The Altec Models M53 and M54
condenser microphone systems
![Altec M53, M54 System](https://coutant.org/altec201/full.jpg)
General Description
The Altec M53 and M54 are solid-state condenser microphone systems designed to operate with any existing microphone preamplifier having 150 to 250 ohms input impedance and 12V to 50V DC at less than 5 mA. The M53 and M54 systems are identical except for their cartridges. The M53 system is supplied with the 42A cardioid cartridge; the M54 with the 43A omnidirectional cartridge. Obtaining an extra cartridge can provide dual pickup pattern convertibility, resulting in a highly versatile, quality microphone. Both systems include a 201A Base, 177A wind/pop screen, and 189A Slip-On Holder.
![Altec M53, M54 System](https://coutant.org/altec201/gain.jpg)
The phantom-powered Altec 201A Base features a five-position input pad, which allows the output of the M53 system to be adjusted over a 32-dB range, making it adaptable to virtually any signal level application. The M53 system is ideal in critical sound reinforcement systems as well as in recording and broadcast service.
![Altec M53, M54 System](https://coutant.org/altec201/cappin.jpg)
![Altec M53, M54 System](https://coutant.org/altec201/capgrille.jpg)
Photographs and operating instruction scans were provided through the courtesy of Dave Luepke.
![Altec M53, M54 System](https://coutant.org/altec201/data1.gif)
![Altec M53, M54 System](https://coutant.org/altec201/data2.gif)
![Altec M53, M54 System](https://coutant.org/altec201/data3.gif)
![Altec M53, M54 System](https://coutant.org/altec201/data4.gif)
![Altec M53, M54 System](https://coutant.org/altec201/data5.gif)
![Altec M53, M54 System](https://coutant.org/altec201/freq.gif)
![Altec M53, M54 System](https://coutant.org/altec201/polar.gif)