NEVATON MC550 – Mono & Stereo Condenser Microphone with dual channel output and advanced multi-pattern functions
The Nevaton MC550 is an extremely versatile large-diaphragm mono & stereo condenser microphone with advanced multi-pattern functions. It features a 33mm dual-diaphragm symmetrical transducer where each diaphragm of the capsule has its own dedicated amplifier channel. The amplifiers are designed as Class ‘A’ transformerless circuits, featuring no electrolytic capacitors in the audio path. The impedance circuitry includes matched ultra-low-noise transistors, film capacitors, and hand-selected premium-grade resistors, resulting in the microphone’s exceptionally low self-noise. A notable feature of the MC550 is its ability to handle sound pressure levels up to 158dB!
The MC550 can operate in various modes:
Dual Output Mode (XLR5F->2x XLR3M)
| Directional Pattern | Diagram | Settings | Fader position |
|---|---|---|---|
| omnidirectional |  | cardioid-1 + cardioid-2 both channels same level |  |
| wide cardioid |  | cardioid-1 + cardioid-2 cardioid 2 -10 dB rear channel lower level |  |
| figure-8 |  | cardioid-1 + cardioid-2 cardioid-2 phase reversed both channels same level |  |
| super cardioid |  | cardioid-1+ cardioid-2 cardiod-2 phase reversed &-10dB rear channel lower level |  |
| cardioid |  | default pattern, available at each output |  |
Mono Output Mode:
Stand-out features of The Nevaton MC 550:
- Extremely flexible microphone with unlimited directional patterns
- Very low self noise of only 4dBA-7dBA, depending on the directional characteristic
- Heated capsules for parameter stability in very diverse climatic conditions.
- Upol switch: Special mode designed for recording signals with exceptionally high amplitude (up to 158dB)!
- Advanced RFI filter against interference from external sources, such as radio transmissions, wireless devices, etc.
- Low output impedance allows cable lengths of up to 400 meter without noticeable signal degradation
- Switchable Low-cut filter (6dB/oct): linear, 20Hz, 60Hz, 120Hz
- Newly designed highly efficient damper effectively protects the capsule from vibration and structural noise
- All switches are protected under the mic body to make sure that no unwanted noise is leaking into recordings
- Two versions of head-grill are available
Acoustic features and construction:
The MC550 is equipped with a 33mm large double diaphragm capsule, representing the latest advancement in the renowned Nevaton capsule design. All capsule components have passed a special artificial ageing process to guarantee long-term stability. The diaphragms of the MC550 are ultra-thin, gold-coated and made of polyethylene-terephthalate film. The microphone delivers a beautiful transparent, open & clear sound, revealing the finest details of a sound source without distortion. The internal construction is elastically mounted to attenuate handling noise. Additionally the capsule is mounted on a specially designed damper which effectively protects the capsule from vibration and structural noise. An enhanced head basket minimizes the acoustic interference on the capsule.
Electrical features:
The Nevaton MC550 is equipped with an extremely linear amplifier, adhering to the class-A transformerless standard, and features no electrolytic capacitors in the audio path. The impedance circuitry incorporates matched ultra-low-noise transistors, film capacitors, and hand-selected premium-grade resistors, ensuring exceptionally low self-noise. The integrated “Upol switch” allows the membrane to react rapidly to very loud sounds (like gunshots and loud engines) and facilitates the recording of signals with exceptionally high amplitude, up to 158dB when used with the -10dB attenuation. A switchable 4-position low-cut filter is provided to reduce low frequency interference and/or proximity effects. The MC550 operates on 48V phantom power and is fitted with a gold-plated XLR connector for output. A small LED indicates front position and shows when phantom power is switched on.
Stereo pair:
Nevaton also delivers this microphone as matched stereo pair.
Operational safety:
The microphone body is made of brass with a dark grey non-reflective and very durable paint finish. This makes it inherently immune to mechanical and atmospheric influences. A three-layer metallic grille effectively protects the transducers from mechanical impacts and contamination by microscopic dust particles.
Optional also a newly designed two-layer headgrill can be ordered which is especially designed for music recordings and again enhances the clarity of the recording
A top-class condenser microphone with exceptional technical parameters, hand assembled in the new Nevaton manufactory in Austria.
Delivery package includes:
- Nevaton MC550 in a robust & shockproof transport-case.
- Dual output breakout cable (0,4m): XLR-5 to 2x XLR-3 connector
- Single channel output adapter – XLR-5 to 1x XLR-3
NEVATON MC 550 – Technical Data
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Capsule diameter | 33 mm |
| Directional pattern | Stereo: 180° 2× cardioid Mono: omnidirectional, wide cardioid, cardioid, super-cardioid, fig-8 & freely configurable polar patterns |
| Nominal Frequency-range | 20 – 20,000 Hz |
| Free Field Sensitivity at 1000 Hz and 1000 Ω | not less than 20 mV/Pa |
| Equivalent noise level, A-weighted (acc. to IEC 60268-4)) | 4 dB-A (cardioid) 7 dB-A (omni, wide cardioid, super cardioid, fig-8) |
| Max. Sound Pressure Level (for THD 0.5%) | 142dB, 152dB (with -10dB switch), 158dB (with “Upol switch” & -10dB switch) |
| Dynamic range (without attenuation) | 138 dB (cardioid) 135 dB (omni, wide cardioid, super cardioid, fig-8) |
| 4 position low cut filter (6dB/oct) | linear, 20Hz, 60Hz, 120Hz |
| Nominal Impedance | 18 Ω |
| Recommended Load Impedance | more than 1000 Ω |
| Current Consumption | 7 mA |
| Supply voltage | 48 V |
| Diameter | head: 51mm, body: 30mm |
| Length | 178 mm |
| Weight | 430 g |
| Relative humidity | 90% (at + 20°C) ; temperature range for stable operation: minus 20°C to +45°C |
| Connector Type | a) 5-pin XLR-type to 2× 3-pin XLR-type standard (0.4m) b) 5-pin XLR-type to 1× 3-pin XLR-type standard (adapter) |
| Pin assignment | pin 1: ground, pin 2: 1st channel +, pin 3: 1st channel -, pin 4: 2nd channel +, pin 5: 2nd channel – |
MC550 and other Nevaton workhorses at a recording for a motorsport event:
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