Mic Archive

Mojave Audio

Mojave MA-300

Large-diaphragm valve (tube) condenser, continuously variable pattern (omni to figure-8) set from the power supply, with pad and bass cut

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Omni / cardioid / figure-8
Sensitivity
−37 dBV/Pa
Self-noise
14 dB(A)
Max SPL
120 dB SPL
Impedance
200 Ω
Rated range
20 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the manual, p. 7. "FREQUENCY RESPONSE", "20Hz – 20kHz, ±2.5dB"; relative dB, all three lines meet at 0 dB at 1 kHz. Distance, room, smoothing and bass cut setting not stated.

Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.

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All specs

From the manual
Capsule1-inch diameter, gold-sputtered, 3-micron dual diaphragm. "1-inch diameter, gold sputtered"; "3-micron"; "dual membrane" (p. 3). The product page calls it a "K67 Style Capsule ... based on German U67 and U87 style microphones" and "Hand-selected".p. 6
Sensitivity−37 dBV/Pa. "-37 dB re. 1V/pa". Pattern not stated.
Self-noise14 dB(A), nominal; not to exceed 16 dB. "14dB nominal, not to exceed 16dB (A weighted)". Pattern not stated.
Max SPL120 dB SPL, pad off; also 135 dB SPL, pad on. "120 dB, 135dB with pad on".
Output impedance200 ohm, transformer balanced. "200 ohms, transformer balanced"; a Jensen output transformer (p. 2).
Rated frequency range20 Hz to 20 kHz, bass cut flat. "20 Hz-20kHz, + 3dB at ‘Flat’ setting"; the graph is captioned "20Hz – 20kHz, ±2.5dB" (p. 7) and the product page says "+/-3 dB".
Poweringexternal valve power supply, 100, 115 or 220-240 V AC, 50 or 60 Hz, about 10 W. "100, 115 or 220-240 volts AC at 50 or 60 Hz. Power consumption approximately 10 watts." Page 4 says the supply switches between "100, 115 or 230 volts".
Low cutflat, cut; 100 Hz; 6 dB/octave. "provides a 6dB per octave attenuation below 100Hz when engaged"; positions ‘Flat’ and ‘cut’ (p. 6). Not graphed.p. 8
Pad−15 dB. "The 15dB [pad] reduces the signal before the head amplifier in the microphone."
ConnectorXLR-7 (microphone to power supply). "the seven-pin XLR connectors between the microphone and the power supply"; a 16-foot 7-pin cable is supplied (p. 2).p. 4
Supplied accessoriesAC power supply; 16-foot 7-pin microphone cable; shock mount; AC power cable; presentation case; carrying case. Items 1-6.p. 2
ValveNOS 5840 (military grade 5840W) sub-miniature pentode, wired as a triodep. 6
Output transformerJensen (manual); "Custom Mojave transformer" on the product pagep. 2
DistortionPad off: <1% at 117 dB SPL, <3% at 125 dB SPL; pad on: <1% at 132 dB SPL, <3% at 140 dB SPLp. 6
Pattern controlRotary knob on the power supply, continuously variable: fully anticlockwise omni, 12 o'clock cardioid, fully clockwise figure-8p. 8
Warm-upAbout ten minutes; at least thirty minutes before first usep. 3
Mains fusesT500mAL for 100 and 120 V AC, T250mAL for 220 V ACp. 4
From the product page
Weight454 g. "Microphone: 7 5/8″ X 2″, 1 lb."; converted. The manual gives only the shipping weight, 14 lbs.
Dimensions194 × 51 mm. "7 5/8″ X 2″" (length and diameter); converted.
Weight in case13 lbs (case with microphone, power supply, shock mount and cables); shipping weight 14 lbs
DesignerDavid Royer

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive, because manufacturers move and drop their documents. Each is © Mojave Audio, unchanged, with its original address.

Product page on mojaveaudio.comRecording Hacks

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