Nevaton MC550

A large-diaphragm stereo condenser microphone with additional advanced multi-pattern functions in mono mode

The Nevaton MC550 is a large-diaphragm stereo condenser microphone with advanced multi-pattern functions in mono mode. It features a 33mm dual-diaphragm symmetrical transducer, giving the microphone a fixed stereo-width of 180°. Each diaphragm has its own dedicated amplifier channel.  It performs especially well, when the sound-source is grouped around the microphone – Great results with choir recordings, string-ensemble, acoustic guitar, vocals(…)

The MC550 features

• Switchable attenuation: -10dB
• Switchable Low-cut filter (80Hz, 6dB/Oct)
• heated capsules (for parameter stability in very diverse climatic conditions).
  Two switchable heating modes: 4mA or 8mA heating current
  Additional note: With the stereo-cable the capsule benefits from a stronger heating effect than with the mono cable.
• RF filter against radio interference
• Switchable LED – the LED can be switched off, useful for filmed stage performances etc.
• a switch to change directional characteristics in mono mode without mixing desk
• very low self noise of only 4dBA-7dBA, depending on the directional characteristic

In Mono mode infinite(!) directional patterns can be created (omni, cardioid, wide-cardioid, hyper-cardioid, figure-8 – and everything in between!). A console or DAW can combine the two cardioid signals to produce any desired pattern, so the recording engineer can tweak the pattern to fit the exact needs!

• Omni – both capsules at equal gain, in phase
• Wide Cardioid – rear capsule 10dB lower than front, in phase
• Cardioid – front capsule only
• Hypercardioid – rear capsule 10dB lower than front, out of phase
• Figure 8 – both capsules at equal gain, out of phase

The ultra-thin gold-coated diaphragms are made of polyethylene-terephthalate film and give the MC550 a warm, brilliant, and transparent sound. It has excellent transient response, a low self-noise level of only 4 dB-A, and the ability to handle very high sound pressure levels up to 142dB. All capsule components have passed a special artificial ageing process to guarantee long-term stability. The internal construction is elastically mounted to attenuate handling noise. Additionally, the capsules are fixed on special shock absorbers to further reduce noise.

The amplifiers are Class ‘A’  transformerless designs utilizing input transistors hand-selected for minimal noise. A switchable low-cut filter is provided to reduce low frequency interference and/or proximity effects. The MC550 performs especially well when the sound source is grouped around the microphone. It operates on 48V phantom power. A small LED indicates front position and shows when phantom powering is active.

The microphone body is made of brass with a grey non-reflective paint finish on an epoxy base. This makes it inherently immune to mechanical and atmospheric influences. A 3-layer metallic grille effectively protects the transducers from mechanical impacts and contamination by microscopic dust particles.

Two breakout cables are included:
a) XLR-5 to 2x XLR-3 connectors) and b) XLR-5 to 1x XLR-3

The microphone comes in a fine hardwood box.