AUDIO-TECHNICA
U857RU UniLine Condenser Gooseneck Microphone
A very good friend of mine, who’s had years of proven success in the pro-audio business, once offered me a sound piece of advice. He said, “If you want to succeed in business, you need to find a niche.” In the complex world of microphones, especially gooseneck microphones, finding a niche could be quite a challenge. If you’ve ever had to purchase one of these microphones, then you’re probably well aware of the absolute myriad of makes and models from which to choose. In fact, nearly every major microphone manufacturer has thrown their hat into the ring. It appears, however, a few of the manufacturers are attempting to carve out a niche by offering variations on the general theme. Audio-Technica is no exception and is now offering a line-cardioid element gooseneck microphone called the U857RU UniLine.
Gooseneck microphones have been used in worship facilities for many, many years. They’re most commonly found rising up from a pulpit or lectern, but over the years, I’ve also seen them used for various other sound reinforcement applications. They’re understandably popular for their unobtrusive design, reasonably low cost and flexible adaptability. The gooseneck allows quick adjustment for the varying heights of presenters and most models provide years of dependable service.
In June of 2005, Audio-Technica announced the next generation of their UniPoint gooseneck microphones. Among the various improvements and additions was the introduction of a unique microphone element called “UniLine.” According to the Audio-Technica product brochure, this element “provides well-balanced audio pickup over a narrow angle of acceptance, ideal for applications that require a hanging or podium mic and uncompromised pickup from a specific sound source.” They also state the, “UniLine’s improved on-axis response yields outstanding sonic quality – complimented by superior off-axis rejection for maximum gain before feedback.” With all of this in mind, let’s take a look at how well Audio-Technica achieved its stated goals.
Overview
The U857RU is almost 17-inches in length and is comprised
of several sections. The top portion of the microphone is the UniLine
element, which looks like a miniature shotgun microphone and is slightly over
five-inches in length. The top opening is about 3/8-inch wide and features an
external metal grill with an internal metal mesh windscreen. This two-stage
windscreen is designed to diminish popping from breath blasts and plosives.
It’s also important
to note that the element is interchangeable. By simply unscrewing the UniLine
element, it’s possible to substitute the cardioid, hypercardioid or omnidirectional
Uni- Point elements while utilizing the same microphone body. This flexibility
allows the user to customize the microphone for a wide range of scenarios.
The gooseneck or adjustable portion of the microphone is bendable in two different sections. The uppermost bendable section is approximately three inches long and 1/4 inch thick. The lowermost bendable section is almost three inches long and approximately 3/8-inch thick. The two sections are separated by an approximately four-inch metal section, which prohibits the microphone from drooping in the middle. I was very impressed with the design and overall flexibility of the gooseneck. The addition of the middle metal section gives the microphone a professional look with a high degree of stability. Additionally, I could adjust the U857RU in nearly every conceivable way and it held its position perfectly.
The bottom portion of the microphone attaches to a pass-through adapter for mounting on a microphone stand. The permanently attached miniature cable passes through the side of this adapter and then connects to a separate XLR power adapter. This adapter also features an 80-Hz high-pass “UniSteep” filter switch, which allows low-end rolloff. I found the roll-off to work fine and was a nice addition if needed.
In Use
Traditional shotgun mics are designed to offer optimal
pickup in challenging situations. Unwanted, off-axis “noise” is
rejected due to the unusually tight pick-up pattern. As I had previously
mentioned, the U857RU looks like a mini shotgun microphone and for that reason,
it was most likely designed to emulate those very characteristics. With this
in mind, I tested the U857RU with plenty of background noise present.
The first audio test I performed focused on the U857RU’s rejection of background noise. During the testing, I ran the microphone into a Focusrite microphone preamp and recorded the results directly to a digital audio workstation. I first recorded the results while facing the mic directly at the noise source. After this test, I recorded the mic as it was pointed in the opposite direction (away from the noise source). The test showed the U857RU offered excellent off-axis noise rejection and a high amount of output gain.
The second test I performed was a detailed sound test within an isolated vocal booth. During this round of testing, I physically measured distances and angles from the source to the capsule while recording the results. Within a range of 0 to 45 degrees, there was very little change in the overall sound. From 45 to 90 degrees the overall volume diminished significantly, but some level was still present. While speaking directly into the U857RU, no popping occurred at a distance of 12 inches. At a distance of 10 inches or closer, however, the spoken plosives and breath blasts became more noticeable, yet were considerably less than other gooseneck microphones I have used.
During this second round of testing, I was impressed and surprised by the sound of the U857RU. The U857RU’s line-cardioid element provided a warm sound with clear, punchy detail.
In Conclusion
Before I started this review, I believed the U857RU
would prove to be a viable microphone alternative in a high noise or challenging
audio environment. After the tests, however, I’m convinced that the U857RU
not only offers great off-axis noise rejection, but also demonstrates
a marked improvement in overall gooseneck microphone design. The U857RU has
a rich, detailed sound and the design lends itself to diminishing breath blasts
and plosives. Regardless of the application, if your church or organization
is in the market for a gooseneck microphone, the Audio- Technica U857RU, with
a list price of $305.00 and a street price of $240, is worth serious consideration.
Also available is the U857QU UniLine Condenser Quick-Mount Gooseneck Microphone featuring a built-in XLR connector. This design allows the user to plug the microphone directly into any standard XLRF-type surface or cable connector.
D. Scott Kramer is the owner / operator of Electric Station Studios in Germantown
Hills, Illinois. He is also the former technical director of Grace Presbyterian
Church in Peoria, Illinois. Grace is a 2,300 member church offering a weekly
television and radio ministry.
