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Microtech Gefell M 930 Ts

Cardioid Condenser Microphone

The M 930 Ts is a fixed-cardioid, large-diaphragm condenser with an output transformer. It is essentially a transformer-coupled version of the company’s popular M 930, and is intended to provide the same excellent performance specifications as the M930 with the additional benefits of a transformer-coupled output.

The transformer is said to provide desirable coloration, as well as providing a very low-impedance balanced output to drive long cable runs without signal degradation.

The amplifier circuit is a new design, created with the two goals of incorporating a large output transformer and retaining the the excellent performance characteristics of the M 930 transformerless circuitry.

The M 930 Ts capsule can be found in the M 930, UM930, and UM930 Twin. It has a 32mm outside diameter, with a diaphragm diameter of 28mm. The capsule is shockmounted within the headbasket, reducing the microphone’s sensitivity to structure-born noise.

The Ts model is slightly longer and heavier than its transformerless sibling, but remarkably attains the same low self-noise rating. The following table highlights the differences between the two microphones:

	M 930	M 930 Ts
Length	118 mm	130 mm
Weight	210 g	273 g
Sensitivity	21 mV/Pa	23 mV/Pa
Self-Noise	7 dBA	7 dBA
Max SPL	142 dB	142 dB
Impedance	100 Ω	40 Ω

The M 930 Ts is available in either Satin Nickel or Dark Bronze, and ships with a mic clip in a wooden case.

Optional accessories include a foam windscreen (p/n W 76), a pop filter (p/n P 110.35), and an elastic shockmount (in either finish).

Paul Strikwerda, 2012

Based on my criteria, the Gefell M 930 Ts scored 7 out of 8 points, plus a bonus point for size. Apart from lacking a high-pass filter (not a deal breaker) and a shock mount, it has everything a voice talent could hope for. It’s neutral without being boring, and when I listen to my audio samples, I hear myself and not some boutique sound.

The Microtech Gefell M 930 Ts is also known as: M930Ts.

The mic was released in 2011.

Specifications

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
CHART Cardioid (23 mV/Pa; 40 - 18,000 Hz)

Capsule Dimensions	Impedance	SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 28mm Capsule diameter: 32mm	40 Ohms (Low)	Max SPL: 142 dB Self-noise: 7.0 dB(A)

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
273g (9.63oz)	130mm (5.12'')	45mm (1.77'')	3-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications
Requires phantom power Phantom voltage: 48±4v

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