The AT831b is a miniature condenser microphone with a cardioid polar pattern.
It has been designed for hands-free applications in sound reinforcement systems, and for use by professional musicians, especially for pickup of acoustic guitar.
The AT831b provides improved gain before feedback that normally cannot be achieved with miniature omnidirectional microphones.
Close-up voice and instrument pickup are crisp and clean, yet full sounding, while suppression of background noise is significantly improved over that of stand-mounted full-size cardioid microphones.
Audio-Technica design engineers have utilized the newest low-mass technology in the quest for superior performance.
The permanent charge is now on the fixed back plate, rather than the moving element.
With A-T fixed charge "back plate" construction, a gold-vaporized diaphragm just 2 microns thick (about 0.000079") can be used.
This reduces moving mass, thus improving frequency response and transient response while reducing distortion.