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CardioidMicrotech Gefell M 930

Cardioid Condenser Microphone

The M930 is a fixed-cardioid, large-diaphragm condenser mic that is known for its small size, low noise, and great sound.

The capsule developed for the M930 is a large-diaphragm design that is used in numerous mics, such as the UM930, UM930 Twin, M940 and M950. The capsule is shockmounted within the headbasket, reducing sensitivity to structure-born noise. This capsule design, known as the “M930” capsule, uses a Mylar diaphragm (not PVC) and is not an M7 capsule, despite early reviews that claimed so.

The transformerless output circuit provides a high level of sensitivity (21 mV/Pa) and very low noise (7 dB-A).

See also the M940 and M950, which are super-cardioid and wide-cardioid versions (respectively) of the M930.

SoundOnSound

Technical specifications for the M930 are very impressive, and remarkably similar to the Neumann TLM103… However, the Microtech Gefell’s maximum SPL (at 0.5 percent distortion) is 142dB SPL — that’s 4dB higher than the Neumann. Part of the reason for the higher headroom is a rather innovative method for generating the capsule-polarising voltage. Apparently, the M930 uses a high-intensity LED powered from the phantom supply to illuminate a photocell, which provides a decoupled high-voltage bias for the capsule.

I compared the M930 directly against a TLM103, and my first impression was that these two mics sounded very similar indeed — which was a surprise given their relative sizes (and prices). The M930 seemed to have a slightly smoother and more extended bass end — although the proximity effect obviously has a large influence on this aspect of the sound — but overall it was quite hard to tell these mics apart.

The M 930 ships in a padded wooden case in either of two finishes:

  • Satin nickel (p/n 211150)
  • Dark bronze (p/n 211151)

The M 930 is also available in factory-matched pairs, shipped in a padded wooden case with two mic clips (p/n MH 93.1), bundled either with the SH 93 X/Y stereo bar adapter or the TD 93 ORTF stereo adapter. (XY or ORTF, €1995)

Stereo pairs are matched in an anechoic chamber; both on-axis and off-axis response is considered in the process.

The Microtech Gefell M 930 is also known as: M930.

Specifications

Frequency Response - CardioidClick Graph to Compare!
M 930 Cardioid Frequency Response Chart
Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
Cardioid (21 mV/Pa; 40 - 18,000 Hz)
Capsule Dimensions Impedance SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 28mm
Capsule diameter: 32mm
100 Ohms (Low) Max SPL: 142 dB
Self-noise: 7.0 dB(A)
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
210g (7.41oz) 118mm (4.65'') 45mm (1.77'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Requires phantom power
  • Phantom voltage: 48v

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