Audio-Technica BP896 - Manual

broadcast & production

microphones

BP896 & BP896-TH

MicroPoint

™

Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphones

Features

• Subminiature clip-on lavalier microphone designed for broadcast

production and theater settings

• Microphone diameter of just 2.6 mm for the ultimate in low-

profile, high-performance audio

• Extremely intelligible, natural audio

• Handles high sound pressure levels with ease

• Locking 4-pin microphone output connector compatible with

included power module and all Audio -Technica UniPak

®

body-

pack wireless transmitters

• Rugged design and construction for reliable performance

• UniSteep

®

filter provides a steep low-frequency attenuation to

improve sound pickup without affecting voice quality

• Offered in black and beige (-TH) models

• RoHS-compliant—free from all substances specified in the EU

directive on the reduction of hazardous substances (RoHS)

• Also available in wireless models (without power module)

terminated for use with all Audio -Technica UniPak

®

wireless

systems and many other manufacturers’ wireless systems

BP896 Description

The BP896 is a subminiature clip-on/lavalier condenser microphone with

an omnidirectional polar pattern. It is designed to provide intelligible,

natural audio for stage/television talent, lecturers and houses of worship.

The microphone is intended to be worn on the clothing or hidden in props

for excellent yet unobtrusive sound pickup. The wide-range capability

of the microphone ensures clean, accurate reproduction with high

intelligibility for speakers, presenters and other performers. Its small size

makes it ideal for use in applications where minimum visibility is required.

The microphone requires 11V to 52V phantom power for operation.

The microphone includes a 1.4 m (55") permanently attached miniature

cable. Its free end connects to the provided AT8539 power module via

a locking 4-pin connector. The connector is also compatible with all

Audio -Technica UniPak

®

body-pack wireless transmitters. The output

of the power module is a 3-pin XLRM-type connector.

A recessed switch in the power module permits choice of flat response

or low-frequency roll-off (via integral 80 Hz high-pass UniSteep

®

filter) to

help control undesired ambient noise.

The microphone comes equipped with a power module, a clothing clip

base, a viper clip base, three single mic holders, two double mic holders,

two windscreens and six element covers (two each in black, white and

beige) for blending in with users’ attire. A belt clip and a protective carrying

case is also included. The microphone is available in black and beige.

Wireless MicroPoint

™

Description

The microphone is also available in a variety of wireless models, including

the BP896cW. The BP896cW includes a 1.4 m (55") permanently attached

miniature cable terminated with a locking 4-pin connector for use with

Audio-Technica UniPak

®

body-pack transmitters. Models are also available

in a variety of terminations for use with many other manufacturers’

wireless systems. No power module or belt clip is included (or required)

with the wireless models. The wireless models’ dimensions, polar pattern

and included accessories are otherwise identical to those of the BP896.

The BP896cW is also available unterminated as the BP896c.

Cable Terminations

BP896cW, BP896cW-TH

Terminated with locking 4-pin

connector for use with

Audio-Technica

®

UniPak

body-pack transmitters BP896c,

BP896cL4, BP896cL4-TH

Terminated for Sennheiser

®

wireless systems using Lemo

connector

BP896cLM3, BP896cLM3-TH

Terminated for Sennheiser

®

wireless systems using locking

3.5 mm connector

BP896cT4, BP896cT4-TH

Terminated for Shure

®

wireless

systems using TA4F-type

connector

BP896cT5, BP896cT5-TH

Terminated for Lectrosonics

®

wireless systems using

TA5F-type connector

BP896c, BP896c-TH

Unterminated

Model numbers ending in “TH” are beige.
Audio-Technica

®

is a registered trademark of Audio-Technica. Other product and company names

mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or service marks of their respective owners.

Operation and Maintenance

The BP896 requires 11V to 52V phantom power for operation.

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.

An integral 80 Hz high-pass UniSteep

®

filter provides easy switching from

a flat frequency response to a low-end roll-off. The roll-off position reduces

the microphone’s sensitivity to popping in close vocal use. It also reduces

the pickup of low-frequency ambient noise (such as traffic, air-handling

systems, etc.), room reverberation and mechanically coupled vibrations. To

engage the UniSteep

®

filter, use the end tip of a paperclip or other small

pointed instrument to slide the switch toward the “bent” line.

For use as a lavalier, attach the microphone about six inches below the

chin. Anticipate movements that may cause the microphone to rub against

or be covered by clothing, and position the microphone to avoid it.

The included single and double mic holders are interchangeable with the

included bases. To change the holders, simply remove original holder and

snap in the desired one. When using the microphone in extremely close

situations, slip the included open-pore foam windscreen over the mic to

reduce wind noise or popping. Use the included element cover to protect

the microphone element from contaminants.

The four small sleeves on the cable are used for securely mounting the

microphone in the included holders. To attach the microphone in a holder,

slide the sleeve(s) to the required position on the cable, and snap the

holder onto the sleeve(s). Note: If a sleeve becomes difficult to slide,