Audio Technica ATM73a - User Manual

ATM73a Cardioid Condenser
Headworn Microphone
Artist Series
Features
• Ideal for drummers, keyboard players, guitarists or anyone requiring
hands-free operation
• Comfortable, unobtrusive headband design with side-of-mouth pickup
• Belt-mounted power module operates on battery or phantom power
• Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear,
improving isolation of desired sound source
• Rugged design and construction for reliable performance
• Switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter minimizes pickup of undesired
low-frequency sounds
• Also available in two additional versions (without power module)
ATM73cH, ATM73cW—cable terminated for A-T wireless systems
ATM73ac—unterminated cable
Wired Description (ATM73a)
The ATM73a is a headworn condenser microphone with a cardioid polar pattern. It
is designed for use by performing musicians and others who require professional-
quality vocal pickup with hands-free operation.
The microphone requires 11V to 52V phantom power or a 1.5V AA battery for
operation. A battery need not be in place for phantom power operation.
The microphone’s cardioid polar pattern provides a 120° angle of acceptance.
The microphone includes a 1.4 m (4.6') permanently attached miniature cable. Its free
end connects to the provided AT8531 power module via a TA3F-type connector. The
output of the power module is a 3-pin XLRM-type connector.
A 3-position switch in the power module permits choice of o, on/flat response or on/
low-roll-o (via integral 80 Hz high-pass filter). The roll-o position reduces the pickup
of low-frequency ambient noise.
The microphone comes equipped with a power module, two windscreens and a battery.
Operation and Maintenance
The ATM73a requires 11V to 52V phantom power or a 1.5V AA battery for operation.
A battery need not be in place for phantom power operation.
To install the battery, remove the cap from the top of the power module. Insert a
fresh 1.5V AA battery (“+” end toward the cap release button), then reassemble the
power module. For longest battery life, the switch should remain o except when the
microphone is in use. Alkaline batteries are recommended for longest life. Remove
the battery during long-term storage.
Output is low impedance (Lo-Z) balanced. The signal appears across Pins 2 and 3;
Pin 1 is ground (shield). Output phase is “Pin 2 hot”—positive acoustic pressure
produces positive voltage at Pin 2.
A 3-position switch in the power module permits choice of o, on/flat response, or
on/low-roll-o (via integral 80 Hz high-pass filter). The roll-o position reduces the
pickup of low-frequency ambient noise (such as trac, air-handling systems, etc.),
room reverberation and mechanically coupled vibrations. To engage the high-pass
filter, slide the switch toward the “bent” line. To turn the microphone on without
engaging the high-pass filter, slide the switch toward the flat line.
For maximum stability and minimum visibility, the headband should be worn around
the back of the head, with each cushioned support pad resting on the temple in front
of the ear. The cable should remain clipped to the headband, with some slack at the
boom connection. The headset is designed so the microphone descends from the left
support pad.
After use in high-moisture applications, such as aerobics instruction, on-stage
performing, etc., remove the foam screen, wipe o the headset with a towel and
permit them to air-dry. (Do not store in a closed space, such as a plastic bag, until all
moisture has evaporated.)
Avoid leaving the microphone in the open sun or in areas where temperatures exceed
110° F (43° C) for extended periods. Extremely high humidity should also be avoided.
Wireless Description (ATM73cH, ATM73cW)
The microphone is also available in two wireless models, the ATM73cH and
ATM73cW. The ATM73cH includes a 1.4 m (55”) permanently attached miniature
cable terminated with a screw-down 4-pin connector for use with Audio-Technica
cH-style body-pack transmitters. The ATM73cW includes a 1.4 m (55”) permanently
attached miniature cable terminated with a locking 4-pin connector for use with
Audio-Technica cW-style body-pack transmitters. No power module or battery
is included (or required) with the ATM73cH and ATM73cW. The ATM73cH and
ATM73cW dimensions, polar pattern, and included windscreens are otherwise
identical to those of the ATM73a.
Also available unterminated as the ATM73ac.

Summary

Wired Microphone Description

ATM73 a Wired Description

Details the ATM73a headworn condenser microphone with a cardioid polar pattern for professional vocal pickup.

Power Requirements and Operation

Explains power needs (phantom or battery) and basic operation of the ATM73a.

Power Module Switch

Describes the 3-position switch for off, flat, or low-roll-off response on the power module.

Headband and Microphone Placement

Guidance on wearing the headset for stability, visibility, and optimal microphone positioning.

Operation and Maintenance

Battery Installation and Care

Instructions for installing a 1.5V AA battery and recommendations for battery life and storage.

Output Signal Characteristics

Details on low impedance balanced output, pin assignments, and phase.

Post-Use Care and Environmental Precautions

Advice on drying the headset after use and avoiding extreme temperatures or humidity.

Wireless Microphone Variants

Wireless Model Overview

Introduces ATM73cH and ATM73cW wireless models and their connectors.

Wireless Model Compatibility

Notes that wireless models do not require a power module or battery.

Technical Specifications and Diagrams

Wireless Termination Diagrams

Provides pinout diagrams for various wireless transmitter connections (cW, cH, cT4, cT5, cL4).

Key Specifications

Lists essential technical data including polar pattern, frequency response, sensitivity, and impedance.

Input Sound Level and Dynamic Range

Details maximum input sound levels and typical dynamic range for phantom and battery power.

Power Requirements and Battery Life

Specifies phantom power needs, element power requirements, and typical battery life.

Weight and Dimensions

Provides physical specifications for the microphone and its power module.

Output Connector and Cable

Describes the output connector type and cable lengths for wired and wireless versions.

Audio Technica ATM73a Specifications

General

Type	Stage/performance microphone
Microphone frequency	40 - 15000 Hz
Microphone sensitivity	-55 dB
Microphone direction type	Cardioid
Microphone input impedance	270 Ω
Device interface	mini XLR (3-pin)
Connectivity technology	Wired
Cable length	1.4 m
Product color	Gray
Battery type	AA
Power source	Battery
Operating voltage	1.5 V
Power consumption	0.4 mA
Battery life (max)	1200 h
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)	59 dB

Weight and Dimensions

Receiver weight	139 g
Microphone weight	31 g
Receiver dimensions (WxDxH)	63 x 22 x 84 mm