Beyerdynamic microphones, headphones and headsets for television and radio broadcasting
Nikolay Azin

The German company Beyerdynamic has been manufacturing microphones and headphones for many years. Its production is notable for high quality and sophisticated reproduction of the sound source.

The microphones reproduce either the talen's or announcer's voice faithfully providing the possibility for its further processing. The headphones add no coloration thus creating a highly natural soundstage. All the copies are precisely engineered to give high durability with an extended lifetime.

The MC 883 represents a stereo condenser microphone with true MS, XY as well as monaural setup capability. The microphone is equipped with

MC 833

Specifications: frequency range - 20...20000 Hz, maximum SPL - 132 dB, S/N ratio - 70 dB. The microphone is notable for an extremely flat frequency response with a slight rise at 10 kHz.

M 58

The M 58 omnidirectional dynamic microphone has been specifically designed to satisfy the demands of ENG/EFP applications. Its sophisticated internal shockmount dramatically reduces handling noise, while the microphone's frequency response has been tailored to provide broadcasters with a very accurate and intelligible sound.

Extremely high-durability and reliability design and the built-in active filter allow the reporter to use the microphone even under adverse weather conditions. The non-reflective Nextel finish eliminates glare on the microphone body surface. The microphone M 58 has an external length of 260 mm that provides journalists with a high degree of comfort during lengthy interviews; its slightly rugged body finish and weight-balanced design enable the microphone to withstand physical and environmental impacts typically encountered during field production operations. Weight - 256 g; impedance - 200 ohms.

The M 59 is a super-cardioid dynamic microphone for journalistic applications and designed specifically for taking interviews at racing arenas, soccer stadiums and other places with high ambient noise levels. Its specific frequency response offers a highly saturated yet clean sound even in the loudest of surroundings. Its lightweight, large Macrolon diaphragm and hyper-cardioid polar pattern ensure fast transient characteristics, high output level, good sensitivity and exceptionally faithful sound source reproduction with an outstanding off-axis signal suppression characteristic.

The internal shockmount eliminates handling and vibrational noise. Its durable construction ensures protection against adverse weather conditions when using it outside the studio. In addition, non-reflective Nextel body finish avoids sunlight glare at shooting. The M 59 microphone is equipped with a built-in Multistage-type filter designed specifically for reduction of noise caused by strong wind, although the WS 59 windscreen proves to be more effective in such cases. The M 59 has a high gain factor that avoids the so-called proximity effect as well as suppresses unwanted ambient noise. Such combination of characteristics makes it ideal for both installation on rostrums/lecterns and using in choir recording sessions. The microphone is 205 mm long and weighs 227 g; it has a hyper-cardioid polar pattern, 50 to 16000 Hz frequency range and 3 mV/Pa sensitivity that ensure extremely high resistance against self-excitation.

The MCE 58 is a condenser microphone designed specifically for interviews as well as other everyday broadcasting applications. Its unbalanced output delivers a high-level audio signal for connecting the microphone immediately to portable DAT/MD-recorders. The elastic shockmount protects the capsule from unwanted ambient noise caused by cable rustling and handling. The built-in active bass-cut filter cuts off low frequency noise, e.g. caused by auto transport. The MCE 58 frequency response is optimized for speech and provides exceptionally clean sound for high intelligibility. A 1.5 V AA-type battery, inserted into the microphone body, powers the microphone circuitry. Minimum operation time with one battery is 80 hrs. The MCE 58 has a omnidirectional polar pattern, 4 mV/Pa sensitivity and frequency range of 40 to 20000Hz.

MCE 86 shot-gun

The MCE 86 and MCE 87 are 250 mm long shotgun microphones designed for in-studio or outdoor TV-broadcasting applications. They can be used with either gun-type handles or fishpole booms as well as attached immediately onto video cameras. The electrostatic transducer element and the hypercardioid/lobe polar pattern result in an excellent polar pattern with high sensitivity, off-axis noise roll-off and faithful reproduction of sound sources imaginable. Its steady construction and built-in active filter make the microphone immune to wind and vibrations caused by camera zoom motors. The MCE 86 can be powered by either phantom power or an integrated battery (the MCE 86 N(C) S model). The MCE 87 VS is powered immediately by the camera fitted with an output for external devices (5 to 9 V; 2.5 mm jack). Each MCE 87 version is equipped with an unbalanced output and practically insensitive to vibrations caused by camera zoom motors. There are two different elastic suspensions available for the MCE 86 and MCE 87 microphones: the EA 19/25, which enables mounting on standard stands or fishpole booms with 3/8" thread, and the EA 86 with a "shoe-adaptor" for on-camera mounting. The mat non-reflective Nextel finish reduces glare on the microphone's surface and eliminates scratches impairing its appearance. The microphones are lightweight (92 and 120 g respectively), which means they fit perfectly for on-camera mounting. The MCE 87 has an increased protection level from RF noise, at the same time being equipped with an unbalanced output (XLR connector) with high audio output level. Polar pattern - hypercardioid, frequency range - 50 to 18000 Hz, sensitivity - 4,2 mV/Pa (MCE 86) and 3.8/12 mV/Pa (MCE 87 S/VS).

MC 836 and MC 837 super cardioid microphones

MCE 82

M 99

Steady and lightweight super-cardioid microphones, the MC 836 and MC 837, are specifically designed for ENG/EFP applications. The MC 836 is a short shotgun microphone, 248 mm long, whereas the MC 837 is a long shotgun, 516 mm long. Owing to their acoustic specifications, they may just as well be used for work in studios, movie-halls and theatres. Their super-cardioid directivity helps cut off-axis and ambient noise off.

Both models operate according to the "boundary layer" technology. The switchable bass roll-off filter eliminates unwanted low frequencies lower than 90 Hz. To reduce the noise of wind, when using the microphone out-of-doors, the windscreen should be installed. For all the microphones, both ordinary foam windscreen and high-quality fleecy windscreen (for work under harsh conditions), as well as anti-vibrational holders with a pistol-like handle and fishpole booms, are available. These microphones are resistant against external impacts thanks to the non-reflective Nextel finish. They can be powered by a 11 to 52 V phantom power supply unit. Flat frequency responses make the MC 836 and MC 837 microphones ideal tools for high quality sound recording at the shooting stage.

The MCE 82 is a microphone intended for stereo recording. It may be used in video, movie or home stereo sound recording. The MCE 82 has two condenser diaphragms with cardioid polar patterns which are installed at ±45° from the microphone axis. It allows to gain a wide dynamic range with faithful sound source reproduction. Thanks to its compact rugged metallic body, the MCE 82 is definitely a good choice for mobile applications. The elastic suspension of the condenser diaphragms suppresses the noise caused by handling. The switchable low-cut filter eliminates the noise of wind and other low-frequency noises. The MCE 82 can be powered by either any 12 to 48 V phantom power supply or a 1.5V battery. The LED, located on the microphone housing, shows the battery life condition.

The M 99 is a studio quality dynamic microphone. Its frequency response is suitable for various applications: from instrumental to announcer recordings. The M 99 is designed according to the TG-X technology, i.e. it incorporates a powerful neodymium magnet and a large yet lightweight diaphragm made of Mylar. The linear frequency response guarantees sound quality expected only from expensive top-level condenser microphones. The M 99 has two bi-position switches for frequency response adjustment. The former has a linear characteristic (the so-called presence effect emphasizing mode) that suits perfectly for drums. The latter is, actually, two modes in one, and specially optimized for vocal as well as instrumental recording.

The MCE 5 omnidirectional lavaliere microphone is designed specifically for speech and instrumental reproduction in radio and television broadcasting as well as in motion picture production and on-stage applications. The microphone comes complete with a small removable windscreen in form of a wired grille. The MCE 5 is available in different modifications for use with various devices. Besides application with amplifiers and recording equipment, the microphone may just as well be connected to the Bayerdynamic wireless systems.

MCE 7 clip-type microphone

The MCE 7 represents a tiny electret condenser lavaliere microphone. It is intended for theater usage especially in musical theaters, but it may also be used in the television or radio broadcasting field. Thanks to its extremely small size (18 mm long, 4 mm in diameter), this microphone is suitable for practically unnoticeable mounting on a suite or concealment in the talent's hair-cut. The MCE7 is available in either a black or beige-color version. Its extended frequency range guarantees good speech intelligibility and highly faithful sound reproduction. The MCE 7 is released in various modifications suitable for connection to any Bayerdynamic transmitter. The microphone weighs only 1 g (without cable). Frequency range - 20 to 20000 Hz; sensitivity - 12 mV/Pa.

The MCE 60 is the company's new development directed towards even deeper miniaturization of lavaliere microphones: it is as long as 12.3 mm, 4 mm in diameter. It is also features a condenser-type transducer and uses 1.5 to 10 V phantom power. Its application area includes motion picture, television and radio. The omnidirectional polar pattern eliminates the "popping" effect while the housing design suppresses noises and clothing rustles. The MCE 60 is mounted by means of an included clip. This microphone is compatible with any Bayerdynamic wireless system, which significantly expands its application area. Frequency range - 20 to 20000 Hz, output level - 30 mV, weight - 1.5 g.

Besides microphones, Bayerdynamic produces headphones and headsets of the same high quality, intended for television and radio broadcasting.

The DT 990 is a pair of open-type professional studio headphones for users who do not want to recognize any compromise in sound. The model features a replaceable durable headband and a pair of soft embouchures. Frequency range - 5 to 35000 Hz, impedance - 250 ohms, SPL-level - 96 dB, THD - 0,2%, weight 250 g, the set comes complete with a 3 m long twisted cable with a gold-plated mini-jack plug and a 6.3 mm (1/4'') stereo jack plug adaptor. The DT 770 Pro is a pair of close-type studio headphones for professional music monitoring and recording. The soft embouchures provide for comfortable listening during extended periods. Frequency range - 5 to 35000 Hz, impedance - 250 ohms, SPL-level - 96 dB, THD - 0,2% , weight 250g, the set comes complete with a 3m long twisted cable with a gold-plated mini-jack plug and a 6.3mm (1/4'') stereo jack plug adaptor.

DT 150

DT 290

The DT 150 is a pair of close-type dynamic headphones for use in radio broadcasting, cinema/video voice-over works, and studio recording of music. The DT 150 headphones ensure incredible isolation against external noise; this is especially important at vocal recording for the monitor sound from the soloist's headphones is likely to be picked up by the microphone. Frequency response - 5 to 30000 Hz, impedance - 250 ohms, SPL - 97 dB.

The DT 280 and DT 290 represent stylish lightweight close headsets providing excellent isolation against unwanted ambient noise having a high-quality dynamic microphone with a flexible mount. The DT 280 modification has one earpiece, whereas the DT 290 - two earpieces. The headsets are intended for constant usage in intercom systems as well as bi-directional intercoms with the director and cameramen. They may just as well be used in live "on-air" applications when a dynamic microphone is required.

The DT 291 is a modern close-type headset providing good isolation against ambient noise with a high-quality omnidirectional condenser microphone with a flexible mount. The set is designed to be used by sports commentators, when, during the action, it is also necessary to hear the surrounding verbal "cues", or in cases, when it is preferable to have a microphone without a narrow polar pattern. The combination of light materials, an improved isolation system and splendid technical parameters allows using the headset during prolonged periods of time feeling comfortable.

The DT 294 modification, with a super-cardioid microphone, is also available.

ARIS Company, "Okno-TV" Company.

next >>