (U853A) and white (U853AW)
- Operates on battery or phantom power
| Element | Fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 30 - 20,000 Hz |
| Open Circuit Sensitivity | Phantom: -42 dB (7.9 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa Battery: -43 dB (7.0 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa |
| Impedance | Phantom: 200 ohms - Battery: 270 ohms |
| Maximum Input Sound Level | Phantom: 133 dB, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D. - Battery: 123 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D. |
| Low Frequency Roll Off | 80 Hz, 18 dB/octave |
| Switches | Off, on-flat, on-roll-off |
| Dynamic Range | Phantom: 109 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL - Battery: 99 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 70 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa |
| Phantom Power Requirements | 11-52V DC, 2 mA typical |
| Battery Type | 1.5V AA/UM3 |
| Battery Current/Life | 0.4 mA / 1200 hours typical (alkaline) |
| Weight | 14 g |
| Dimensions | 1.34" (34.0 mm) long, 0.48" (12.2 mm) diameter |
| Output Connector | Integral 3-pin XLRM-type |
| Cable | 25.0' (7.6 m) long (permanently attached to microphone), 0.13" (3.2 mm) diameter, 2-conductor, shielded cable with TA3F-type connector |
| Accessories Included | U853A: AT8153 two-stage foam windscreen; AT8451 steel hanger; AT8531 power module; AT8438 5/8"-27 stand adapter; battery U853AW: AT8153WH two-stage foam windscreen; AT8451WH steel hanger; AT8531 power module; AT8438 5/8"-27 stand adapter; battery |
Trusted by industry professionals
Whether it’s on the boardroom table, the stage or in the studio, Audio-Technica products are trusted time and again by industry professionals looking for reliable, lovingly developed audio products for all budgets.
It’s Audio-Technica’s commitment to innovation, customer service and meticulous design that ensure professionals turn to us to provide solutions in conferencing, houses of worship, broadcasting, live sound, recording studios and beyond.
50 Years of Devotion to music
For over 50 years Audio-Technica has worked alongside leading figures in sports and music broadcast to develop and hone a range of products that deliver on the highest level.
Audio-Technica have developed and delivered products to power the Grammys, World Cup, Super Bowl, Commonwealth Games as well as every Summer and Winter Games from Atlanta 1996 to Sochi 2014.
A Legacy in Innovation
Founded in 1962 by Hideo Matsushita, Audio-Technica positioned itself immediately as a leader in the manufacture and design of innovative audio products.
Its expertise in innovation quickly spread to various new fields and led to the development of tone arms, microphones and headphones. Audio-Technica soon became a benchmark in those fields. Making history.
A self-made man and audiophile, Hidéo Matsushita was the former Director of the Tokyo Museum of Modern Art. It all started in his workshop, with the hand crafting of stereo cartridges. 50 years later, Audio-Technica has become a global leader in audio innovation.
A Passion for Listening
Humility, passion, creativity and expertise in sound are the core values behind Audio-Technica’s legacy, greatly inspired by its founder - whose imprint on the company’s philosophy is still felt today.
Audio-Technica’s passion for listening evolved in the 70’s, when it started designing headphones, building upon a legacy in innovation, meticulous engineering and artistic design.
Today, Audio-Technica’s audio products have become globally synonymous with consistently high sonic performance paired with impeccable build construction and artistic design.
One Year Limited Warranty
All Audio-Technica products come with a one year warranty as standard meaning you can enjoy your product safe in the knowledge that you’re covered.
All Audio-Technica products purchased from Audio-Technica Europe are guaranteed for one year from the date of purchase to be free of defects in materials and workmanship. In the event of such defect, the product will be repaired or replaced without charge*.
(* T&Cs apply)