The X-M is an electret condenser microphone that uses a 6mm omnidirectional capsule. Due
to the small size of the capsule, the X-M has an accurate sound that excels at applications such as concert recording, drum
overheads, string and wind
instruments, piano, acoustic and nylon string guitar.
The X-M is a pressure microphone with a diffuse-field response; that is, it has a nearly flat frequency response off-axis, with a rising high-frequency response on-axis. The diffuse-field response is generally recommended for all types of recording, especially at moderate to far-field distances. The X-M is also available with high-frequency compensation for flat on-axis free-field response. The free-field response option is indicated for use as a measurement microphone, and also for near-field recording of acoustic instruments, or any application where a darker tone is desired. The X-M is also available with an optional response switch, so that either diffuse- or free-field response may be selected.
The X-M's
on-axis frequency response is essentially flat from 20Hz to 10kHz, with
a rising high frequency
response above 10kHz, to a maximum peak of 10dB at 20kHz. The free-field response compensation option
counteracts the mic's natural rise in high-frequency response with a equalization circuit for a
very nearly flat response on-axis from 20Hz to 20kHz. The 90 degree
off-axis response of the X-M is approximately 6dB less than the on-axis
response at 20kHz. The X-M exhibits practically no off-axis rolloff below 10kHz.
The
X-M is excellent for stereo recording. For an additional fee, pairs of X-Ms may be
matched to within 0.3dB A-weighted sensitivity, and very close
frequency response as well.
The X-M is available with three output options: transformer- or active-balanced, with the active-balanced output available in normal and low sensitivity versions.
The transformer-balanced output provides the flexibility that is the hallmark of the X series, offering very low voltage and current operation. It also offers a mild bass rolloff and low sensitivity, which make it especially suited for recording rock concerts, drum overheads, and other loud sources where bass rolloff may be desired. It is also excellent for recording acoustic instruments such as violin and nylon and steel string guitar. The transformer-balanced output option has a 6dB/octave rolloff below 80Hz.
The active-balanced output yields very high performance while still consuming a mere 3mA. A minimum of +18V phantom power is required for performance at specification, although the X-M will work with phantom supplies as low as +12V. The active-balanced output option excels at full-range recording tasks, such as drum overheads, string bass, pipe organ, and orchestra, and with the free-field response option is suited for use as a measurement microphone for real-time analysis and system calibration. For measurement use, individual calibration files can be generated for an additional charge.
The low-sensitivity version also provides an active output, with a lower output and higher SPL handling than the standard active-balanced version. It may be more suited to measurement applications where its slightly higher noise figure is not a concern. It is also generally recommended for concert recording and close-mic applications where its extremely high SPL handling will be an asset.
Power Supply and Interconnection
The X-M is designed to work with low voltage and low current power supplies as well as standard phantom power. The X-M requires a phantom power supply of +9V (+12V for the active-balanced options) to +48V. The transformer-balanced output version can also use
plug-in power supplied by portable recorders or Soundblaster®-compatible PC soundcards (with the appropriate adaptor cable as required).
Interconnection for the X-M is as follows:
Phantom power (via XLR): Standard XLR-XLR cable. (cable not available from Naiant)
Plug-in power (stereo, transformer-balanced output only): Single TRS to dual XLR; tip to left pin 2, ring to right pin 2, sleeve to pins 1. Pin 3 coupled across 10uF capacitor to pin 1. (adaptor cable available from Naiant)
PC mic input (Soundblaster®-compatible, transformer-balanced output only): TRS to XLR; sleeve to pin 1, ring to pin 3, tip to pin 2. 10uF capacitor recommended between pins 3 and 1. (adaptor cable available from Naiant)
