Beyerdynamic Opus 99 Hypercardioid Dynamic Bass Drum Microphone
The Opus 99 is a hypercardioid dynamic microphone with a low-mass, large-diaphragm moving-coil element. The mic is intended for low-frequency instruments, especially including the bass drum.
The dynamic cartridge uses Neodymium magnets and a low-mass diaphragm made of Hostaphan (Mylar). It is Beyerdynamic’s TG-X 80 capsule; see the sidebar for links to other microphones that shared this capsule.
Its frequency response is pre-equalized or “tailored,” with peaks in the low frequencies (0dB at 100Hz) and highs (+7dB at 2500k, +8dB at 5kHz), and somewhat scooped mids (-4dB @ 400Hz).
Although typically pictured with a low-profile T-shaped stand, the mic includes only a mic clip (p/n MKV 99) and a storage pouch. The T stand, p/n ST 99, is available separately, as is an elastic shockmount (p/n EA 90).
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Transducer type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dynamic
Operating principle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pressure gradient
Frequency response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 - 18,000 Hz
Polar pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hypercardioid
Open circuit voltage at 1 kHz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.0 mV/Pa
Magnetic field suppression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 20 dB at 50 Hz
Nominal impedance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280 Ω
Load impedance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ≥ 1000 Ω
Diaphragm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hostaphan ®
Casing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aluminium / zinc cast
Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-pin XLR male
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Length: 128.5 mm
Shaft diameter 23/25 mm
Head diameter 56 mm
Weight (without cable) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365 g
