User's Manual
Features
• Maximum intelligibility and clean, accurate reproduction for vocalists,
lecturers, stage and television talent, and houses of worship
• Low-profile design (a mere 5 mm in diameter) is ideal for applications
requiring minimum visibility
• Oers the convenience of battery or phantom power operation
• Rugged design and construction for reliable performance
• Switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter minimizes pickup of undesired low-
frequency sounds
• Selected models oered in black and beige (-TH)
• Also available in wireless models (without power module) terminated for
use with Audio-Technica wireless systems and many other manufacturers’
wireless systems
Wired Description
The AT899 is a subminiature clip-on/lavalier condenser microphone with an
omnidirectional polar pattern. It is designed to provide accurate reproduction for
vocalists, lecturers, stage and television talent, 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 or a 1.5V AA battery for
operation. A battery need not be in place for phantom power operation.
The microphone includes a permanently attached 3 m (9.8') long, 2.0 mm (0.87")
diameter, 2-conductor shielded cable. Its free end connects to the provided AT8537
power module via a TA3F-type connector. 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-o (via integral 80 Hz high-pass filter) to help control undesired
ambient noise.
The microphone comes equipped with a power module, a cable clip, a clothing clip
base, a viper clip base, magnet clip base and plate with lanyard, three single mic
holders, two double mic holders, two windscreens, two element covers and a battery.
A protective carrying case is also included. All AT899 models are available with a low-
reflectance black finish; selected models are available in beige.
Operation and Maintenance
The AT899 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, unscrew the base of the power supply unit and insert one AA
battery into the battery compartment, being certain to observe battery polarity as
marked. Then simply screw the base shut. 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.
An integral 80 Hz high-pass filter provides easy switching from a flat frequency
response to a low-end roll-o. The roll-o position reduces the microphone’s sensitivity
to popping in close vocal use. It also reduces the pickup of low-frequency ambient
noise (such as trac, air-handling systems, etc.), room reverberation and mechanically
coupled vibrations. To engage the high-pass 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.
CAUTION! To avoid possible injury, use caution when axing the microphone viper
clip to clothing. The pins are sharp and may puncture skin. For best results, ensure
that pin ends rest on outside of clothing.
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 Models Description
The microphone is also available in a variety of terminations for use with Audio-
Technica and many other manufacturers’ wireless systems. No power module or
battery is included (or required) with the wireless models. The wireless models’
dimensions, polar pattern and included accessories are otherwise identical to those
of the AT899.
The AT899cW is also available unterminated as the AT899c.
Cable Terminations
AT899cH, AT899cH-TH Terminated with a screw-down 4-pin connector
for use with Audio-Technica® cH-style
body-pack transmitters
AT899cW, AT899cW-TH Terminated with a locking 4-pin connector
for use with Audio-Technica® cW-style
body-pack transmitters
AT899cL4, AT899cL4-TH Terminated for Sennheiser® wireless systems
using Lemo connector
AT899cT4 Terminated for Shure® wireless systems using
TA4F-type connector
AT899cT5, AT899cT5-TH Terminated for Lectrosonics® wireless systems
using TA5F-type connector
AT899c, AT899c-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.
Broadcast & Production Microphones
AT899 Subminiature Omnidirectional Condenser
Lavalier Microphone