Sanken CSS5 Stereo Shotgun Microphone

The remarkable performance of the CSS-5 is based on an array of five new directional condenser elements, with new PPS (Poly-Phenylene-Sulfide) diaphragms to provide optimum humidity / temperature stability. Developed in conjunction with NHK, the CSS-5 is equally responsive in the horizontal and vertical planes with high sensitivity, wide frequency response and excellent dynamic range.

For episodic television, film / video documentaries, and major broadcast events, it has become desirable to record targeted sounds precisely, with the added option of capturing realistic stereophonic perspectives. In many cases, multiple microphone configurations impair field mobility and sonic consistency. Stereophonic localization depends primarily on signal accuracy and channel separation in the 400Hz to 3kHz range. Pattern control of the CSS-5 has been optimized in this range. Very low and very high frequency response has been optimized along the frontal axis so that the "target" on-axis sounds are clearly delineated. The result in playback accentuates the frontal image, with side signals positioned slightly behind.

Conventional shotgun microphones use a line capsule array and a pipe with slits in front of the capsule to create high directivity by utilizing phase interference inside the casing. With this design, high directivity at low frequencies requires a length of more than one meter in length. In the CSS-5, second-order pressure gradient design enables excellent directional response by using multiple cardioid elements in a front-back array. The three directional capsules combine line microphone performance and second-order gradient response in a single system. High directivity is achieved in a microphone less than 12 inches in length.

The revolutionary CSS-5 is small and lightweight with switchable mono / stereo functions. The standard 19mm diameter permits use of a wide range of accessories developed for enhanced performance and field mobility. The CSS-5 provides three switchable modes to satisfy the various needs of location and studio recording.

• In the NORMAL mode, the CSS-5 clearly picks up the targeted sound as well as extremely accurate stereo localization. STEREO angle is approx. 115°
• In the MONO mode, sharp directivity is maintained over a wide frequency range for the aimed frontal sound sources, using the combination of a second gradient microphone and a line microphone. It is significant that the CSS-5 picks up the chosen sound source very clearly even in a noisy ambient situation or in a long reverberation space.
• The WIDE mode is designed for stereo recording of sound effects where dialogue will be dubbed in at a later date. This mode allows a wider 140 degree pickup, whereas conventional M-S microphones have a maximum of 127 degrees.

Specifications:

• Transducer : DC biased condenser
• Direction pattern : High directivity & 2-ch stereo
• Sensitivity : High directivity -30dB/Pa ( 31.6mV ); 2-ch stereo -28dB/pa ( 39.8mV ); 2-ch stereo (wide) -23dB/Pa ( 70.8mV )
• Input Noise Level : 18dB or less
• Output Impedance : 240 ohms per channel
• Maximum SPL for 1.0% THD at 1kHz : 120dB
• Powering : 48V Phantom ( 2channels ) When used in MONO, power is supplied to the L-ch.
• Current Consumption : L-ch approx.2.5mA; R-ch approx.1.6mA
• Output Connector : XRL-5-12
• Weight : approx. 250g