Over the years, Audio-Technica’s instrument microphone lineup has grown to encompass specialty models designed for a wide array of acoustic instruments. Today, the flagship ATM350a cardioid condenser with its extensive range of unique mounting options is an industry standard used on stages and studios worldwide.
Although the ATM350a mounts worked exceptionally well on brass, woodwinds, drums and piano, the larger goosenecks with external cable management were perceived to be a bit too robust for more delicate stringed instruments.
Designed for Strings
The new ATM355VF compact clip-on cardioid condenser makes it easy to capture sounds from strings, woodwinds and other instruments. Utilizing the same condenser capsule as the ATM350, this high sensitivity microphone accurately captures a wide range of dynamics and musical subtleties. The capsule’s cardioid polar pattern provides excellent on-axis sensitivity isolating the instrument with minimal pickup of unwanted off axis sound. Additionally, the cardioid capsule can be interchanged with A-T’s UE-O omnidirectional and UE-H hypercardioid elements for increased versatility.
With its wide 40 – 20,000 Hz frequency response and -39 dB (12.6 mV) sensitivity, the ATM355VF effortlessly handles the low-level sonic nuances of strings and woodwinds. On higher level sound sources, the microphone provides clear balanced sound up to 148.5 dB SPL.
To minimize mechanical noise pickup, the capsule nestles in a fitted foam windscreen secured to a resilient rubber mount. The mount is firmly attached to a 7” long, small diameter gooseneck. Unlike the ATM350a with its outboard cable keepers, the ATM355VF routes the cable through the gooseneck. A small loop at the capsule helps with mechanical isolation while a thicker rubber strain relief reinforces the stress point where the cable exits the gooseneck. I prefer this arrangement as it makes for a cleaner look onstage and eliminates the potential for a performer pulling the cable and mic off the gooseneck. For a small diameter gooseneck, I noticed it made no noise when I adjusted it, and the gooseneck held its position even during a lively performance.
One Hand Mounting
Included with the ATM355VF are two instrument mounts that snap directly anywhere along the gooseneck allowing the user to customize the gooseneck length. Scratch resistant material on the contact points in both mounts help prevent instrument damage. The AT8491V violin mount fits string instruments having a body depth of 30 to 55 mm (1.18” to 2.16”). Offering easy one-handed operation, the AT8491V ensures minimal contact with the instrument to greatly reduce sound attenuation and prevent any loss in resonance. The AT8491F is designed for flutes and other wind instruments with diameters of 12 to 30 mm (.5” to 1.18”). However, its rounded contact surface can be mounted to any cylindrical object, including microphone stands.
The ATM355VF also includes an octagon stud fitting designed to mate with the ATM350a mounting accessories including the magnetic piano mount and universal locking spring clip. I found this to be a very useful accessory.
Wired or Wireless
The ATM355VF’s 1.8 m (5’ 9”) cable is terminated with an A-T cW four-pin locking connector for use with A-T wireless transmitters. An included AT8543 in-line power module connects to the mic cable’s locking 4-pin connector for wired applications. This updated power module has a 3-pin XLRM output connector and a switch for engaging an 80 Hz high-pass filter. When used with the power module, the ATM355VF requires 9-52 VDC phantom power.
For other wireless configurations, the ATM355VF is available without the power module. These terminations include locking cH connector for A-T wireless, TA4F Mini XLR for Shure bodypacks and 3.5 mm (1/8”) locking TRS miniplug for Sennheiser wireless systems.
The ATM355VF includes a hard-shell carry case having room for the mic, power module, mounts and even a bodypack transmitter.
Out of the Box
For this review I received an ATM355VFcH terminated for use with my A-T wireless system. Right away I noticed A-T’s attention to detail in the build quality. The small diameter gooseneck felt solid when I flexed it, and the internal cable made for a sleek, clean appearance. The mounts snapped firmly onto the gooseneck and stayed in place.
After setting up my wireless system I connected the mic, verified the transmitter gain was set at 0 dB and did an initial talk-out. Compared to my ATM350a, the ATM355VF was more sensitive, having more detail in the top end that would clearly capture a violin’s subtle nuances.
Fiddles, Violas and More
I tried the ATM355VF on a bluegrass fiddle player. The mic was easy to clip to the fiddle and it stayed in place even as my friend moved about on stage. He was pleasantly surprised at how the mount gripped the instrument’s edge without affecting the sound. Being able to configure the gooseneck length in the clip allowed us to place the element exactly where he wanted it. We found the cable length was more than adequate when wearing a bodypack. For a seated string player using the wired version, the cable length enabled the power module to rest on the floor without pulling.
I did notice a slight bit of low frequency mechanical noise when handling the mic, however simply engaging the HP filter on the transmitter (or on the AT8543 Power Module) took care of it.
I have a friend that plays classical viola, and although she seldom mics her instrument, she agreed to try the mic. Even on her larger viola, the mic was easy to attach, and the mount securely gripped the viola’s side without affecting the instruments resonance.
I used the ATM355VF with the AT8491F to mic mandolin and hammered dulcimer. I simply clipped the mount to a mic stand and aimed the mic. The “flute” mount securely fit the mic stand and the microphone’s 7” long gooseneck allowed me to position the mic where I wanted it. The ATM355VF’s extended frequency response and high sensitivity clearly captured all the detail and clarity of both instruments.
Audio-Technica’s ATM350a has been my go-to mic for jazz sax. At a recent gig I swapped in the ATM355VF for the lead tenor. I used the AT8493 Joint Adapter with an AT8491U universal clip-on mount. The low-profile gooseneck was easy to position, and the microphone captured the sax’s sonic detail without overload. A clip-on version of the ATM355VF with a shorter gooseneck would be a nice addition to the A-T product lineup.
In Conclusion
After using the ATM355VF on a variety of stringed instruments, I found the microphone captured intimate sonic details while being easy to deploy. The mount held the mic firmly without affecting an instrument’s tone and resonance. I had no issues working with the small diameter gooseneck and, once positioned, it always stayed in place. Multiple termination options enable the microphone to be used wired or with several popular wireless systems. As a live sound engineer needing to close-mic string sections, I could certainly find use for a couple dozen of these fine microphones. A-T has a winner with the ATM355VF. It is a go-to solution for more than just strings.
At a Glance
Capturing the Nuances
The ATM355VF makes it easy to accurately capture sounds from string, woodwind, and other instruments. This high-sensitivity microphone delivers clear, balanced sound from both low and high SPL sources to capture subtleties and dynamics in a musical performance.
Audio-Technica ATM355VF
PROS
- Small diameter rugged gooseneck
- Mounting options
- High sensitivity
- Clear balanced sound
CONS
- Slight LF handling noise
SPECS
- Element: Fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized condenser
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response: 40 – 20,000 Hz
- Low Frequency Roll Off: 80 Hz, 12 dB/octave (mounted on an AT8543 Power Module)
- Open Circuit Sensitivity: -39 dB (12.6 mV) (0 dB=1 V/Pa, 1 kHz)
- Impedance: 200 ohms
- Maximum Input Sound Level: 148.5 dB SPL (1 kHz THD1%)
- Phantom Power Requirements: 11 – 52 V DC, 3.5 mA (mounted on an AT8543 Power Module)
- Cable: 1.8 m (5.9′)
- Accessories: Power module (AT8543, with cW version), belt clip, violin mount (AT8491V), flute mount (AT8491F), joint adapter (AT8493), hard shell carry case
- Street Price: $499
Manufacturer: Audio-Technica
More Info: www.audio-technica.com
