Microtech Gefell M990
Large Diaphragm Tube Cardioid Microphone in Dark Bronze Finish

M990

Microtech Gefell's M990 is a large diaphragm condenser tube microphone that employs their M9 gold evaporated capsule. This pressure gradient transducer is combined with the latest tube amplifier circuit design for exceptionally low self-noise and added sensitivity. The result is a studio microphone that has all of the character and feel of a vintage tube mic with the added benefit of lower noise, wider bandwidth and stunning detail.

The M9 capsule is housed on a triangulated pedestal that deflects unwanted sound refractions away from the capsule reducing phase cancellation and comb-filtering.  This results in exceptional uniformity throughout the audio bandwidth while assuring an ultra-smooth transition from on-axis to the all important off-axis response.  The impressive cardioid pattern provides excellent rear-rejection to discard unwanted noise, making the M990 particularly good for high noise environments.

The vacuum tube preamplifier is unique in that it employs a pentode tube, working as a triode to achieve the M990's outstanding sonic characteristics.  These are housed in a slimline, tubular body with a dark bronze finish.  The M990's dark color is designed to reduce visibility on stage and during television broadcast

For maximum rejection against vibration borne noise, the M990 is supplied with the EA92 deluxe elastic suspension.  This is fixed to the body via the machined housing, providing secure retention of the mic, no matter what position.

A 7-pin Tuchel connector and cable assembly connects the mic to the power supply, which then feeds the XLR output.  The M990 utilizes the AES standard with pin-2 hot and the unique circuit design allows one to drive cables to 50 meters (150 ft.).  This distance may be extended by increasing the heater voltage inside the M920.1 power supply with a simple service shop adjustment.  Furthermore, switching the supply from 110V to 220V operation is a simple matter of rotating the fuse housing.

The Gefell M990's large gold diaphragm and state-of-the art capsule amplifier result in the highest sensitivity and maximum spectral response at all frequencies.  This, combined with outstanding signal-to-noise performance, works to the benefit of the most demanding 24bit/96kHz digital recording.

The M990 is ideally suited for both voice and instrument and is particularly impressive in difficult acoustic environments.  It comes complete with power supply, interconnect cable, and deluxe shock mount, and its own hand-crafted dovetailed wood storage case.

Specifications:

• Polar pattern: cardioid
• Acoustical operating principle: Pressure gradient transducer
• Frequency range: 40 Hz - 18 kHz
• Sensitivity at 1 kHz: 28 mV / Pa
• Rated impedance: 200 ohms
• Equivalent loudness level due to inherent noise:
  - CCIR 468-4 (qps): 24 dB
  - DIN EN 60651: 13 dB - A
• Signal-to-noise ratio (re 1 Pa at 1 kHz):
  - CCIR-weighted: 70 dB
  - A-weighted: 81 dB
• Max. SPL for THD = 0.5 %: 119 dB
• Total dynamic range of the microphone amplifier: 106 dB
• DC power supply: 120 V -
• Anode current: 1 mA -
• Heater voltage: 5.8 V -
• Heater current: 200 mA -
• Tube: EF 86
• Output connector: 7- pin Tuchel C 70 / A
• Weight: 400 g
• Dimensions (L x Ø): 185 x 43 mm

Our Part #  M990