AR501
mic preamp
High-quality sound microphone preamplifier and phantom 48V power supply in a lightweight and compact aluminum body for camera shoe mounting.
This microphone preamplifier is ideal for relay and various recording applications as well as for enhancing DSLR audio input.
Features
<Input system
Equipped with switchable microphone gain of -20/-30/-45/-60dBu for microphone input. Line input reference input level is +4dBu.
Phantom 48V power supply compatible.
Equipped with 80Hz or 160Hz, -6dB/oct. high-pass filter.
R-CH input for cascading signals when two AR501 units are connected together for stereo use.
＜Outputs.
Equipped with +4dBu standard balanced output (XLR) and unbalanced output (stereo mini) switchable between -10dBV and -50dBV (when ATT is ON).
*When LINE input is selected, the balanced output (XLR) is not output.
<Display and operation system
●Equipped with a PEAK LED to indicate the clipping level of the microphone preamplifier section.
The POWER LED also serves as a battery replacement warning indicator.
＜Power source
Dual power supply system: 1 x AA battery (alkaline or Ni-MH) and external DC-IN (5V, Micro USB). DC-IN has priority.
Approximate operating time (at 20°C/60% humidity) Ni-MH rechargeable battery: dynamic microphone: 10 hours or more / P48V: approx. 4 hours.
Power saving mode is available to extend operation time by lowering the internal operating voltage. Phantom power is supplied by 24V.
<Housing
The housing is made of extruded aluminum for lightweight and robust construction.
The design allows various camera options in the form of camera shoe mounts to be attached.
The bottom of the housing is equipped with a 1/4″ threaded hole compatible with a camera tripod.
The included connecting plate can be used to connect multiple AR501s together.
＜Other features
Includes ET-C0.2 stereo mini OFC cable for DSLR microphone input and cascade connection between AR501s.
Points to consider when connecting a condenser mic to a DSLR
When using a microphone that requires a phantom 48V supply, turn on the AR501’s P48V switch.
When using electret type condenser microphones or other microphones that operate at 24V or less even with phantom power, it is possible to extend the operating time by operating the AR501 in power saving mode. For details, please refer to the instruction manual.
When operating the AR501 with the built-in battery, the P48V switch should be turned off.
When connecting to the microphone input of a DSLR, turn on the ATT of the AR501 and set the microphone level output (-50dBV).
The gain setting should be adjusted in a timely manner according to the sensitivity and maximum output level of the microphone being used. As a rule of thumb, adjust the gain setting so that the PEAK indicator (LED) glows momentarily when the loudest sound is heard in the sound collection environment.
If your DSLR’s microphone (audio) input setting has an automatic volume control, do not select it, but set the mode to manually select the volume so that you can receive the sound at an appropriate volume. If you select the setting where the volume is automatically adjusted, the noise component will also be automatically increased in a quiet environment, which may result in a loud “siring” noise.
To use the microphone in stereo
AR501 can be connected to AR501 by using the included connecting plate.
Cascade connection as shown in the diagram allows you to send L/R stereo signals to a DSLR.
When using a microphone that requires a phantom 48V supply, turn on the AR501’s P48V switch.
When using electret type condenser microphones or other microphones that operate at 24V or less even with phantom power, it is possible to extend the operating time by operating the AR501 in power saving mode. For details, please refer to the instruction manual.
When operating the AR501 with the built-in battery, the P48V switch should be turned off.
When connecting to the microphone input of a DSLR, turn on the ATT of the AR501 and set the microphone level output (-50dBV).
The gain setting should be adjusted in a timely manner according to the sensitivity and maximum output level of the microphone being used. As a rule of thumb, adjust the gain setting so that the PEAK indicator (LED) glows momentarily when the loudest sound is heard in the sound collection environment.
If your DSLR’s microphone (audio) input setting has an automatic volume control, do not select it, but set the mode to manually select the volume so that you can receive the sound at an appropriate volume. If you select the setting where the volume is automatically adjusted, the noise component will also be automatically increased in a quiet environment, which may result in a loud “siring” noise.
AR501 can be connected to AR501 by using the included connecting plate.
Cascade connection as shown in the diagram allows you to send L/R stereo signals to a DSLR.
Specifications
Main Specifications
| analog input | |
|---|---|
| line | |
| connector | XLR-3-31 type / Electronic balanced type / No.2 HOT |
| Reference Input Level | +4dBu / Maximum input level: +24dBu |
| MIC | |
| connector | XLR-3-31 type / Electronic balanced type / No.2 HOT |
| Reference Input Level | -60 to -20dBu / Maximum input level: 0dBu |
| phantom power supply | DC48V±4V (10mA) *DC24V in power saving mode |
| Analog output | |
| balance | |
| connector | XLR-3-32 Type / Electronic Balanced Type / No.2 HOT |
| Applicable load impedance | 10kΩ min. |
| Reference Output Level | +4dBu |
| Maximum output level | +24dBu (+20dBu in power-saving mode) |
| unbalanced | |
| connector | φ3.5mm stereo mini jack Reference output level: -10dBV (ATT ON: -50dBV) |
| Maximum output level | +10dBV (ATT ON: -30dBV) |
| HPF | |
| Cutoff frequency | 80Hz/160Hz selectable, -6dB/oct. |
| performance | |
| frequency response | 20Hz to 20kHz ±1dB (Mic in-out / Reference level / GAIN Low) 20Hz to 20kHz ±3dB (Mic in-out/reference level/GAIN Hi) |
| S/N ratio | 60dB min (input equivalent noise -125dBu)/Gain Hi |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.1% or less at 1kHz (input gain – Hi) |
| general | |
| External dimensions | 42.8(W)×31.6(H)×116(D)mm |
| mass | Approx. 110g (main unit only) / Approx. 150g (including AA batteries) |
| power (button on TV, etc.) | Built-in battery AA x 1 (Alkaline, Ni-MH) / External DC input (DC +5V) |
| Power consumption | Max. 0.6W (increase or decrease depending on microphone power supply and other conditions) |
| accessory | Stereo mini cable (ET-C0.2) / connecting plate |
*This product complies with the European RoHS Directive.