Neumann USM 69 I Dual Large Diaphragm Multipattern Stereo Microphone

The USM 69 i is a one-point stereo microphone for all coincident stereo techniques such as XY, MS, and Blumlein. Each of the two large diaphragm capsule systems has its own pattern selector with 5 positions; the upper system can be rotated over a range of 270°. The USM 69 i can also be used in mono with two directional characteristics simultaneously.

Stereo recording with two separate microphones can be cumbersome. Especially with coincident stereo setups, where the two capsules must be placed very close to each other at a defined angle to ensure precise imaging. The Neumann USM 69 i one point stereo microphone makes such coincident stereo recording techniques very easy.

The USM 69 i has two separate dual diaphragm condenser capsules, mounted vertically, which may be rotated against each other over an angle of 270°. The polar pattern of each capsule can be selected individually using two built-in rotary switches. Each capsule has its own head amplifier feeding separate pins of the XLR 5 output connector. The USM 69 i, thus, is two independent microphones in one convenient package. As it requires only one microphone stand, the USM 69 i is very easy to re-position for optimal results.

With five polar patterns available for each capsule – omni, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, and figure-8 – the USM 69 i allows for MS and XY stereo techniques in all variations, including Blumlein. Thanks to its low self-noise of 13 dB-A and its high SPL capability of 132 dB, the USM 69 i may be placed freely for best sound and imaging, with no worries about excess noise or distortion. An active subsonic filter protects the output transformers from overload due to structure borne noise.

Features

• Switchable stereo microphone
• Two pressure-gradient transducers with double membrane capsules
• MS- or XY-stereophony
• Capsules rotary by 270°
• Very low noise
• Aperture and pick-up angles freely choosable
• Directional characteristics reproducably switchable,omni,wide angle cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, figure-8
• Switchable stereo microphone
• Two pressure-gradient transducers with double membrane capsules
• MS- or XY-stereophony
• Capsules rotary by 270°
• Very low noise
• Aperture and pick-up angles freely choosable
• Directional characteristics reproducably switchable,omni,wide angle cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, figure-8

Specifications

• Acoustical operating principle: Pressure gradient transducer
• Directional pattern: Omnidirectional, wide-anglecardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, figure-8
• Frequency range: 20 Hz ... 20 kHz
• Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kohm: 13 mV/Pa
• Rated impedance: 150 ohms
• Rated load impedance: 1 kohms
• Equivalent noise level, CCIR*: 24 dB
• Equivalent noise level, A-weighted*: 13 dB-A
• Signal-to-noise ratio, CCIR* (rel. 94 dB SPL): 70dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio, A-weighted (rel. 94 dBSPL): 81dB
• Maximum SPL for THD 0.5%: 132 dB
• Maximum output voltage: 3 dBu
• Dynamic range of the microphone amplifier(A-weighted):119 dB
• Supply voltage (P48, IEC 61938): 48 V ± 4 V
• Current consumption (P48, IEC 61938): 2 x 0.7mA
• Matching connector: 5-pin XLR-F
• Weight: 1.12 lbs
• Diameter: 1.18" + 1.89"
• Length: 11.54"
• Standmount included