The ART C3 Multi-Pattern FET Condenser Microphone features three selectable polar patterns, a three-position low-frequency roll-off, and a three-position pad switch, all of which ensure the C3 can easily be applied to virtually any recording or live application.





The C3 is the microphone of choice for recording critical tracks including solo vocals, saxophones, flutes, brass or woodwinds, acoustic guitars, or acoustic bass. Due to its rugged construction and ability to handle high SPL, the C3 is a suitable choice for live sound reinforcement or live recording applications. It can handle the levels you'd see on an overhead mic for drum kits or in front of guitar or bass cabinets.





Controls on the microphone itself include a -6 dB & -12dB pad switch, allowing distortion-free reproduction of extremely loud at-source signals, and a -12 dB/octave low-frequency roll-off switchable between 100 Hz & 200 Hz that reduces unnecessary low-end ‘boominess' and low-frequency interference.





The included heavy-duty shockmount suspension virtually eliminates vibration and handling noise, while at the same time safely securing the microphone in any position needed during the recording process.





The C3 offers three polar patterns, with the cardioid pattern offering full-frequency response from the front side of the microphone. The cardioid pattern is ideal for single-instrument or vocal use. The pattern picks up sound directly in front of the mic, rejecting much of the sound from the back and sides. In live sound applications and remote recording, the ART C3's cardioid pattern offers excellent feedback rejection and better isolation than the other patterns, and will give you the best results on most vocal applications and a wide range of solo instruments, including background brass and woodwinds, acoustic stringed instruments (violin, viola and cello), drums, and percussion.





The omnidirectional pattern picks up sound equally from all around the microphone and is useful for recording ambient sounds or picking up the room sound in studios and other acousitcally exceptional places?in both vocal and instrument recording. It's also a good choice for picking up audience interaction in live settings.





The bi-directional pattern, or figure-8, picks up sound from the front and the back of the mic for solo vocal or instrument recording with some studio ambience and limited proximity effect. It's also an excellent choice for duet and harmony vocal recordings featuring two singers.





As a condenser microphone, the ART C3 requires phantom power to operate. The microphone's precision-tooled body and dent-resistant stainless-steel wire-mesh windscreen protect the internal electronics and capsule, ensuring unmatched long-term reliability. The C3 comes equipped with an extremely secure custom shockmount. An aluminum carry case is also included.