CL8a

Double the Diaphragm, Double the Detail

The CL8a is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone designed for the studio environment. Inside the CL8a capsule is a dual 1.1" gold-sputtered, 4-micron thick diaphragm that delivers a beautifully rich, balanced sound. The dual-capsule design provides a range of selectable pickup patterns for superior results in virtually any studio situation.

Record Smarter, Not Harder

The omnidirectional pattern picks up sound equally well in all directions. There is no off-axis coloration, making it perfect for picking up ensemble players or vocalists with a single microphone. The cardioid pattern rejects sound from the back and sides of the microphone while providing excellent coverage directly in front of the microphone. The cardioid pattern is ideal for capturing an expressive solo vocalist and preserving the presence of instruments such as acoustic guitar, flute, or even upright bass. The Figure 8 provides excellent response both in front of and behind the microphone, with enhanced side signal rejection. This makes it an excellent choice for recording multiple performers, especially smaller groups and couples. Placing the mic sideways directly over a snare will pick up the ambience of the kit while minimizing the snare in the side field.

Capture Loud Sources with Confidence

A selectable two-pole high-pass filter at 100 Hz removes unwanted low-frequency content such as stage rumble and wind noise. The rugged capsule and electronics can withstand sound pressure levels up to 147 dB, allowing you to capture powerful low frequencies without distortion. The CL8a includes a 10dB pad that is used to prevent overloading of the on-board preamplifier by reducing the input sensitivity of the microphone preamplifier circuit. This is useful when miking loud sources with very high transients, such as drums, cymbals, or brass instruments.

Built to Last

Inside the durable die-cast body, an internal shock mount provides both capsule protection and vibration isolation.The CL8a is a condenser microphone and must be powered by phantom power. The CL8a accepts phantom power from 36 to 52 volts.

• Dual 1.1" internally shock-mounted capsule with 4-micron thin gold-sputtered diaphragms

• Selectable cardioid, bidirectional and omnidirectional pickup patterns

• 20 Hz to 20k Hz frequency response

• Switchable high-pass filter, 12 dB per octave at 100 Hz

• Switchable 10 dB pad for handling extremely high SPL

• 36–52 Volt phantom power operation

• Solid die cast construction

Element Condenser 

Diaphragm Thickness4 microns 

Frequency Response20 Hz – 20 kHz 

Polar PatternOmnidirectional, Unidirectional (Cardioid), Bidirectional 

Impedance 200 ohms balanced  

Minimum Load Impedance1000 ohms 

Sensitivity (Omni, Cardioid, Figure-8)-40dBV/Pa, -35dBV/Pa, -40dBV/Pa 

Max SPL Pad Off (Omni, Cardioid, Figure-8)147 dB SPL, 142 dB SPL, 147 dB SPL 

Signal-to-Noise(Omni, Cardioid, Figure-8) 

Equivalent Noise Level17 dB 

Microphone Connector3-pin, gold-plated XLR 

Power Supply48 VDC ± 3 V 

AccessoriesMic swivel 

Dimensionsø6.9” x 2.1” / ø 174mm x 53 mm 

Weight1.14lb / 0.52kg