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Cascade Microphones M20u

Cardioid Condenser Microphone

The M20u is a large-diaphragm, fixed-cardioid condenser microphone with a transformer-coupled output.

The capsule is a single-membrane, externally biased (true condenser). Although previously reported here as a 5-micron edge-terminated model, we believe it is a 6-micron 32mm center-terminated K67 design, as is common in low-cost Chinese-manufactured condensers.

Onboard switches provide access to a high-pass filter (-6dB/octave @ 100Hz) and a preattenuation pad (-10dB).

The M20u circuit is virtually identical to the MXL 2001/V67G, albeit with the addition of the pad and filter; the pad capacitor is most likely mounted on the back of the PCB, while the HPF capacitor is C7.

This two-stage transistor circuit feeds a low-ratio (~2:1) output transformer.

It ships with a soft pouch, suspension shockmount, and an aluminum flight case.

Cascade’s earlier M20 microphone was initially provided as a giveaway item by Bayview Pro Audio (parent company to Cascade Microphones); it was received as a garden-variety Chinese LDC — useful, but not special. It closely resembled the ADK A51 of that time. (Both ADK and Cascade have changed suppliers since then.)

M20u PCB photos: Chris Wood

The Cascade Microphones M20u is also known as: M20.

The mic was released in 2006.

Specifications

Frequency Response - CardioidClick Graph to Compare!

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
Cardioid (11.8 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)	Pad: -10dB (Via Switch) Filter: HPF: -6dB @ 100Hz (Via Switch)

Capsule Dimensions	Impedance	SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 28mm Diaphragm gauge: 5 microns	n/a	Max SPL: 140 dB Self-noise: 15.0 dB(A)

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
525g (18.52oz)	215mm (8.46'')	47mm (1.85'')	3-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications
Requires phantom power Phantom voltage: 48v

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