Crown PZM-185

An inexpensive version of the PZM-30 and PZM6 with XLR output, can be phantom or battery powered.

The Crown® PZM®-185 Pressure Zone Microphone® is a microphone designed for general-purpose use. Ideal for applications such as conferences, group discussions, interviews, broadcast, home video production, lectures, and recordings. The mic can be placed on a large surface such as a table, floor, wall, or lectern. The PZM-185 is powered either by an internal AAA 1.5V battery or 12-48V phantom power. The boundary "paddle" can be detached so the mic will fit in your pocket. Attached to the mic is an 8-foot (2.438-m) cable leading to a tubular power module. The microphone’s low-profile design reduces "mic fright" and minimizes clutter. It is nearly invisible on camera. The PZM-185 minimizes pickup of vibration and handling noise. Its electret condenser capsule provides a wide, smooth frequency response from 50 Hz to 16 kHz. The mic’s hemispherical polar pattern allows clear pickup of everyone surrounding the microphone. The PZM-185 is protected against static and RFI. The output is balanced, low impedance, which allows long cable runs without hum pickup or high-frequency loss.

Like other Pressure Zone Microphones, the PZM- 185 uses a miniature mic capsule mounted very near a sound-reflecting plate or boundary in the Pressure Zone. In this zone, direct sound from the sound source combines in phase at all frequencies with reflected sound off the boundary. The benefits are many: 6 dB more sensitivity, 6 dB less noise, a wide smooth frequency response free of phase interference, excellent clarity and "reach," and consistent pickup anywhere around the microphone.

You can power the PZM-185 either by 12-48V phantom power or battery power. To use phantompower, plug the mic connector into a phantom power supply or into a mic input that provides 12-48V phantom power. To use battery power, open the cover (Fig. 3) and insert a AAA 1.5V battery. Please note the correct orientation of the battery. If you’re using the microphone on a hard surface, such as a table top, the boundary "paddle" is not necessary. If you’re using the mic on a carpet or other sound-absorbing surface, attach the boundary "paddle" for best results.

• Ideal for table-top or on-floor recordings: conference, group discussions, interviews, broadcast, home video, lectures, music
• Works on internal AAA battery or phantom power
• Low-impedance XLR-type output
• Boundary “paddle” can be detached
• Clear, bright sound quality with excellent bass

• Element: Electret condenser.
• Frequency response (typical): 50 Hz to 16 kHz
• Polar pattern: Hemispherical (half-omni) on a large surface.
• Impedance: 150 ohms, balanced. Recommended minimum load impedance 1000 ohms.
• Open circuit sensitivity (1.5V battery power): 0.8mV/Pa (–62 dB re 1 volt/Pa).
• Power sensitivity (1.5V battery power): –59.5 dBm. EIA sensitivity –154 dBm.
• Open-circuit sensitivity (phantom power): 3.2 mV/Pa (–50 dB re 1V/Pa).
• Power sensitivity (phantom power): –47.5 dBm. EIAsensitivity –142 dBm.
• Equivalent noise level (self-noise): 21 dB SPLtypical, A-weighted (0 dB = .0002 dyne/cm2).
• S/N ratio: 73 dB at 94 dB SPL.
• Maximum SPL: 120 dB SPL produces 3% distortion with phantom power.
• Polarity: Positive pressure on the diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3 of the output connector.
• Cable: 8-foot (2.438-m), 2-conductor shielded, permanently attached cable. No other cable supplied; use 2-conductor shielded mic cable.
• Output connector: 3-pin XLR-type pro audio connector.
• Operating voltage: One 1.5V size AAA alkaline battery (Duracell MN2400 or equivalent) or 12 to 48V phantom power (positive voltage on pins 2 and 3 with respect to pin 1).
• Battery life: Approximately 45 days.
• Current drain: 0.5 mA.
• Materials: High-impact plastic housing and steel power module.
• Finish: Satin black.
• Dimensions: 5.9" (15.0cm) length, 3.409" (8.7cm) width (at widest point), .607" (1.5cm) height (at highest point)
• Weight: 4 ounces (115 grams).