Microtech Gefell M930 Satin Nickel (with microphone holder MH 93.1) is a compact large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone with the M9 capsule (28 mm, gold-sputtered polymer membrane), transformerless output, and an optical capsule polarization circuit — supplied without an external elastic suspension, using the standard MH 93.1 clip holder directly on the microphone body. This is the most straightforward and lightest M930 configuration, intended for environments where stand-borne vibration is not the primary concern, or as a complement to an already-owned EA93 suspension. Self-noise is 7 dBA, maximum SPL is 142 dB, sensitivity is 21 mV/Pa. Musikmesse International Press Award 2012. Hand-produced and individually measured in Germany.
Optical polarization circuit and internal capsule isolation
An LED powered from the phantom supply illuminates a photocell, which delivers decoupled high-voltage capsule bias without noise coupling from the phantom power rail — this is responsible for the 142 dB SPL ceiling (4 dB higher than the Neumann TLM103) at an identical self-noise floor of 7 dBA. Both the capsule and electronics are internally elastically suspended within the housing, providing baseline isolation from mechanically transmitted vibrations without an external spider mount. The MH 93.1 is a standard screw-collar clip that attaches to the microphone body at the XLR connector — solid, simple mounting with no additional vibration isolation. Sound On Sound (Hugh Robjohns) notes that the M930 is susceptible to structural vibrations when used with the standard clip, and recommends the EA93 elastic suspension for critical applications. Frequency response: flat with a 2.5–4 dB presence rise from 7 to 11 kHz and a gentle low-frequency roll-off below approximately 100 Hz.
MH 93.1 — when the standard clip is sufficient
The MH 93.1 is adequate in environments with low structural vibration: freestanding studio stands with rubber feet, no machinery in close proximity, recordings that do not demand extreme sensitivity to floor-borne vibration (broadcasting, podcasting, voice-over at a stable desk, close-miked instruments). For classical recording where the stand is on a concert hall or control room floor with bass bleed, or near drums and speakers, upgrading to the EA93 or EH93P is recommended. The M930 + MH 93.1 configuration is available in satin nickel (order no. 211150) and dark bronze (211151). The variant with EA93 (order no. 212311/212312) and with EH93P + P110.20 (order no. 2111159/2111160) are available separately. The microphone ships in a wooden case.
KEY FEATURES
- Compact large-diaphragm cardioid condenser — 120 x 45 mm, 210 g
- M9 capsule: 28 mm, gold-sputtered polymer membrane — designed and built exclusively by Gefell
- LED/photocell capsule polarization circuit — decoupled high-voltage bias from phantom power
- Self-noise: 7 dBA (IEC 651); S/N: 87 dB (A-weighted)
- Maximum SPL: 142 dB at THD below 0.5% — 4 dB higher than Neumann TLM103
- Transformerless discrete output; maximum output level +17 dBu
- Sensitivity: 21 mV/Pa
- Flat response with 2.5–4 dB presence rise from 7 to 11 kHz
- Rear rejection above 25 dB
- Internal elastic mounting of capsule and electronics
- Very low RFI susceptibility
- MH 93.1 clip: standard holder without vibration isolation — suitable for low-vibration environments
- Upgrade option: EA93 elastic suspension (order no. 212311) or EH93P
- Musikmesse International Press Award 2012
- Finish: satin nickel; order no. 211150
- Included: M930, MH 93.1 clip, wooden case
- Power: 48V phantom
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Acoustic operating principle: condenser, transformerless
- Polar pattern: cardioid
- Capsule: M9, 28 mm, gold-sputtered polymer membrane
- Frequency response: 40 Hz – 18 kHz
- Sensitivity: 21 mV/Pa (-33.5 dBV re. 1V/Pa)
- Self-noise: 7 dBA (IEC 651); S/N: 87 dB (A)
- Maximum SPL: 142 dB at THD below 0.5%
- Maximum output level: +17 dBu
- Output impedance: 100 ohms
- Recommended load impedance: 1,000 ohms minimum
- Power: 48V phantom (IEC 268-15)
- Current draw: approximately 3 mA
- Body dimensions: 120 mm (L) x 45 mm (diameter)
- Weight: 210 g
- Finish: satin nickel; order no. 211150
- Holder: MH 93.1 (standard clip)
- Included: microphone, MH 93.1, wooden case
