Crown PCC 160 Boundary Mic

Crown PCC 160 Boundary Mic

The Crown® PCC®-160 (Phase Coherent Cardioid®) is a surface-mounted half-super-cardioid microphone intended for professional applications on stage floors, lecterns, conference tables, and news desks, wherever improved gain-before-feedback and articulation are important.

Similar to the Pressure Zone Microphone® (PZM®), the PCC is designed to be used on a relatively large boundary surface. Unlike the PZM, the Phase Coherent Cardioid uses a subminiature super-cardioid mic capsule. Its directional polar pattern improves gain-before-feedback, reduces unwanted room noise and rejects sounds from the rear. Surface-mounting creates a “half-super cardioid” polar pattern and increases directivity by 3 dB. Since the microphone capsule is placed on a boundary, direct and reflected sounds arrive at the diaphragm in phase.

This coherent addition of direct and reflected waves increases sensitivity 6 dB and prevents phase cancellations. The mic capsule is small enough to ensure phase coherency up to the highest frequencies in the audible spectrum, resulting in a wide, smooth frequency response free of phase interference. Clarity and reach are also enhanced.

Self-contained electronics eliminate the need for an in-line preamp box. The PCC-160 can be phantom powered directly from the console or other remote power source providing 12 to 48 volts. If battery power is required, a battery supply unit can be inserted anywhere in the mic line right up to the console or mixer. A “bass tilt” switch allows the user to tailor the low-end response for particular applications.

Thanks to its low profile and black finish, the microphone becomes almost invisible in use. A side-mounted connector complements the form factor of the PCC-160, allowing the unit to be placed effectively at the stage edge, at the top of a lectern or in other tight spots. If desired, the cable can be hard-wired for bottom entry.

The heavy-gauge, all-steel body protects the unit from accidental abuse. Permanent mounting is enabled by screw holes in the base. Engineering attention-to-detail has assured years of trouble-free use from this reliable microphone.

Capable of withstanding up to 120 dB SPL without distorting, the PCC-160 will never overload in practical use. Its electret condenser capsule provides a wide, smooth frequency response from 50 Hz to 18 kHz. RFI suppression is included. Self-noise is low, and sensitivity is very high to override mixer noise in distant-miking applications. Output impedance is 150 ohms, balanced.

Key Features:

• Industry-standard stage floor microphone
• Phase Coherent Cardioid design prevents colouration from surface sound reflections
• High output overrides mixer input noise
• Half-super-cardioid polar pattern rejects the pit orchestra and offers high gain-before-feedback
• Very rugged
• Low profile