Crown Audio MB-4E Dépliant

he Crown

®

 MB-4 is a miniature boundary 

     microphone  for  multi-miking  applications 
     such  as  teleconferencing,  distance  learning, 

boardrooms, courtrooms, and TV or theatrical 
applications. Double-sided sticky tape is pro-
vided for attaching the unit under shelves, on 
walls, etc.

Thanks to its supercardioid pickup pattern, the 
MB-4 greatly reduces ambient noise and pickup 
of room reverberation. The result is a clearer 
sound.

The MB-4 has a 15-foot attached cable leading 
to an XLR-type output connector with built-in 
mic electronics. It is powered by 12-48V phan-
tom power, and is low-impedance balanced.

The MB-4E is the same, but without the elec-
tronics/connector. 

The MB-4E must be used with the Crown MB-
100 or MB-200 interface (not included). The 
interface provides these functions:

   • Powers and equalizes up to four mics.
   • Provides programmable switching to turn 

the mic on or off if desired (switches not 
provided).

   • The MB-200 interface also has remote 

switch sensing via an optical coupler.

   • Pluggable microphone inputs.
   • Provides balanced outputs from the inter-

face.

   • Tiny, inconspicuous.
   • Can be used without putting holes in the 

table.

   • Clean, clear, natural sound.
   • Low-Z balanced output prevents hum and 

high-frequency loss.

   • LED indicates mic on (MB-4E only).
   • LED in MB-4E is defeatable.
   • Switches can be internally programmed 

for touch-on/touch-off, momentary on, or 
momentary off.

   • Remote sensing of switch closure (in MB-

200 interface).

   • Removable grille assembly can be painted.

How to Paint the Microphone
1. Using a small screwdriver, pry open one side 
of the grille, then the other side (Fig. 5).

2.  Remove foam liner.

3.  Wearing a dust mask, spray-paint the grille 
assembly. Be sure grille holes are not clogged.

4.  Allow paint to completely dry.

5. Make sure the LED is properly aligned.

6. Carefully place the grille assembly over the 
LED, and snap in place.

Specifi cations
MB-4 specifi cations are at the mic cable connec-
tor. MB-4E specifi cations are at the interface output 
terminals.

Type: Phase Coherent Cardioid.
Element: Electret condenser.
Frequency response (typical): 50 Hz to 15,000 Hz at 

30 degrees incidence to surface (see Fig. 1).

Polar pattern:  Half-supercardioid (supercardioid in 

the hemisphere above the primary boundary). See 
Figs. 2 and 3.

Impedance:  150 ohms, balanced (recommended load 

impedance 1000 ohms or greater).

Open-circuit sensitivity (typical):  22 mV/Pa*  (–33 

dB re 1 volt/Pa).

Power sensitivity: –30.5 dB re 1 mW/Pa.* EIA rating 

–125 dBm.

Equivalent noise level (self-noise): 22 dB SPL typical 

(0 dB=0.0002 dyne/cm

2

), A-weighted.

S/N ratio: 72 dB at 94 dB SPL.
Maximum SPL: 120 dB SPL at 3% THD.
Polarity (MB-4):  Positive (inward) pressure on the 

diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with 
respect to pin 3. 

Polarity (MB-4E):  Positive (inward) pressure on 

diaphragm produces positive voltage on interface 
output terminal 1 with respect to terminal 3, and on 
terminal 4 with respect to terminal 6.

Operating voltage (MB-4):  Phantom power, 12-48 

volts DC on pins 2 and 3 with respect to pin 1 of 
output connector.

Operating voltage (MB-4E):  18-48V phantom power 

at interface output.

Current drain (MB-4):  4 mA nominal. 
Current drain (MB-4E):  4 mA nominal with LED off, 5 

mA nominal with LED on.

Connector (MB-4):  3-pin pro audio, XLR-type.
Connector (MB-4E):  Pluggable terminal block (one 

block per every two microphones).

Cable:  Permanently attached, black, 15-foot (4.572-

m), 2-conductor shielded cable from mic to power 
module or interface. No other cable supplied. Use 
two-conductor shielded mic cable from power 
module to mixer, or from MB-100 Interface to 
mixer.

Materials: High-impact molded plastic and steel mesh 

mic grille, steel power module.

Finish: Satin black.

Net weight: Microphone: 0.7 ounces (19.8 grams). 

Power module: 2.8 ounces (78.6 grams).

Dimensions:  See Fig. 4.
Included accessories: Double-sided tape for fastening 

under shelves, etc., for theatrical applications.

Optional accessories (MB-4 only):  PH-1A phantom 

power supply (1 channel, battery or DC-adapter 
powered). 

Required accessory (MB-4E only):  Crown MB-100 or 

MB-200 Interface.

*1 pascal = 10 dynes/cm

2

 = 10 microbars = 94 dB SPL.

Fig. 2

Vertical-Plane Polar Response

Frequency in Hz

Frequency  Response

FRONT

REAR

–

20

–15

–10

–5

–0

60˚

90˚

120˚

150˚

180˚

0˚

30˚

+

5

1 kHz

5 kHz

200 Hz

+15

+10

+5

dB 0

–5

–10

–15

–20

–25

–30

–35

20

100

1K

10K

130˚

0˚

  

•  

Ideal for teleconferencing, distance

learning, boardrooms and courtrooms   

  

•  

Has a 15-foot attached cable leading to an 

XLR-type output connector with built-in 
mic electronics

   • Half-supercardioid polar pattern reduces 

feedback, room acoustics and background 
noise

   • Clear, natural sound

   • Small and inconspicuous