Audio-Technica ES925 Gooseneck Microphones - Does size matter?

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Audio-Technica ES925 Gooseneck Microphones - Does size matter?

Posted on: 4th July 2023

We’ll be taking you through the ES925 Gooseneck Microphones from Audio-Technica.

The ES925 Gooseneck is a modular microphone system designed for professional sound reinforcement and installed sound applications. Not only do they sound great, but their modular design means they can be deployed in a variety of configurations, making them extremely customisable for any application.

Now, the way that ES925 Goosenecks are measured is slightly unique, which leads us to a very important question.

Does size matter? Well, I guess that depends on who you ask, but when it comes to goosenecks, yes, it does. In this video I’ll introduce you to the different components which make up the system, and also explain how these can change the length of your gooseneck in different applications.

The Components

The system is made up of 5 components, all of which are sold separately. 3 of these are essential for the system to work, and 2 of these are optional, depending on your requirements.

The 3 essential components are the:

Power Supply
Gooseneck length
Microphone Capsule

And the two optional components are the:

Windshield
Mounting Accessory, which is either the Clamp or Shock Mount

Power Supply

So, firstly, you need to pick your power supply, of which there are 5 options:

You have the Tabletop base, available in a 5-pin or DECT versions. The tabletop base is ideal for portable applications or installed applications where drilling into the desk is not an option.

You then have the Flush Mounted power module, ideal for more permanent installations. Available in 3-Pin XLR or 5-Pin XLR versions, both have a remote switch and LED status indicator with 7 on-and-off settings, easily altered via the small selector screws underneath the unit. The 5-pin version gives you the freedom of Logic control, but for most applications, the 3-pin does the job.

And finally, you have the ES8544 In-Line Power Module, ideal for both permanent or temporary applications, or any applications where you don’t want to give the user local control of the microphone. This is quite a flexible option as you can use it with the AT8574 Shock Mount or the AT8473 Mic Clip, depending on what best suits your requirements.

Goosenecks

Once you’ve got your base, you can now pick from 6 gooseneck lengths: 6”, 12”, 15”, 18”, 21” and a very impressive 24 inches.

But this is where things can get a little confusing, as these lengths are only accurate when measured with the power module. For example, the 18-inch gooseneck is actually 15 inches on its own, until you add the inline power supply.

We’ve created a helpful guide which explains the different lengths, check out the downloads section at the end of this blog to download it.

Elements

Now you’ve got your power base and gooseneck, you can now pick your capsule.

These are available in 3 different polar-patterns: Cardioid, Hyper Cardioid and Line-Cardioid MicroLine capsule, which has a slightly lower acceptance angle to a normal cardioid at just 90 degrees instead of 120.

There’s also an Omnidirectional capsule, but that doesn’t tend to be a popular choice for Goosenecks because it might pick up unwanted audio.

If you want to learn which polar pattern is best for your application, check out our explainer video here.

Windscreens

Now you’re onto your optional extras. Windshields are ideal for most speech applications as they help cut out wind noise caused by heavy breathing and help soften sharp sounds like “p’s” and “b’s.”

You’ve got the AT8109a windscreen for the smaller capsules and the AT8138a windscreen for the larger MicroLine capsule. Both of these windshields have a clear ring so the LED from the gooseneck still shines through clearly.

Stock Mount / Clamp

And finally, when using the ES8544 XLR power module, you can use the AT8474 shock mount fixed installations into a table or other surfaces, and the AT8473 stand clamp for more portable applications.