Audio-Technica Introduces AT895 Adaptive Array
System DSP-controlled microphone cuts through crowd and ambient noise in any environment, under any circumstances, with noise cancellation of up to 80 dB
 October 2, 1999
In a move that creates an entirely new reference standard
for sound acquisition, Audio-Technica announces the introduction of the new AT895
Adaptive-array Microphone Systems. At a time when the broadcast industry is undergoing
the most radical shift in history as it makes the transition to digital, the new
AT895 will change the way field audio is captured.
Utilizing
a revolutionary software algorithm, DSDA-PRO™, an acoustically-tuned element
microphone array and special analog circuitry, the AT895 provides adaptive directional
acquisition of sound sources. The output of the array is manipulated and filtered
by acoustical, analog and digital means to enhance the pickup of a sound source
from a desired direction relative to unwanted background noise or interference,
providing cancellation of up to an unheard-of 80 dB. (And, at 80 dB down, it will
be "unheard.")
The AT895 functions equally well in a broad range of applications both within
broadcast and elsewhere, such as for handheld interview use or long-range sound
pickup - in the field, in the studio, or in security operations.
Sports broadcasts, for example, will benefit from pinpoint accuracy in isolating
sound sources, bringing a new level of excitement and "you-are-there"
immediacy to broadcasts. In political reporting the AT895 will allow ENG journalists
to capture every word, giving users a critical edge in the increasingly competitive
broadcast arena. The new AT895 will also reduce the current physical load of field
audio specialists, replacing bulky parabolic-type and shotgun microphones with
a convenient hand-held device that provides unmatched directional performance,
operating versatility and ease of use anywhere, anytime.
Some of the performance benefits of the new AT895 include: substantially improved
sensitivity, pickup distance and gain-before-feedback as compared to currently-available
microphone technology; unprecedented off-axis rejection, even in very high- interference
environments; outstanding low-frequency directionality (up to 78 dB rejection
at 200 Hz) in a mic that's only 14 inches long; marked reduction of proximity
effect and greatly reduced susceptibility to mechanical noise, wind noise and
racking.
The AT895 Microphone itself is all-analog, housing an Audio-Technica MicroLine®
element, plus four A-T cardioid elements mounted in a co-planar diamond configuration,
and mic preamps. The five amplified signals are sent individually down a special
7- conductor detachable cable to the AT895CP Control Pack, which provides all
the power, digital processing and control for the AT895 Microphone. The Control
Pack's lightweight, sturdy metal housing accepts a quick-change, click-on battery
holder for totally self-contained operation, if desired. Control features include
a three-position mode (pattern) switch; a filter switch with flat, high-pass and
band-pass settings; a headphone jack with volume control; an LCD battery condition
indicator; and inputs on the bottom of the Control Pack for Mic (XLR7M), power
(XLR4M) and Audio out (XLR3M). Power for the Control Pack is via external 12V
DC - from an Anton/Bauer or similar-type battery source, or from an AC adapter
using an industry-standard 4-pin XLR connection - or from three 9V batteries in
a click-on battery housing.
AT895 Systems are available in two configurations: as the AT895/RK "Remote
Kit" for field use (including 10-foot cable, click-on battery housing, shock-mounted
pistol grip, zeppelin-type windscreen and all-weather heavy-duty protective carrycase),
and as the AT895/MK "Mount Kit" which includes a 25-foot cable, shock-mount
plate with 5/8"-27 thread for mounting, and a 120V AC power supply. In addition,
accessories are available for mounting an AT895 on a Fisher boom, and for the
rack-mounting of Control Packs.
Incorporated in the AT895 design are: DSDA-PRO™ software (U.S. Patent
No. 5,825,898) by Lamar Signal Processing, Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Andrea Electronics Corporation (Amex: AND); DeltaBeam™ (U.S. Patent pending)
and MicroLine® technologies by Audio-Technica. "DSDA-PRO" is a trademark
of Andrea Electronics Corporation; "DeltaBeam" is a trademark and "MicroLine"
is a registered trademark of Audio-Technica.
Visit Audio-Technica on the web at www.audio-technica.com. |
