Audio-Technica AT897 Dépliant

SCALE IS 5 DECIBELS PER DIVISION

200 Hz

LEGEND

5 kHz

1 kHz

8 kHz

240

180

210

270

300

330

0

150

120

90

30

60

12" or more on axis (flat)

100

50

200

LEGEND

Roll-off

10k

5k

1k

500

2k

20k

Frequency in Hertz

Response in dB

10 dB

• Designed for video production and broadcast (ENG/EFP) audio 

acquisition

• Short length (11") ensures mic stays out of the shot – even when 

used with compact digital cameras

• Smooth, natural-sounding on-axis audio quality

• Provides the narrow acceptance angle desirable for long-distance 

sound pickup

• Excellent sound rejection from the sides and rear of mic

• Switchable low-frequency roll-off

• Operates on battery or phantom power

The AT897 requires 11V to 52V DC phantom power or a 1.5V AA
battery for operation. A battery need not be in place for phantom
power operation.

Battery installation: Unscrew the lower section of the microphone
body, just below the nameplate. Insert a fresh 1.5V AA battery 
in the handle compartment (“+” end up), then reassemble the
microphone. Alkaline batteries are recommended for longest life.
Remove the battery during long-term storage.

Output from the microphone’s XLRM-type connector 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.

To avoid phase cancellation and poor sound, all mic cables must
be wired consistently: Pin 1-to-Pin 1, etc.

An integral 80 Hz high-pass filter provides easy switching from a
flat frequency response to a low-end roll-off. The roll-off position
reduces pickup of low-frequency ambient noise (such 
as traffic, air-handling systems, etc.), room reverberation and
mechanically coupled vibrations.

The microphone is RoHS compliant–free from all substances 
specified in the EU directive on hazardous substances.

Avoid leaving the microphone in the open sun or in areas where
temperatures exceed 43° C (110° F) for extended periods.
Extremely high humidity should also be avoided.

Fixed-charge back plate 
permanently polarized 
condenser

Line + gradient

20-20,000 Hz

80 Hz, 12 dB/octave

–40 dB (10.0 mV) / 

(Phantom / Battery)

–41 dB (8.9 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa*

IMPEDANCE (Phantom / Battery)

200 ohms / 300 ohms

129 dB / 115 dB SPL,

(Phantom / Battery)

1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.

77 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa*

DYNAMIC RANGE (typical)

112 dB / 98 dB,

(Phantom / Battery)

1 kHz at Max SPL

11-52V DC, 2 mA typical

1.5V AA/UM3

0.4 mA / 1200 hours typical 
(alkaline)

Flat, roll-off (recessed)

WEIGHT (less accessories)

145 g (5.1 oz)

279.0 mm (10.98") long,  
21.0 mm (0.83") diameter

Integral 3-pin XLRM-type

AT8405a stand clamp for 

5

/

8

"-27 

threaded stands; AT8134 
windscreen; battery;

5

/

8

"-27 to 

3

/

8

"-16 threaded adapter;

protective carrying case

†In the interest of standards development, A.T.U.S. offers full details on its test 

methods to other industry professionals on request.

*1 Pascal = 10 dynes /cm

2

= 10 microbars = 94 dB SPL

1

Typical, A-weighted, using Audio Precision System One.

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Audio-Technica U.S., Inc., 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, Ohio 44224

Audio-Technica Limited, Old Lane, Leeds LS11 8AG England

www.audio-technica.com

P51973     ©2007  Audio-Technica U.S., Inc.    Printed in Japan