recordinghacks

Nevaton MC50-Quad

Multi-Pattern Condenser Stereo Microphone

The MC50-Quad is a dual-capsule large-diaphragm condenser with separate outputs for each of the four diaphragms. When recorded simultaneously, these four signals provide the mixer with the ability to create any single-point mono or stereo signal: Omni, Cardioid, Figure-8 (or any intermediate mono pattern), XY stereo, Blumlein, or Mid-Side.

(The efficacy of some of these patterns depends on the mic’s orientation with respect to the source; mono patterns and mid-side would require one capsule to be pointed at the source, whereas XY and Blumlein would be best served by positioning the source at 45° between the two capsules’ axes.)

The capsules are Nevaton’s “LOMO” design; they are 33mm O.D., center-terminated capsules believed to be based on the Neumann K67 backplate design. They are manufactured at Nevaton’s facility near St. Petersburg, Russia.

The MC50 Quad has a unique transformerless circuit design, with no electrolytic capacitors in the audio path. The impedance circuitry is comprised of matched low-noise transistors, film capacitors, and “military grade” resistors. The mic body has four separate circuits, one for each capsule diaphragm — two per capsule. (See a photo of the PCB in the flyer, linked from the sidebar.)

According to Nevaton, the circuit design provides a high dynamic range of 131dB, with an extraordinarily low self-noise of 4dBA, making the MC50 one of the lowest-noise microphones we’ve seen.

The Nevaton MC50-Quad is also known as: MC50.

The mic was released in 2013.

Specifications

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
Cardioid (20 mV/Pa; 20 - 25,000 Hz) X/Y Stereo (20 mV/Pa; n/a) Blumlein (20 mV/Pa; n/a)

Capsule Dimensions	Impedance	SPL/Noise
Capsule diameter: 33mm	n/a	Max SPL: 135 dB Self-noise: 4.0 dB(A)

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
500g (17.64oz)	237mm (9.33'')	n/a

Power Specifications
Requires phantom power Phantom voltage: 48v

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