The Crown PCC-160 (Phase Coherent Cardioid®) is a surface-mounted supercardioid 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 sub miniature supercardioid 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-supercardioid” polar pattern and increases directivity 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 V. 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 with-out 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.