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Gauge Microphones ECM-47

Multi-Pattern Tube Condenser Microphone

The ECM-47 is a large-diaphragm multipattern tube microphone. It is described as having “the warmth of a tube 47 and the presence peak of a C12.”

The mic has a 35mm capsule, with dual 6-micron diaphragms. A switch on the external power supply allows selection of any of 9 pickup patterns, from omni to figure-of-8. The manual warns that “whenever the polar pattern is changed, please allow at least 3-minutes for the change to take full effect.”

The amplifier circuit uses a 6072 vacuum tube and has a transformer-coupled output. The transformer is a dual-bobbin design with a 6.5:1 ratio. (The Neumann BV8 transformer in the U-47 had the same ratio.)

The Gauge quality control program requires that:

• Tubes are tested for gain and noise prior to assembly; if more than 1 in 20 tubes fails, the entire shipment is rejected.
• Capsules are manufactured to higher tolerances than for low-priced mics.
• Mics are burned in for 48 hours prior to shipping from the factory.
• Each mic is individually auditioned in California by Gauge staffmembers.

The ECM-47 ships in a hardwood case with a pop filter, elastic shockmount, tube power supply and power cable, in a flight case.

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The mic was released in 2009.

Specifications

Frequency Response - OmnidirectionalClick Graph to Compare!
Frequency Response - CardioidClick Graph to Compare!
Frequency Response - BidirectionalClick Graph to Compare!

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
Omnidirectional (16 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz) Cardioid (16 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz) Bidirectional (16 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)

Capsule Dimensions	Impedance	SPL/Noise
Capsule diameter: 35mm Diaphragm gauge: 6 microns	200 Ohms (Low)	Max SPL: 135 dB Self-noise: 18.0 dB(A)

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
n/a	n/a	n/a	3-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications
Includes tube power supply

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