Gefell M930 satin nickel (with elastic suspension EA93 satin and adaptor A93 satin / POM (two-parts))

Microtech Gefell M930 Satin Nickel (with elastic suspension EA93 Satin and adapter A93 Satin / POM, two-part) is a compact large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone built around the M9 28mm capsule with a gold-sputtered polymer membrane and a transformerless output circuit. The steel body at 120 x 45 mm and 210 g places the M930 among the smallest genuine large-diaphragm condenser microphones available — considerably easier to position than conventionally sized LDCs. The defining technical innovation is an LED/photocell capsule polarization circuit: an LED powered from the phantom supply illuminates a photocell, which delivers a decoupled high-voltage capsule bias with no noise coupling from the phantom power rail. The result is 7 dBA self-noise and a maximum SPL of 142 dB — 4 dB higher than the Neumann TLM103 at identical self-noise. Sound On Sound named the M930 among their most-admired large-diaphragm microphones; it received the Musikmesse International Press Award 2012. Hand-produced and individually measured in Gefell, Germany.

Optical polarization circuit and internal capsule isolation

Both the capsule and electronics of the M930 are internally elastically suspended inside the housing — providing baseline isolation from mechanically transmitted vibrations without an external spider mount. The transformerless discrete output stage with a newly developed impedance conversion topology reduces noise to 7 dBA (IEC 651) at an S/N ratio of 87 dBA and maintains a maximum output level of +17 dBu. The frequency response is flat with a gentle low-frequency roll-off below approximately 100 Hz and a broad 2.5–4 dB presence rise from 7 to 11 kHz — sufficient to add openness and air without triggering sibilance. The cardioid pattern rejects rear signals by more than 25 dB. RFI susceptibility is very low. The set includes the M930 in satin nickel finish, the EA93 elastic suspension in satin nickel with a built-in two-part A93 POM adapter sized for the M930 body, and a wooden case.

EA93 and A93 adapter — practical vibration isolation

The EA93 elastic suspension (satin nickel) is designed for the M930, M940, M950, M960, M930 Ts, UMT 70S, and MT 71S. The two-part A93 adapter is manufactured from POM (polyoxymethylene) — a precision engineering plastic that, combined with the elastic elements of the EA93 spider, isolates the microphone from floor- and stand-borne vibrations. In studio environments where the M930 is known to be susceptible to structural vibration when mounted in the hard clip MH93.1, the EA93 eliminates that sensitivity entirely. Primary applications for the M930: studio and broadcast vocals, orchestral recording as a spot mic and as an ORTF/X-Y stereo pair, strings, woodwinds, piano, acoustic guitar, drum overheads, voice-over, podcasting, and room miking. Available in factory-matched stereo pairs for ORTF and X-Y configurations.

KEY FEATURES

• Compact large-diaphragm cardioid condenser — 120 x 45 mm, 210 g
• M9 capsule: 28 mm, gold-sputtered polymer membrane, single-sided design
• 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 suspension of capsule and electronics inside housing
• Very low RFI susceptibility
• Musikmesse International Press Award 2012
• Hand-produced and individually measured in Germany
• Included: M930 (satin nickel), EA93 (satin nickel), A93 two-part POM adapter, 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 (alternative: dark bronze)
• EA93: elastic suspension satin nickel for M930/M940/M950/M960/M930Ts/UMT70S/MT71S
• A93 adapter: two-part POM, satin nickel
• Included: microphone, EA93, A93, wooden case