MKE 203, MKE 403, MKE 803,
MKE 833
USERS GUIDE
General Description
The electret-condenser-microphones MKE 203, MKE 403 and
MKE 803 are part 01 a modular system. Each microphone consists
01two basic parts: the powering-module and the microphone head.
All different heads can be combined with the respective powe~ng-
module. The modular system therelore provides the user with a
microphone needed to start with and the possibility to extend the
set by adding different heads which are available separately.
The powering-module is the grip 01the microphone and can be
litted with a battery or may be phantom-powered externally lrom
studio power supplies.
The lollowing microphones are available through combination 01a
powering-module and a head:
MKE 203 = power-module K 3 + omnidirectional head ME 20
MKE403= power-moduleK3 + supercardioidheadME40
MKE 803 = power-module K 3 + directional-tube head ME 80
(shotgun-type)
MKE 803 = power-module K 3 + directional-tube head ME 88
(shotgun type)
The microphones are designated with the code N or -U dependent
on the powering-module being used.
The powering modules are delivered complete with battery and the
swivel mount MZG 104-1 lor rnounting on table stands and tripods.
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Technical Description
POWERING MODULE
K 3 N AND K 3-U
Both powering modules are designed to operate with a battery or
phantom powering according to DIN 45596 with supply voltages
lrom 12 . . . 48 V. The lile 01one battery is approxirnately 600 hours.
When switching on the microphone the battery condition is monitor-
ed by means 01 a light emitting diode. This battery test lunction is
combined with a clicklree ON/OFF-switch. This way the battery is
automatically tested each time this switch is operated. The battery
does not have to be removed when the powering module is operat-
ed on external phantom power supplies.
The powering modules are litted with a balancing translormer and
have a low impedance output. They incorporate a switchable low-
cut lilter. The characteristics 01this two step lilter are shown in lig. 5.
II the modules are loaded with impedances < 5 kf1 the cut-off
Irequency moves towards higher Irequencies and the attenuation
characteristic is less steep.
The powering module K 3 N is litted with a 3-pin DIN-connector
and wired according to the scheme N. The powering module K 3-U
has a 3-pin XLR connector and is wired to the scheme -U
Type 01 battery: Mercury battery 5.6 V (e.g. Mallory PX 23,
Varta 23 PX, Ucar EPX 23). (see lig. 1)
Operations
Battery Voltage Check
The condition 01the battery is checked every time the microphone
is switched on (red mark visible) or off. When switching the light
emitting diode blinks indicating sufficient supply voltage.
The microphone can be operated with one battery lor more than
600 hours. II the signal 01the diode becomes dirn, the battery is
coming to the end 01 its usable lile. But there is still areserve 01
twenty hours left providing enough time to obtain a new battery.
New batteries are available at shops lor photo equipment. When
the microphone is not in use it should be switched off to prevent
unnecessary discharging 01the battery. (see lig. 2)
Inserting the Battery
To change the battery the microphone head must be screwed off.
The battery compartment is then accessible. The battery, mercury
type; should be inserted as shown on the label in the cornpartment.
Proper connection and lunction are checked by switching the micro-
phone on and off. When the light ernitting diode blinks the battery
has been inserted right. The microphone head and the battery part
are now reassembled. (see lig. 3)
.(5,6 V I Mallory PX 23, Varta 23 PX, Ucar EPX 23)
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