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continuously variable pattern selectionCAD Professional Microphones M179

MSRP: $399 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

CAD Professional Microphones M179

Description

The M179 is a side-address, large-diaphragm condenser mic with continuously variable pickup pattern selection and built-in HPF and -20dB pad switches.

CAD, 2001

The CAD M179 combines a vintage capsule design with advanced electronics. The M179 features the dual-pattern version of the original Equitek E-300 capsule, an externally biased capsule with a gold sputtered 1.1'' diaphragm.

Typical FET condenser microphones use … individual transistors that must be carefully matched for proper characteristics. Even with careful matching, discrete designs are inherently nonlinear. Instead, [CAD’s M series mics] use advanced high speed OpAmps. These OpAmps are individually laser trimmed for optimum performance and have very high gain. This allows a large amount of negative feedback to be used to significantly reduce any non-linearity. We have also integrated a new discrete high efficiency power supply circuit allowing greater dynamic range and lower self noise.

It is known for its extended low-frequency response and generally flat response curve, and is somewhat remarkable for offering continuously-variable pattern selection at this price point. This is not a “color” mic; it aspires to a reproducing a neutral tone.

Hugh Robjohns

At 11dBA, these mics are 3dB quieter than the AKG C414, 1dB quieter than the Neumann U87 and only 1dB noisier than a Sennheiser MKH80 — impressive company indeed!

Warren Dent, Front End Audio

[T]he M179 is one of the few mics I’d be willing to put anywhere on a drum kit…period. On overheads the sound is beefy, transient response is good although not super razor sharp, the highs have a nice presence to them without being harsh or bright. …
Outside kick drum use is a dream come true. With response down to 10hZ and plenty of snap, a well tuned drum is going to sound downright beautiful with the M179 positioned correctly. …
My favorite use on drums is toms. … All of the stick attack, punch in the mids, and deep lows are delivered… and better than any mic I’ve used so far on toms. It’s a big, open and clear sound and eliminates the need for a bottom mic for me. Dialing in hypercardioid with the pad engaged equals a killer tom sound that has never had me looking back.

The mic ships with both a spider-style shockmount and a more-traditional clip (pictured), in a well-padded and very large plastic carrying case.

The mic plus shockmount weigh over 650g (1.4 lbs), presenting a strain for inexpensive mic stands.

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The mic was released in 2000.

Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
  • Omnidirectional (10 - 20,000 Hz)
  • Cardioid (10 - 20,000 Hz)
  • Hypercardioid (10 - 20,000 Hz)
  • Bidirectional (10 - 20,000 Hz)
  • Pad: -20dB (Via Switch)
  • Pad: flat (Via Switch)
  • Filter: -6dB @ 100 Hz (Via Switch)
  • Filter: flat (Via Switch)
Diaphragm size Impedance Max SPL
26mm (1.02'') 200 Ohms (Low (50-1000 Ohms)) 143 dB
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
506g (17.85oz) 178mm (7.01'') 57mm (2.24'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Requires Phantom Power
  • Phantom voltage: 24, 48v

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